A homestay experience

Student exchange programmes are regarded as the most common form of intercultural exercise. In this respect, Malacca’s St. Francis Institution (SFI) hosted a group of 22 Japanese and Indonesian pupils between the ages of 13 and 18 years with a five-day home stay experience.

Participants included 10 pupils from Palembang’s Xaverius Secondary School and 12 personally selected by Mayors Shuji Maeda and Hiroyuki Mori of Kirishima City Hall and the Prefecture of Kagoshima respectively.

Looking smart: The pupils from Japan and Indonesia, posing for a group photo at St. Francis Institution (SFI).

SFI programme coordinator Yong Kheng Kwang said the school’s student exchange and home stay affairs have been ongoing since 1989.“However, the exchange and homestay with students from Palembang was initiated in 2010. “After a year’s break, the programme is back on the scene with Japanese students lately joining in a three-way tie-up with SFI.”

The student exchange programme is also aimed at cultivating understanding, co-operation and networking among students coupled with ample opportunities to gain first hand information about the country’s various communities. SFI Form Four pupil Ruben Amirthalingam who hosted William Lim from Palembang said the experience had enriched his life.

Colourful: The female pupils from Palembang performing a traditional dance.

“We are sure that such exchange programmes will have a profound influence on our lifestyle and our perspective.” Sachiko Nagai, the Kirishima City Hall office who accompanied the Japanese students said she did not know much about Malaysia prior to her visit. “Now we want to know much more about this beautiful country even after we return to Japan.”

Teacher Jeddy Suparman of Palembang’s Xaverius Secondary School said both countries were similar in certain ways. “I learned a lot about the various cultures and customs of the Malacca people. I have found them to be very friendly and helpful.

“Although our stay in Malacca was for only five days, it forced us to get out of comfort zone, into new uncharted routines and ways of life which allows one to grow and expand as a person.” At the end of the exchange programme, a farewell dinner was organised for the visitors.

Showing their moves: Japanese pupils from Kagoshima Prefecture.

-thestar online.