An interest in Japan sparked by the experiences of his grandfather and uncle is sending 15-year-old Aaron Blacker off on a year-long adventure to the country as a Rotary exchange student.
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Aaron is moving from year 9 at Tenterfield High School (with a population of around 270 students spread over six years) to a ‘small’ high school in the town of Gero in the south of the main island as one of around 1200 students studying years 10, 11 or 12.
As the Japanese school year finishes in April, his year 10 will be a couple of months long before he moves into year 11, resuming his Australian secondary education in year 11 when he returns in 2019.
Aaron is one of five exchange students from Rotary’s 9640 district but by far the youngest, and the only one going to an Asian country. The others are 17 or 18 years old, and are destined for European or US exchanges.
Aaron hasn’t had the opportunity to learn Japanese at school but approached language teacher Yvette Phillips with his interest in an exchange, and the ball started rolling. Aaron said he’s very grateful to Rotary Club of Tenterfield’s support and for the opportunity.
He departs on January 19 and will stay with seven different host families over the year, all located around rural Gero where little English is spoken. Aaron has spent the past two months teaching himself to speak and write Japanese with the help of textbooks and some input from Tenterfield residents Masa and Izumi on his pronunciation.
He readily admits he still has a ways to go.
“By the end of their equivalent of year 9, Japanese students would know more than 2000 characters,” he said.
“I know 106.”
The Japanese maths curriculum is similar to the Australian one and he’s confident of keeping up. Other subjects may be a challenge.
“I think I’ll manage,” he said.
“I’ll work something out.”
He can speak enough Japanese to break the ice, but expects to quickly become much more conversant once he’s immersed in the culture. He said it’s the culture – based around respect – that appeals to him so much.
He’s most daunted by navigating the journey there through strange airports alone where he can’t speak the language. On arrival, however, he’s looking forward to the snow and enjoying the local culture and traditions, and exploring the temples in their mountain setting.
He already loves Japanese food, and is practising with chopsticks. By the time he returns he expects to be like Mr Miyagi (of The Karate Kid fame), able to catch flies with chopsticks.
Aaron will have the best part of a year to get up to speed before his parents Greg and Nadine join him next December and expect him to play tour guide, and to provide a White Christmas. Big brother Joseph may also be in the tour party.
During his year of exchange Aaron will be collecting photos and videos for a presentation to his Rotary sponsors on his return, so they’ve got 12 months to brush up on their Japanese.
For starters, here’s Aaron introducing himself and wishing everyone a merry Christmas and happy New Year.
