EIGHT Dubbo students are jumping boots and all into the Japanese way of life, but are undecided about getting their gear off for an Onsen experience.
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With two teachers-cum-chaperones, they flew out yesterday to Dubbo’s sister-city Minokamo for an annual student exchange.
With some “cultural training” under their belts, the teenagers will stay with host families and live as they do.
“Some of the girls are hoping their host mums will teach them to make sushi,” Dubbo City Council’s sister-city officer Kylie Sutherland said before farewelling the group.
The itinerary of the 10-day trip includes attendance at a local school, shopping and visits to attractions in and around Minokamo, including a Buddist temple and the rapids of Kiso River where a boat ride awaits.
Some of the students may choose to dip their toes or more in an Onsen, or hot spring, not a regular part of Japanese life as much as a soothing respite from it.
Dubbo City Council has given about $1000 to each of the travellers, who underwent a selection process.
Mayor Mathew Dickerson joined the excited throng of students and their families at the airport yesterday.
He said the sister-city relationship was about “breaking down cultural barriers and promoting friendships among our citizens”.
The exchange students are Jodie Crowe, Jessica Hull, Ruby Janetzki, Nicholas Steepe, Emma Kilsby, Angus Ray, Thalia Smith and Caitlin Xu-Glassop.
The chaperones are Joshua Black and Rebecca Matthews.
