In January of this
year I was fortunate to be included in the Asia Education foundation's
study tour to Japan. It provided to be one of the most significant
episodes in my life, and I am extremely grateful for the department's
support which made it possible.
The AEF tour organisers
and leaders did a wonderful job of ensuring that this was a truly
enriching experience, and provided the participants with the confidence
which enabled them to embrace and absorb the unique features of
this culture.
Although I have been
interested in Japan for many years, I was totally unprepared for
the extent of the difference between our countries. I knew about
futons, shrines and traditions but I assumed that these were just
the vestiges of a disappearing culture and no longer part of everyday
life. I realized how wrong this impression was when I was traveling
with the group, but even more through the experience of the homestay
in Osaka. Food, routines, toilets, bathing, work habits, washing
machines - an endless list.
My adventure resulted
in considerable personal growth. Traveling in Japan was an uplifting
experience; the people I met were generous, friendly and polite.
Although I experienced great difficulty with the language I managed
to communicate with young women, old men, children and students
- their patience and perseverance with my efforts were unstinting.
There are images in
my memory which I visit repeatedly - the snow swirling around
the graceful temples, the young monk swishing the steps with a
broom. Mount Fuji hovering above the landscape like a vision.
The storybook of Himeji castle, and the careful harmony of the
gardens nearby. So many things in my mind that weren't there before,
that couldn't be put there by films, photos or even through books.
Before the tour I thought
I was very considerate of my ESL students. Now I am overwhelmed
with admiration for their forbearance. There were times when I
was homesick - for my family, for food, for familiar toilets,
for showers, for Australian colors. Most of all, the need for
conversations with things inferred and understood, talk that flowed
freely, shared gestures, effortless speech and easy interpretation.
My poor students, they must be so tired sometimes, so yearning
for home, somewhere that wasn't constantly demanding interpretation
and careful, considered response.
I might write some
elegant curriculum and I have devised a clever resource. However,
the most valuable asset gained, from a professional and personal
perspective, is an insight which I may never completely define
and which could never have been achieved through any other means.
Thank you again.
Yours sincerely,
Therese Gorter
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