News
Japanese Exchange
Students explore Tokyo and beyond
Shawnigan sent 12 students and three staff members to Japan over the recent half term break to participate in a cultural exchange with Azabu High School. We have a longstanding relationship with this all-boys school, which is located in Tokyo, and were delighted to renew our friendships during this year’s trip.
Shawnigan students began each day in classes, where they had the chance to learn alongside Azabu students. They were treated to many cultural activities with their new Japanese friends, including glass making, language learning, and traditional sports and games.
Azabu families graciously hosted Shawnigan students throughout the trip. Students stayed with these families for the first half of the trip, after which the whole Shawnigan team moved to a traditional Japanese hotel. Even after the students had left their homes, host families continued to immerse their Canadian guests in local culture each afternoon. These outings were filled with countless highlights, such as singing karaoke, going shopping, eating incredibly delicious food, and visiting temples, markets, and a few hidden gems in the city of Tokyo.
Our Shawnigan travelers also made a special daytrip to the medieval seaside town of Kamakura, where they had fun wearing traditional kimonos while touring around the city, and visited the Great Buddha, a 13-meter high bronze statue.
Many thanks to Azabu High School and the wonderful host families who cared so well for our students! We look forward to welcoming an Azabu contingent here at Shawnigan in the spring.
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Shawnigan students began each day in classes, where they had the chance to learn alongside Azabu students. They were treated to many cultural activities with their new Japanese friends, including glass making, language learning, and traditional sports and games.
Azabu families graciously hosted Shawnigan students throughout the trip. Students stayed with these families for the first half of the trip, after which the whole Shawnigan team moved to a traditional Japanese hotel. Even after the students had left their homes, host families continued to immerse their Canadian guests in local culture each afternoon. These outings were filled with countless highlights, such as singing karaoke, going shopping, eating incredibly delicious food, and visiting temples, markets, and a few hidden gems in the city of Tokyo.
Our Shawnigan travelers also made a special daytrip to the medieval seaside town of Kamakura, where they had fun wearing traditional kimonos while touring around the city, and visited the Great Buddha, a 13-meter high bronze statue.
Many thanks to Azabu High School and the wonderful host families who cared so well for our students! We look forward to welcoming an Azabu contingent here at Shawnigan in the spring.
We acknowledge with respect the Coast Salish Peoples on whose traditional lands and waterways we live, learn and play. We are grateful for the opportunity to share in this beautiful region, and we aspire to healthy and respectful relationships with those who have lived on and cared for these lands for millennia.
Shawnigan Lake School is an independent co-educational boarding school for ages 13 –18 on Canada’s beautiful West Coast. Our diverse, interdisciplinary and innovative programming helps shape the next generation of global leaders.
