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Daniel's Japanese adventure

September 20, 2005

UNE student Daniel HillA University of New England student will embark on a great adventure next month when he travels to Japan on a study tour funded by the Mitsui Educational Foundation.

Daniel Hill, 21, was one of only eight students selected from 34 universities around Australia to participate in the tour.

During his 18-day stay in Japan, Daniel will visit Tokyo and Kyoto and travel to the foothills of Mt Fuji. He will also tour historical sites and visit the headquarters of some of Japan's most powerful corporations, including Toyota and Sharp. A highlight of the tour will be a three-day stay with a Japanese family, which will give Daniel a taste of everyday Japanese life.

Daniel said he was surprised and excited to learn he had been chosen to go on the study tour.

“I really didn't expect to get it, to tell you the truth - I thought I'd made a mess of the interview. So I was over the moon when I found out I'd been selected. The first thing I did was call home to tell my parents.”

For Daniel, who has never flown before, let alone traveled overseas, every moment of the trip will be an eye-opener.

“I think Tokyo is going to be a real shock,” he said. “How busy it is, the population. I mean, you get an idea from TV, but actually being there and experiencing it for myself is going to be a big thing.”

The fourth-year Arts/Law student said he was particularly looking forward to visiting ancient temples and castles, and seeing the contrast between modern and traditional Japan. He had a long-standing interest in Japanese culture, having studied Japanese martial arts and cultivated bonsai trees as a hobby, he said. He also had an auntie who had lived in Japan, he said.

The selection process for the study tour included a short essay and two interviews. Successful applicants were selected on the basis of good marks, a demonstrated interest in Japan and the potential to be “outstanding ambassadors for Australia at all times whilst in Japan”. The ability to speak Japanese was not a prerequisite and Daniel “can't speak a word”, although he would be brushing up on some basic phrases before he left, he said.

“It's a really good all-round opportunity and a great chance to represent UNE and Australia,” he said. “I'm really looking forward to it.”

For more information contact Leon Braun (UNE Public Relations) on (02) 6773 3771. A photo is available to accompany this story.

Posted by Leon Braun at September 20, 2005 10:22 AM