CQU learning management student Ellen Ronalds has returned from 3-months in Japan with some wonderful memories and credit towards her degree. .

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She lived with 4 different host families in different parts of Komatsu City in the Ishikawa Prefecture during her visit, covering the Japanese autumn and winter seasons.

"Each family was different in make-up and I feel that I got a really well-rounded experience of the Japanese lifestyle," she said.

"Although living with a host family is at times difficult because you are a permanent guest, it is a very rewarding experience and I'm so grateful to the families that put me up.

"The most difficult part is changing families because you are sad to leave the family you have only just gotten to know, and moving every 3 weeks is quite unsettling. But the plus side is that you end up meeting more great people and having one more reason to return."

Ellen went to Japan primarily to complete her Portal Task II (teaching prac) in a Japanese primary school.

"Prac is hard work at the best of times, as is living in a foreign country and trying to deal with the language barrier and homesickness.

"Put the 2 together and you get one very challenging but hugely rewarding experience.

"In-country experiences are without a doubt the best way to improve language skills, and I feel my Japanese improved dramatically.

"I also experienced first-hand the Japanese school system, which is very different from our own while simultaneously being very similar.

"I believe I now have a more in-depth understanding of the Japanese culture because I could be more of a fly on the wall at school than in host families' homes, and because I was able to experience aspects of Japanese life that I would never have been able to otherwise.

"I also had a great time interacting with the kids and teachers, and although there were many communication difficulties, we managed to get the message through most of the time, and there were certainly many opportunities to laugh and have fun."

Ellen travelled to Japan with a group of 5 others from CQU - Jemima Jefferis, Elizabeth Evans, Amber Plahn, Kate Giamarelos and Tegan Jackson.

While they were in different schools and with different families for most of the trip, they did get the chance to see each other.

"We spent 3 weeks together at Komatsu College experiencing Uni life in Japan and we had many opportunities for cultural activities there - tea ceremony, Japanese archery, making ‘mochi' (traditional food) and calligraphy.

"We represented CQU at some fetes and festivals, helping run English conversation classes and I even waved an Aussie flag during an international segment at the Don-don festival.

"Homesickness is almost inevitable when going away from home for long periods of time, but I managed. The language barrier was tough at times but getting through it improves language skill so much.

"Unfortunately I had tonsillitis twice while I was there which was probably the most difficult part, although I suppose I did learn a lot of useful medical vocab that I wouldn't otherwise have learnt! Also, I've probably eaten enough raddish in 3 months to last me a lifetime!

"The highlights, aside from meeting great people, experiencing everyday life and generally enjoying myself, were definitely the cultural experiences.

"I feel very lucky because I got to do so many special Japanese things, like wearing a kimono, participating in numerous tea ceremonies, making the ‘mochi,' Japanese archery, visiting the amazingly beautiful and unbelievably old temples and castles, and going to the local festivals and celebrations. My favourite things were learning to play the Koto (stringed instrument), being taught calligraphy, and visiting the hot springs. And all the while there was a beautiful backdrop of autumn leaves on the trees which was so beautiful and special as it doesn't happen in Rocky."