新年がスタートしました。昨年オーストラリアから来日した４人の留学生は，冬休み中ゆっくりとホストファミリーと共に過ごし，日本のビッグイベント『お正月』をそれぞれ楽しんだようです。
　１月最初の集会の日に，留学生４人がステージに上がり，日本の印象や冬休みのことについてスピーチをしてくれました。

そのうちのイモジェンさんのお話を紹介します。


★What has surprised me the most about Japan★

Japan is a very different place from Australia for many reasons. Our cultures, beliefs and way of life are very different. Of course, even though I have only been here a short time, there are many things that have surprised me about Japan. I think what has surprised me the most about Japan is the kindness and the friendliness of the Japanese people. In Australia, when a person comes to a new school for the first time, they often find it hard to make new friends and find a place where they fit in. In Australia, most high school students are too shy or don’t want to talk to new people.
When I came to Japan, I thought I would have these kinds of difficulties. I was worried I would not be able to make new friends because I cannot speak Japanese. When I first arrived at Saint Joseph Joshi Gakuen, because of all this, I was very nervous. But from my first day I felt welcomed. Everyone was friendly, kind and helpful. Many people had the patience to talk to me even though I cannot speak Japanese. This really surprised me and made me very happy. I was so glad it was not as hard as I thought it would be. I am sure the other exchange students, Gabby, Krystal and Rose feel just as welcomed and happy to be here as I do. Now, Gabby and Krystal only have a very short time left here in Japan. Rose and I have another month left to go. The time has gone by so quickly. I do not want to go home and leave all the wonderful people I have been so lucky to meet, and I do not want to leave Saint Joseph Joshi Gakuen.
I would like to thank everyone here at the school for making all four of us feel so welcomed and for being so friendly and kind. I will never forget my wonderful experiences here.
Thank you very much and thank you for listening.
– Imogen Weafer