International Exchange, Homestay and Study Tours

The primary aim of our International exchange program is the development of the target language, whether it be French or Japanese or English and the cultural awareness of all students. The cultural and linguistic immersion for our students in France for two months each year over the European Summer or when touring Japan and in homestay for a fortnight, is a wonderful opportunity to bring language skills to life. Similarly, the French and Japanese students who visit Gippsland Grammar annually, acquire similar benefits. For all involved and for the Gippsland Grammar community in general, the learning of language and culture is at the fore and with that the greater understanding of other peoples.

Our Sister School relationships have been established and nurtured over many years and the visits are highlights of the School year as the School takes on an international feel when the student ae with us. The School also take a number of students from organisations which foster international exchanges. We are further enriched by our own students who undertake short to medium term exchanges overseas which they organise through the same organisations.

The study tours taken to Japan are specifically designed for students of Gippsland Grammar studying Japanese and includes visits to the sister school of Hikarigaoka near Nagoya, Kyoto, Hiroshima, and Tokyo. A tour runs every other year for our primary and secondary students.

Similarly, study tours are taken biennially to France with a varied itinerary. The exchange program with our sister school in France, Lycee Jeanne d’Arc in Caen occurs every year. A group of French students visit Gippsland Grammar for six weeks in Term 3 every year. The exchange program from Japan, sees a group of Japanese students immerse themselves in Australian culture and School life for a similar length of time in Term 3 too.

Study Tours are also undertaken each year to other destinations. Recently we have had students travel to Vietnam, Russia and Tuscany. The trips on offer vary and are tied to courses of study. A yearly trip to Arabunna in Central Australia is also on offer to learn more about Indigenous culture.