In the Australian Curriculum, students develop intercultural understanding as they learn to value their own cultures, languages and beliefs, and those of others. They come to understand how personal, group and national identities are shaped, and the variable and changing nature of culture. Intercultural understanding involves students learning about and engaging with diverse cultures in ways that recognise commonalities and differences, create connections with others and cultivate mutual respect.
ASMS International Science Fair (ISF) 2014
I had the opportunity to be part of the Ambassadors group for ISF week 2014. This group consisted of around 15 students who’s focus was creating a comfortable and fun program for the international students travelling and staying in Adelaide for the ISF week at the ASMS. Together this group created activities and games we could involve international students in while spending the week at Nunyara community centre in Belair. I stayed 5 days at Nunyara and participated in many activities such as newspaper hockey, Cleland national park excursion and cultural presentations. From this experience I created strong friendships with many of the international students I met and learnt many things about their cultures and countries.
Spanish Language Lessons (Adelaide Spanish School) 2015
I have been engaging in Spanish lessons at the Adelaide Spanish School for about 6 months this year. I have found this to be a really great experience as it has given me knowledge about the Spanish language. When breaking down a new language to learn it I have found that I eave learnt a lot about my own language in this time as I can see many similarities and differences which helps me to better understand each language. I believe speaking two languages is also a good trait to have as it opens up job and travel opportunities in the future. I look forward to continuing Spanish in my own time throughout 2016.
Singapore International Science Challenge (SISC) 2015
In July 2015 I had the experience to represent the ASMS overseas in an international science fair in Singapore. The trip began with departing Adelaide airport for a direct flight to Changi Airport in Singapore. On this trip I was fortunate enough to travel with a close friend of mine Gemma Crittenden and two teachers which offered great support in the months before departing but also when abroad. While in Singapore for the first 6 days of our 10 day trip we spent our time staying in National Junior college dorms which were close to the NJC school grounds. Throughout these days we engaged in many science based activities such as poster presentations, scientific lectures, creative games and shows. Throughout the time at the school we had the chance to mingle with many different students from all over the world and learn about the different cultures. These many people I met I now do continue to stay in touch with as I believe having friends all over the world is a great asset to have. Being in Singapore was a very different culture to Australia in many different ways, the schooling system is very different and I found it alot more restrictive and hard on the students. The food in Singapore was also very different to Australia what I discovered was it was hard to find fresh fruit and vegetable based foods and when these were found they were not the greatest quality this made me appreciate the amazing fresh fruits and vegetables Australia was to offer. Over my time in Singapore it helped me to learn more about other cultures but also to appreciate my own culture. As much as the scientific based activites were valuable to me I also found different things out about myself and the world i live in which I believe is the most valuable lesson of all.
ASMS International Science Fair (ISF) 2015
Exchange Students
In October 2015 I met Jonas Knickenberg and Bastien Bernath who are two exchange students from Germany and Switzerland. They have now become close friends with myself and my group of friends. Together as a friend group we have shown them different places in Adelaide and taught them about Australia and the English Language. I have also learnt a great amount of knowledge about the culture and country of Germany and Switzerland from talking to them. Jonas on several occasions has shown me German books, music and food. They have both been teaching myself and my friends simple German and French, from this experience I have discovered not only a lot about the German and Swiss culture but I have learnt about my own culture and the differences between both. I look forward to continue spending time with them until they leave in June 2016, after this time I hope to keep in contact with them and hopefully visit them in Europe in 2017.
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