Amazing Australia

A group of Ateneo de Manila Grade School students went to Australia from 15-20 June 2024 for the Australia Cultural Immersion Program (ACIP). It was the school’s first post-pandemic cultural immersion tour. The boys were accompanied by teachers, administrators, and parents.

What follows is the second of a planned four student-authored reflections about the enriching trip.

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I am Julian German of 5-Maranaw. This summer, I went to Australia with my wonderful teachers and schoolmates as part of the cultural immersion program organized by the Ateneo Grade School. This was my first time in Australia and also my first time to travel without my family. It was a great learning for me experiencing a different culture. Australians are very nice and polite. They are very disciplined maintaining the cleanliness of their surroundings. What surprised me is that they can still wear shorts when I wore three layers of clothes, gloves, and a beanie!

My most memorable experience from the entire trip was when we explored Sydney. We were able to visit the Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge which I saw only in books and television shows before. The Sydney Zoo and seeing different animals I have not seen in person was also amazing! I can't believe I was able to touch and feed a kangaroo!

On our second day, June 17, we went to the Jesuit school St. Aloysius' College, which is named after St. Aloysius Gonzaga. Their campus is also big and it was quite near the Harbour Bridge. We performed a dance, itik-itik, in front of some students and teachers. We also attended some classes, namely art, music and robotics. They showed us how to play an Australian Aboriginal music instrument, the didgeridoo, which is a long wooden pipe. It gave a buzzing sound and sometimes it can mimic animal sounds too. We also did an art work, showing our creativity by painting on a wooden cross. It was a fun day! 

This trip helped me grow and be responsible in taking care of myself and preparing the things I need every day. I kept my area clean as much as I could. I drank water very often and took my vitamins all by myself. I tried to sleep early knowing that we had lots of activities the next day. Lastly, I learned to pack my own luggage during our last day - good thing everything still fits!

Thank you Mr. Jervy Robles, our headmaster, and Ms. Gabor, our group teacher, who guided and helped us during the entire trip. Thank you, Mrs. Esteves, and the entire team who organized this program. Lastly, I thank my parents for supporting me and giving me this opportunity. It was an amazing summer for a student like me to experience! Thank you again for having programs like this available for kids.