QUEENSWOOD SCHOOL

Natalia: Forming Connections and Uniting Cultures via Konan High School for Girls in Japan

Hailing from the lively city of Tokyo, Natalia stands out as an exceptional Year 12 student from Japan, leaving a lasting impact through her active participation in the Konan Exchange Program, in association with Queenswood. Natalia, with an Italian father and Japanese mother, fluent in both languages due to her diverse upbringing, seized the opportunity to enhance her English proficiency and embrace cross-cultural experiences.

The Konan exchange programme is designed to foster crosscultural understanding and friendships by facilitating student exchanges between Konan High School in Kobe, Japan and Queenswood. For Natalia, this initiative presented an ideal chance to immerse herself in a new environment, broadening her perspective and contributing to the global awareness promoted by the program.

Embarking on this journey, Natalia has been actively refining her language skills through daily interactions with her new friends and teachers. Pursuing studies in Psychology, Religious Studies and Latin, she has found the immersive environment to be a catalyst for language learning, enabling her to become more fluent and confident in expressing herself in English.

Beyond academic pursuits and language learning, Natalia has a passion for archery. During her time in Japan, she was a valuable member of the archery team, competing in the Inter High School National Competition, achieving a commendable 30th position out of 200 participants. Eager to continue her sporting in the UK, Queenswood’s support has been instrumental in facilitating her participation at a nearby St Albans based archery centre after school.

Natalia’s commitment goes beyond her academic and athletic endeavours. Engaging actively in diverse cultural exchange initiatives, she takes pleasure in introducing her peers to traditional Japanese customs. Additionally, she consistently participates in The Japanese Conversation Club as part of the co-curricular program, expressing her dedication to establishing lasting friendships with students from around the world.

Thankful for the opportunities provided by Queenswood, Natalia acknowledges and expresses gratitude and recognises the valuable lessons gained. Natalia foresees the integration of these experiences into her future endeavours, including University life. Her participation in the Konan exchange program serves as a testament to the power of cultural exchange, showcasing its impact on individuals as they navigate academia, language and personal growth. Congratulations Natalia, an outstanding ambassador for Queenswood !