Meet the Two Students Headed to Osaka, Japan Next Year

This is George’s first year at SAS, he plays football, basketball and lacrosse and is honored to represent St. Andrew's in Japan.

“I am excited to see what I can do with it,” he said. “I have always wanted to study abroad, so this is a major bucket list item.”

George is most excited to immerse himself into a new culture and learn a completely new language, he said, but anticipates missing his family and friends the most, followed closely by Texas culture and food.

Similarly, Max H.—who has been a student at SAS since the 1st grade and plays soccer, lacrosse and is in one of the SAS rock bands—is excited to be chosen for the first SAS exchange program.

“Knowing now that I have been selected, I am excited and somewhat nervous - mostly because this is the first time St. Andrew’s has sent students to Osaka and I don’t really know what to expect,” Max said. “I am grateful I have the opportunity to go!”

At the top of Max’s list is learning everything he can about St. Andrews-Osaka.

“I am most excited about learning a new culture and language, living in a country that is new to me, and developing a deeper understanding of my own independence,” he said. “I am also intrigued by the opportunity to learn in a bigger, international school and what it will have to offer.”

Despite this, he anticipates that he will “miss my family and friends the most and also the SAS community.”

While preparing for their own years abroad, our two SAS students have advice for the incoming Japanese exchange students.

“One piece of advice I would give the incoming students is to jump into St. Andrews with an open heart, because the community is like no other,” said George.

Max agreed, adding that incoming students should make the most of their time while they’re here.

“I think they will only get out of this experience what they put into it, so they should explore as much as they can and be open to everything,” he said. “Austin and St. Andrew’s have so much to offer."