A New Milestone in Global Learning: Two St. Andrew’s Students Selected for Japan Exchange
With the program’s first year underway, Mia C. ’29 and Agnes B. ’29 have been chosen to represent St. Andrew’s School in Fall 2026 as the first young women from the United States to participate in the exchange at St. Andrew’s Osaka.
St. Andrew’s Japanese Exchange Program, conceived by St. Andrew's Associate Head of School, Alice Nezzer, is now well into a successful inaugural year after several years of learning, research and relationship building to bring the program to fruition. Max H. ‘28 and George H. ‘28 — the first two students sent to St. Andrew's Osaka (Momoyama Gakuin) — are thriving in Osaka as ambassadors of St. Andrew's Austin and helping blaze the trail for the future students in the program, according to Japanese Exchange Program Coordinator, ESL and Japanese Teacher, Joseph Schiller.
“It was, therefore, after much anticipation, and great excitement, that during Chapel at the Upper School on Wednesday, January 14, Mia C. ‘29 and Agnes B. ‘29 were announced as the next two students selected to represent the school in Japan,” said Schiller. “Not only are Mia and Agnes helping to further build this special program, but they will also be the first young women ever from the U.S. to participate in the exchange program at St. Andrew's Osaka.”
In order to prepare for the 2026-2027 school year in Japan, Agnes and Mia will work closely with the Japanese Exchange Program team — which includes Mr. Schiller and St. Andrew’s Japanese Exchange Program Advisor, Nanami Russell — studying the Japanese language and culture. The two St. Andrew’s freshmen could not be more ready for the adventure ahead. Read on to hear, in their own words, what they are looking forward to, how they are preparing for a year studying abroad, what they will miss most about Austin and more.
Q&A with Agnes B. and Mia C. — St. Andrew’s Next Japanese Exchange Students
What made you decide to apply to be a Japanese exchange student?
MIA: It’s been my dream to study abroad for pretty much my whole life, and when my mom Dr. Charles started working at SAS when I was in 8th Grade, she told me about [the Japanese Exchange Program] and I just got super excited. So it’s safe to say that I’ve been manifesting this for a long time. It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity and I had to at least try to get it so I’m very happy I got in.
AGNES: I’ve always loved traveling and learning about other cultures. So when I heard about this program at the beginning of the year, I just knew I’d have to apply. It’s truly an opportunity like no other and I’m so excited to be a part of it!
What are you most looking forward to learning?
MIA: Learning Japanese.
AGNES: I’m really looking forward to making new friends and meeting new people.
What are you looking forward to experiencing in Osaka, Japan?
MIA: Trying Japanese food.
AGNES: It’s such a big city with a rich history and culture, and I can’t wait to explore it!
What challenges do you anticipate facing?
MIA: Once again, learning Japanese is a pretty big one. It also might take me a long time to get used to the school schedule, being away from my family and friends will be pretty rough.
AGNES: The language barrier is certainly something that we’re going to have to overcome, but with the resources provided to us by St. Andrew’s I know we’ll be well prepared.
How are you preparing for next year’s exchange?
MIA: I’m going to start learning Japanese SUPER intensively soon, and I know a lot of people who already know Japanese and have visited or lived in Japan before, so I’ll definitely be asking a lot of questions and doing research before I arrive.
AGNES: I’m trying to learn more about Japanese culture and language to ensure my transition is as smooth as it can be! I’m also going to reach out to the current St. Andrew’s exchange students and ask them a lot of questions.
What do you anticipate missing the most about your St. Andrew’s community and Austin, TX?
MIA: I’ll definitely miss my friends in Austin a lot, especially because one of them will have graduated by the time I get back so I’m trying to have as much time with them as I can. I’ll miss my teachers too.
AGNES: I’m really gonna miss my friends, family, and the St. Andrew’s community. And my dog, of course!
Anything else you would like to share?
AGNES: I’m so thankful for the school for giving us this amazing opportunity! I promise we’ll represent you all well!
