Parent Testimonials from Parent of Iroha Sakata

We are delighted to share a new testimonial from the parent of Iroha Sakata, a student who joined SCLI in 2025 - 2026.

---

Testimonials from the parents

I have always believed that it was essential for my daughter to experience a world beyond Japan.

She naturally has a personality that makes her want to try anything and everything.

Of course, allowing a minor with a visual impairment to take on such a challenge required the absolute responsibility and support of the adults structuring her environment.

This challenge was beautifully met through the study abroad program from Hikarigaoka Girls' High School to Southern Cross.

Whether a student has a disability or not, a homestay program where they leave their parents for the first time is an incredible opportunity to notice new things, learn, and grow in every aspect.

I feel incredibly fortunate that my daughter was able to participate and gain so much experience.

It was not always full of fun moments.

There were times she struggled, times she took on challenges completely on her own, and times of both failure and success.

I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the teachers, host families, and everyone who met my daughter and supported her along the way.

Taking the experiences from her year studying abroad in New Zealand, she is now firmly turning them into daily confidence as she continues to embrace new challenges in her life back in Japan.

I truly believe she will continue to pave her own way into the future, staying true to herself.

Tomoko Sakata

Parent of Iroha Sakata (2025-26)