Cross-cultural friendship blossoms at Drayton Villas

 
It’s not often that overseas students visit Drayton Villas but that’s exactly what happened recently.
A group of 13 eager and friendly Japanese girls, who are currently studying at the University of Southern Queensland, dropped by the village with their tutor to meet Drayton Villas’ residents and tour the grounds.
The visit was organised as part of the students’ investigation into Australian retirement living and their presence at the village brought much joy and interest.
“It was a very happy time,” exclaims Helen Curtis, a Drayton Villas resident who greatly enjoyed meeting the international guests.
“We all had fun trying to do new things and communicate together! They took many photos and tried to teach us to do a little calligraphy and also origami.”
The students were said to be equally as impressed by Drayton Villas’ facilities and enjoyed meeting the residents despite the obvious differences in age and language.
“Perhaps they were able to pick up as I did that we can appreciate each other across the generations and cultures,” Helen said.