Eating cow tongue and visiting temples are just two things Gunnedah girls Kiah Squires and Macy Friend experienced on their recent getaway to Japan.
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Both girls said they wanted to experience more of the world now. Macy described it as an "eye opener".
"It's made me see that you can do whatever you want with your life, no matter where you go," Kiah said.
"I definitely want to travel more; I really want to go to Bali or something ... but anywhere would be awesome."
Kiah also said the experience had made her grow up a lot.
"It makes me feel more grown up because your parents aren't there, they can't help you, so if you have a problem you have to figure it out by yourself," she said.
They both agreed their favourite part had been going on roller coasters and virtual reality rides at Universal Studios Japan, and their least favourite had been eating cow tongue.
The girls are now good friends with three other girls from Muswellbrook High School, who they travelled with.
The trip was fully funded by Idemitsu Australia Resources with the aim of sharing cultural insights and introducing the students to Idemitsu and Japan.
Other sites on the seven-day trip included Tokyo Disneyland, Kyoto and Hiroshima.
The Girls Academy is Australia's leading in-school mentoring program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander girls.