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YEAR'S EXCHANGE STUDENT'S EXPERIENCES At present, we have many students from Canada, New Zealand, Kenya, China, Venezuela, Sweden and Thailand studying in our International Program here at Sendai Ikuei. Let's take a look and see how the students are doing, and what kind of experiences they are having. Let's see what their impressions are. |
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| ■Sweden | |||
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I do not really remember what I expected of Japan, but I know it was going to be different from Sweden but not so different. Anyway I really like Japan so far. Everyone I've met here is very kind and helpful, and often curious too, which is very funny. A random person can say hello to you on the train and then you can enjoy a very funny conversation. I strongly doubt that would happen very often in Sweden. I barely knew any Japanese before I came to Japan, but during the 4 months I have been here I think I have learned so much. The Japanese teachers here at Sendai Ikuei are very good. I have learned much but I don't think that I have studied that much. | ||
| ■Thailand | |||
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I have
seen amazing and interesting things in Japan, for instance, the culture,
the tradition, the food, and the technology. Throughout the media in Thailand,
like TV, newspaper, and cartoon books I imagined what it would be like to
study in Japan because I have always been interested in the Japanese ways
of living. As well as what I have mentioned above, I also thought that learning
more languages apart from Thai and English which I learned at school in
Thailand; as Japanese is one of the most important and widely used languages
in the modern world learning it would give me be a better chance in life
when I finish school. Before I came here I had only been able to say a few things in Japanese, like introducing myself. At that time I thought that my Japanese would have automatically improved now that I was finally living in Japan. As soon as I arrived, I know that I was wrong, I should have studied more Japanese before I came; I knew almost nothing. My dictionary has become my best friend. For the first two months I always kept it with me because then I was able to use it as soon as I needed to; however, as my Japanese improved, I have almost forgotten my dictionary because of all the Japanese people that I have met. These people always cheer me up when I speak to them. They say, "ganbatte ne" . This means "try your best". Every time I hear people say this, I gradually absorb all the good intentions that they have towards me; these intentions are transformed into energy. Whenever I am down or depressed, I will say to myself "ganbatte, ganbatte". It keeps me going and helps me to fight and try harder. For the first three months here, I have learned how to adapt to different surroundings. I have also gained the will to study and learn new things all the time. I finally hope that from that I have experienced in the past couple of months and from what I am going to do in the future, these things are going to improve me in every aspect of my life, and help to develop me to be a better person in the future. |
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| ■Canada | |||
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So
what!? It's already been three months now? Wow, time sure flies when you're
having so much fun in a foreign country. When I first decided to join this
exchange program, I have to honestly say that I was a bit worried because
I didn't know what I was going to encounter. But when I arrived at the Sendai
airport where my host mom and sister was there waiting to welcome me, I
knew I did not make a mistake going on this exchange program. On my first day of school, I realized that I am not alone in this foreign country. There were other exchange students in the same position as I, wondering what this place has to offer. Right away, you are given and told all the rules you must follow during your stay. Most of them aren't hard to follow as they are common sense and basic rules. After three months of being taught by the Japanese teachers, I must say that they are really patient. Japanese people are one of the kindest people you can meet. My host family treats me like I am their daughter. They have taught me how to get on politely in Japanese society and taught me the common manners that Japanese people use. From what I have heard from other exchange students, their family is just as kind as mine. Most families would pack what they call an "obentoo" to bring to school for lunch. Sendai is a city filled with wonders. You can find cheaply priced items all the way to the more expensive brand names items like Louis Vuitton. The food here is really delicious. Don't be surprised if you gained a few pounds when you return to your home country. My favorite is the "OKASHI"(sweets) that Japan is famous for. Often, you can see people on the streets handing out pockets of free tissues! Although Sendai is not as busy or famous as Tokyo, I think the weather is much better here. The summer is not so hot that you want to rip your skin off and the winter reaches just cold enough for it to snow. Living in a different country has always been the best and fastest way to learn about the country. Besides that, you can gain experience and skills unawarely. Yes, there are some times when I sit there and think how much I miss my family and friends back at home but the thought does not stay long as your new friends try to make it the best the time you are here. I heard that Sendai Ikuei is one if the most famous high schools in Japan. I think it's the biggest high school I've seen in my life! You'll know what I mean once you see it. |
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| ■Canada | |||
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In my first three months in Japan, I feel I'm always in a hurry of getting move to another host family. Right now I'm in my third host family but I got to know different types of families in Japanese society so maybe this is one of the benefits that this year's exchange students have a chance to experience. Like Colin, he might just stay in one family for the rest of the year so he will not have a chance to meet other types of families. So for me the first three months have been a chance to get to know many different types of Japanese people and I got to be friends with different kinds of families. | ||
| ■New Zealand | |||
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Japan
has been an unbelievable experience for me. I have always wanted to travel
here, but never thought I would get the opportunity to be a student at a
school like Ikuei. It is still hard to believe I am really here, I have had so many experiences, and met so many people! Coming to Japan has definitely changed my life. I will never forget my host family. They have made me feel like I am a part of their family and very welcome. With my family I have had the chance to see and do many things. We have been to restaurants, the movies, Matsushima, Rifu festival, a Buddhist memorial serviceーall kinds of things. With the help of my wonderful family I feel I have truly seen Japan. More people I will never forgetーThe cheerleading team. I have always wanted to be a cheerleader and Ikuei gave me that chance. I told my friends, who were sceptical that I would be a cheerleader, because I am short, that I cheered at Sendai stadium for Ikuei. Those were two days I will never, ever forget. I was even on TV, and I have a video to show, that if only for a time, I was a cheerleader. What has made Japan so special for me is the people I have met. My family, friends of the family, my JSL classmates, the cheerleaders, the 3rd year students at Miyaginohara, my classmates in 2-G1, the girls who just came up and introduced themselves at the bus, the bus drivers and teachers, even people who didn't know me, who would smile as I walked past or the children who would call "see-you". Throughout my stay in Japan I have been amazed and fascinated by the Japanese people. I'd like to thank everyone for making me feel so welcome. Due to circumstances, out of my control, I can only stay here for 4 months, but a part of me will always be here in spirit and I will be back. Peace! |
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| ■Canada | |||
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During my first
two and a half months in Japan and at Sendai Ikuei, there have been many
new and exciting things happen to me, all of which have been really good.
The first night I was here I was really nervous, I really hadn't ever
had any exposure to things Japanese thus I really didn't know what to
expect. I found out that night though that the Japanese are some of the
nicest people in the world. |
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| ■Canada | |||
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The first month I was in Japan I was lost because it was the first time being alone in a different country. I did not know the name of my station, and I did not know how to use the trains. But my host sister helped me and so I began to know how to use the trains. After the first month, life at home became sort of boring, but school was so much fun. I also like when I get called "kawaii" a lot. Even though I did not do much at home we still went on some trips that were fun. The best trip we went on was to the zoo. The third month has been fun mostly because kendo has been great. Then Matt came, and he is fun. Also I am looking forward to living in the dormitory for a month which I think will be fun. | ||
| ■Sweden | |||
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After
a flight that seemed to last forever, we (my friend Sebastian and I) finally
sat down our feet on Japanese soil. (Alas, how we had longed for that day!)
Our first experience within Japanese borders happened to be a problem (an
issue with our luggage), but fortunately nothing similar occurred again.
The first few days were really, and I mean really, great. Even after the
initial feelings (the kind of feelings one sometimes get when put in front
of something exciting and new) had vanished, I still felt far better than
usual. I cannot say if this was being caused by the food, the air, or if
it was only because of everything's newness. I can just firmly state that
this was the case. Or is, maybe I should say, as I still feel stronger and
more at ease than before (all of this may have something to do with the
fact that I have begun working out and/or attending to kendo classes). So far my language studies have been rather slow paced, but I fully expect them to run smoother as more of the grammatical obstacles lies behind me. Normally, I find theoretical study very dull, but the Japanese classes are ok, sometimes even fun. I have had the privelege to live, eat and sleep under the roof of the Konno family, which have been quite an experience by itself. The many trips and visits to famous places arranged by my host family have been interesting and fun indeed, and for this I am grateful beyond words. It's also my host family that has served as my main guide among the Japanese food and it's traditional dishes. Japan has more than a lot to offer the one who dares venture beyond the borders of the known (beyond the threshold that is...). I got concrete proof of this one afternoon, when I went up what I thought was a small hill behind my host family's house, and ended up at a weird school festival on the other side some twenty minutes later. On the other hand, nothing seems to happen to the one who sits down and wait for the fun to come to him. So far, Japan appears to offer the most to him or her who can muster the courage to take some chances. |
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| ■Sweden | |||
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The first three months in Japan have been great. I have seen many things, temples, mountains and Japanese people's ordinary life. I really like Japan but as everything else it has the good and bad sides. The Japanese school is kind of strict but fun, and I think the teaching is good. I have made some progress with the language compared to what I knew when I first came here. It's not like I feel that my Japanese gets better everyday, but sometimes it hits me and surprises me that I can actually understand what people are saying. Right now I don't feel homesick but I miss my friends, but I will see them later, so right now I am going to enjoy my stay in Japan. | ||
| ■New Zealand | |||
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Hi,
My name is Matthew Nelson and I'm a 15 years old 10th year student from
Aranui High School Christchurch, New Zealand. At first when I put my name down for this it was at a farewell party for some Japanese exchange students. Every one was given a sheet to write why you want to go and what you hope to achieve in the future. I filled it in thinking, "What do I have to lose, I'm not going anywhere" (little did I know I was about to make the biggest and probably the best choice of my life). The flight was very long and very tiring. I arrived in Narita, Tokyo, dazed, confused and very tired. It was there that I first realized how much of a language problem I was going to have. In Sendai, I was picked up straight away and taken to the International Center. Soon my host parents came. The mother started talking straight away, first in Japanese and then in English. I was relieved that she could speak English. It was a long drive to my new home. The scenery was awesome. When I arrived I wanted to go straight to bed but I had to go introduce myself to the neighbors... all 12 of them. I got home and finally went to bed. In the morning I got up at six o'clock and went to school. One of my family's friends helped me get to school. School was short but hard and everyone was so nice. I still haven't got over how nice everyone is. Since my arrival I have been out with new friends a lot to Sendai. Sendai is big, confusing and beautiful. I love it in Sendai, there is always something to do. Anyway I would really like to thank Sendai Ikuei Gakuen High School and all it's teachers and staff for getting me this opportunity and the teachers and staff at Aranui High School for showing it to me and getting me there. Thank you all very much. |
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