The whole program was really fun.

現地の人との交流について印象に残ったことは？
How was your experience interacting with local people? 

What particularly impressed me during my interactions with the local people was the cultural differences between Japan and the United States. In Japan, I feel like people are a little reluctant to talk to complete strangers. For example, when you go to the supermarket or shopping, in Japan the conversation often ends with a simple “Thank you” or a slight bow, but in America, in addition to greetings, small talk is exchanged naturally, and the conversation continues to expand. I have actually had supermarket cashiers compliment my makeup and even ask me where I’m from and why I came to America. When I think about why scenes like this are rare in Japan, I think it’s largely due to the existence of honorific language. Honorific language is an important part of our culture as a way to show respect to others, but at the same time, I think it can create a certain distance between people. In America, on the other hand, conversations tend to start off frankly and casually, regardless of status. I’m not saying that one is better than the other, but I like the casualness and openness of America.

プログラム期間中の活動で特に印象に残ったこと
Please write about what left a strong impression on you during the program period. 

The most memorable part of my time there was visiting Health on Wheels and the Food Bank. The insurance system in the United States is inadequate, and I realized the importance of a system to provide medical care to people who cannot receive social security. It was also refreshing to see university students involved in the activities, learning and supporting local people at the same time. Also, food banks are not very common in Japan, so I couldn’t imagine what they were like before I went, but when I actually saw them, I was impressed by how well-organized the management system and facilities were. It wasn’t just a matter of handing out food; it was a system that was firmly rooted in the local community, and it was such an amazing, fresh and shocking experience that I can’t put it into words. Everything was very interesting and I was able to talk to the staff there a lot and ask lots of questions, so it was a very good experience.

プログラム中の経験で将来のキャリアのために役立つと思うこと
What was a useful experience for your future career among your experiences during the program?

I aim to become a teacher in the future. The content of this program may not be directly related to education itself, but I felt that it would provide important learning opportunities for interacting with students from a variety of backgrounds in today’s world where diversity is emphasized. I believe that the experience of being exposed to different cultures and values ​​and broadening my horizons will help me in the future to understand and support my students. I believe that participating in this program will help me in my quest to become an educator.

次年度以降、同じプログラムに参加する学生に伝えたいこと
Comments for students who will participate in the same program next year.

The most important thing I want to say to those who will be participating in this program next year and beyond is, “Just have fun!” At first, you may feel anxious about English and local life, but once you actually participate, you will naturally get used to it, and before you know it, you will have become friends with the students who go with you. There is no need to take special precautions, and major problems are rare. Rather, by jumping into a new environment, I was able to have many experiences and discoveries that I would not have had in my everyday life. Of course, the learning experience is fulfilling, but I think the most important thing is to have fun. If you don’t feel too pressured and just relax, you’ll surely have a wonderful time.

渡航前・渡航後のCOILを含め、プログラム全体を通しての感想
Feedback on the program, including COILs before and after trips to the US/Japan.

The whole program was really fun. Although I had been abroad many times before, this was my first time participating in a university program with people other than my family, so it was a very refreshing experience. By going out with friends and gaining various experiences, I feel like my “power to live” has become stronger. The atmosphere at the local university was very different from that of Kanazawa University, and it was so stimulating that I thought, “I want to go to school there.” It was very interesting to hear directly from professors and students and learn about their values, outlook on life, and what they are studying. I also developed strong friendships with the other students who participated, and had a wonderful time that will become a lifelong memory.