Seeing the flood prevention infrastructure and the earthquake warning system will help me in my career

地元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? 

Everyone was extremely friendly and welcoming. I had a wonderful homestay experience. Google translate helped us talk to people in restaurants / shops / etc. It was great to have a way to connect despite the language barrier.

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. 

We kept saying “everything just makes sense” throughout our trip. This included the flood prevention infrastructure, the earthquake warning, the child seats in the women’s bathroom stalls and the miniature urinals, the minimalist architecture, the bullet trains, the vending machines, the rain covers on the children’s bike seats, the sound effects in public toilets, and the plastic food displays at restaurants. The list could go on forever, but we were continuously impressed by the design features we encountered that “just made sense!”

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?

Seeing the flood prevention infrastructure and the earthquake warning system will help me in my career if I go into emergency preparedness planning. I also gained critical thinking and discussion skills by talking to the Japanese students about the differences between the two cultures.

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.

Google translate was extremely useful in communicating with people both socially and logistically. Don’t be afraid to interact with as many people as you can despite the language barrier!

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.

No feedback – it was a great experience! We’re looking forward to hosting the Japanese students soon!