It's already May?
Hey everyone! It's been a while since I did my last update - which means I have a lot to share. I'm sure that I don't really have enough time to share everything, but I'll try my best.
Lets work backwards! ♡
Today, I hung out with other AFS exchange students. One being from Australia, the other being from Malaysia. Not even going to lie, I would consider them my best friends. It's so cool how we can connect to each other, even though we're from "opposite ends" of the world. It's also awesome hearing/teaching/comparing cultural differences. We went to Feeeal, which is a mall near the Asahikawa Station. Had a blast! Tried on outfits, went to karaoke, and caught up on things.
Last week, I went to view the cherry blossoms in my area with a couple of friends. Since, almost all the snow has melted. There's still big patches of snow in some areas, but it's slowly melting away. Having played Animal Crossing when I was younger, that game indirectly teaches you so much about Japanese culture. Anyways, I'm not sure if cherry blossom has reached it's high peak yet in Asahikawa. It's hard to tell! Anyways, I'm really excited for the summer festivals that are happening soon! I'll try to make videos about them.
Q: Have you gone anywhere in Hokkaido? If so, where?
北海道でどこに行きましたか？
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| 小樽市 |
I still don't know the kanji for the cities. If I made a mistake, I'm sorry.
「日本語」うーん、私はたくさん北海道の市に行った。ホスートファミリだから。だけど、いっぱい所に行ってくれてどうもありがとう。じゃー小樽市や富良野市や美瑛市や剣淵市や札幌市や日高市や静内市やにいかぷ市や支笏湖市に行った。市の漢字が分かんない。もし、間違えったならば、ごめんなさい。
Q: What has been the biggest culture shock?
一番日本文化のショックは何ですか？
A: I haven't had a really big moment of being like, "What? That is definitely not where I'm from. This is so weird." But, I would probably say the public bathing, or the school sports test/physicals.
I already talked about the public bathing in my last post. So, I'll talk about the sports tests/physicals!
The sports physicals are much different from the ones that I would have back at my school. In my weight training class (back in the US), we just had to get our height and weight done. At my host school; they check your weight, height, teeth (dental check-up), and for the girls: breast/stomach check (I think).
Q: How hard is communicating?
あなたは人々に話するのが大変ですか？「コミュニケーション」
So, in a sense, yes. Yes, it's hard communicating. But without practice, there's no way you can get better. If you plan on going to Japan: talk to people! Don't be afraid to make a mistake!
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| Example of inside joke |
If you plan on studying abroad in another country, I wouldn't suggest going for only a month. There's no way you can truly experience the language in just one month. And, a lot of people regret not going for longer.
And, I've already made a lot of friends at school. So, even if you feel like your Japanese isn't perfect: people will be happy that you're trying to learn. I even have inside jokes with my friends/classmates.
Q: Why did you choose the AFS program?
AFSプログラムが選択しました。どうして？
A: I'm not sure if I've approached this question before! I chose the AFS program, because their website seemed the most legitimate at the time. Not only that! Whenever I contacted them through e-mail or via phone, they would give me a direct response. The AFS staff is always helpful, and have a nice genuine attitude. And, the AFS program has a lot of scholarships; both merit-based and need-based. If you haven't checked out their program yet; I would suggest doing that now!
Program: http://www.afs.org/
(For Japan - AFS USA)
Semester deadline: March 20 (PASSED)
Year deadline: September 10
For my YouTube channel, I've been thinking about doing a Snack Giveaway. I don't know how much the package will cost, but I definitely want people to have a taste of Japanese culture. I feel like that's a fun way of approaching it! Please let me know, if you think it's a good idea!
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/delightcafe1
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/deliightcafe
じゃーまたね！♡
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