Japan Trip 2010: 6/13/10

These letters were written by the students who went with Ron Black to Ishigaki in a previous year.

If you have any doubts about going on this trip you shouldn't. Everything works out great! School is fun, you really don't have t do anything. For me this has been the greatest life experience i've ever had. The people are super nice. The island is beautiful than i expected. You tend to get half as much of something for twice the price that you would in America. Soda cost about a dollar. It's very hot and humid. Make sure you bring a lot of sun block, deodorant (there is none in Ishigaki.) and good music (the japanese are about a decade behind us in terms of music (mainly rock)) Get good at rock-paper-scissors. It is the most common decision making process in japan. example: who washes the dishes and who dries them or who fans who when there are more people than hand-fans. Also try to buy your presents in Kyoto or Tokyo. There's nothing but bad tourist shops in Ishigaki. Bring lots of film. I'm going to have about 13 rolls when i get home. PACK LIGHT!!! Bring lots of small gifts for people you meet. Make sure to be outgoing and friendly, it makes it all more fun. When i was in Kyoto I had all my meals paid for and anytime we took a taxi it was a really spiffy luxury taxi. All transportation is paid for. I stayed in an awesome hotel. Try to get to know your group members as soon as possible. They will be really fun to hangout with. You'll want to talk with someone who knows English so you can share your experiences. Do as many different things as you can. It's all worth it!

Ben Frank

The trip that I took to Ishigaki was one of the most valuable experiences of my life. I learned so much about Japanese language and culture. It has made me want to learn more about Japanese language. The people are very nice. I met a whole bunch of people who acted like we had been friends all our lives. Being a foreigner is like being a celebrity. You will be constantly stared at by young children and waved to by all of the teenagers. The weather is very hot, though. Bring lots of shorts and T-shirts. You will not need any type of heavy coat, but a windbreaker would be good because it rains occasionally. Bring a ton of sunscreen. I was out in the water bodyboarding for 90 minutes. My sunscreen was SPF 45 that 3 supposed to last all day. The back of my legs were purple the next day because of the burn that i sustained. It was not fun.

Things are expensive in Japan. There are places where you can buy good souvenirs for fairly inexpensive. For example, I found a place where I got 10 rice bowls for $15.00. Things are a good price, but only if you look in the right place. However soda is another matter. I said to myself that I wasn't going to spend very much on soda. However it is inescapable. It's so hot that you will buy soda, which cost $1/can. I probably spent about $40.00 on soda.

Your host family will welcome you into their home. They are so thrilled to have you in their house they always want to do things with you. most of the time, you don't even know what you're going to do. They just say "Let's go", so you go. It's always a good experience, though.

You should try to embrace the Japanese customs. The food though is another matter. You should try it, and if you don't like it don't be afraid to say so. Your host family is very accepting of your western lifestyle. They might even try to make American food.

The trip to Ishigaki was very fun. Everyone had a good time. I hope to return very soon so that I can see all of my friends again.

I have just come from Kansai airport and stopped at Seoul for a ... lay over. I learned lots about Japan, it's culture and language. From ... and have graciously decided to share my wisdom in the form of helpful hints.

Helpful tips #1 Host families. When you arrive in Ishigaki you will make immediate ... to your family as you present your gifts and the parents ... out rusty English which they learned in High school 25 years ago. Be patient with hosts and you will develop lasting relationship the ... of which ... many students to leave or the last day. Never eat anything you don't like. Just explain that the ... taste good but...in it's own...special way ((seriously if you listen at dinner your host siblings will speak frankly about how the food tastes, it's not a big deal to not eat certain things but always try the food and make sure you don't like it)).

Take time to talk to members of your family slave culture, talk about your family, and teach them card games. Most families are so excited to host they might show you off to the in laws or friends. I was on my way to my room in my pajamas one night, when my host ... grabbed me and took me to the inlaws for talk. I felt a little better when i saw that the in laws were in pajamas too.

Ishigaki was fun and full surprises, and everyone had a great time. It ought to be the same for you guys too. Have fun!!

"Impressions of Ishigaki" by Gabrielle

First of all, if you don't like the flying,, the trip is still worth it. I have never been so sick in my life than i was on those wonderful trains - Pacific flights... but please, don't let me scare you. I have also never had such a wonderful time in my entire life. Entering a new culture for the first time (especially a culture with perfect tropical beaches) is more amazing than can be described. The experience does not end when the exchange is over; it shapes you, changes you, open your eyes to new ways of viewing the world and the people in it. but you will know exactly what I'm talking about. After your exchange to Japan, so let me give you a little bit of practical advice and save the philosophy for later.

Okay, you will want to bring many gifts, not quiet for the family, but also for people you will meet through your activities and socializing. The family experience is wonderful; please make time for getting to know your host family and observing the different ways in which Japanese families operate.

Here is my number one recommendation: Pack Light! Remember, you will be buying gifts and your host family will most likely give you gifts, so you are bound to return with more than what you started with. You might also have to run to make a few flights, and carrying(dragging) two tons is not easy. Believe me, I know.

Recommendation number 2: Try The Food! You might not have another chance to eat mini-fish with there little heads still intact, or octopus with those lovely textured suction cups. Why not take your taste buds on an excellent adventure as well?

Before you leave Eugene, you might consider practicing your super model smile, because in Japan, no matter what your measurements are, you have become a celebrity.( live it up, back in U.S. you probably won't have 24 boys a day begging for a photograph)

You will make many unforgettable friendship and having so many memorable experiences that my most important recommendation is to keep a journal. At first it was hard for me to write every night but now it is my greatest treasure.( that and the tan)

Thank you for reading this far and may your exchange to a foreign country be out of this world.

When you first arrive in Japan remember that the cars drive on the left side of the street. Just relax, they know how to drive here. Be ready to walk or ride everywhere. If you ever told to get into the car just do it, asking questions just makes things different.

If you like to swim you'll love Ishigaki. The beaches & water are great.

For preparing yourself to come learn Athlea names.

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Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Letters to Ishigaki

host families