My Educational Experience: A Trip To Japan

Every year my school, Point Grey Secondary, sends a handful of students to Japan for a quick one-week exchange. This year I was fortunate enough to be allowed to go on the trip with six other students. Before the trip I had never travelled to Asia, regardless, I was excited, and nervous, about the different culture I would soon experience. After coming back from the trip I can say that it was the best choice I have ever made. I would recommend anyone to go on an exchange program, even if it is a quick one. Going to Japan and visiting a foreign country was an incredible educational experience and it has broadened my understanding of people from another culture. I wouldn’t leave for Japan until noon but I still woke up early so that I could double-check my packed bags and be certain everything I needed was accounted for. A few hours later we boarded the plane and I could quickly feel the atmosphere changing from a western style experience to a Japanese one. Hot towels were distributed out before the stewardesses gave out our meals. This was a small gesture but it reminded me that I was transitioning into a

I entered the cafeteria and instantly all eyes were on my classmates and I. We were alien but I did not feel as intimidated as I thought I might. Before we sat down to eat at a table, we were introduced to our buddies. My buddy’s name was Mai and she was very shy. The first thing she said to me after saying “Hi” was “I don’t speak English very well”. She sounded worried and I was worried because she was worried. We only met for a very brief time because after eating lunch she left for her dance club. A few minutes later I was approached by two very familiar faces. The two boys that were standing in front of me were none other than Shun and Kazeyoshi. Last year I had hosted them when they came to Canada and it was surreal to now be with them in Japan. After our brief exchange we exited the school to explore