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Please help support our recent 50th Anniversary events & the three high school students we are sending to Japan in June.
Spokane-Nishinomiya Sister City Society
Celebrating Fifty Years of Friendship!
| Katie Miller I’ve heard some common statements from exchange students I’ve known: How the trip changed them, How a different culture broadened their views, and How they have become a different person. I could repeat those same things. But if you have never experienced the curiosity, fear, and fascination of immersing yourself in a foreign culture, then those commonly heard phrases might have next to no meaning. I never completely understood those things until I took the trip myself. It was terrifying at first, but many life-changing adventures are. Through several emotional phases, I learned to absorb what I could. I was constantly observing the people, finding interesting differences and similarities between them and Americans back home. Sometimes I almost forgot that I wasn’t in America anymore, especially when students at school were doing something absolutely hilarious (which was often). I’m thankful to have made many friends despite differences in culture, and language barriers. I tried many new things: from tea ceremonies to purikura (the Japanese high-tech cute version of a photo booth), touring the sites of Kyoto, and participating in my school’s cultural festival. My host family was welcoming and generous. The students were helpful and mature. The culture pulled me in, showing me its beauty and diversity. I want very much to return some day, and learn more about the country, people, and culture. I think about my trip every day, and hope to have an opportunity for a longer visit in the future. For now, I have my wonderful memories, pictures, and friends to communicate with and remember. This was all made possible by the Spokane-Nishinomiya Sister City Society, and I cannot thank you enough. Below are some of my photos while in Japan. |