first batch of students from indiasv2.jice.org/jenesys/pdf/houkoku/08india_1.pdf · 2012-09-18 ·...
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Japan - East Asia Network of Exchange for Students and Youths
First Batch of Students from India
Implementation Reports 【rev.】
(9th December, 2008 - 18th December, 2008)
Febuary, 2009
Japan International Cooperation Center (JICE)
Outline of the First Batch of Students from India
1. Duration of visit in Japan
From 9th December to 18th December 2008
2. Total number of Indian delegation membership: 80 Students: 72(34 Males, 38 Females) Supervisors: 8 (8 Teachers)
3. States and union territories the students come from
18 states and 1 union territory
Breakdown
States/ Union territory
No. of students
States/ Union territory
No. of students
Assam 4 Kerala 2 Andhra Pradesh 1 Maharashtra 7 Chhattisgarh 2 Manipur 2 Delhi 10 Orissa 2 Goa 1 Rajasthan 7 Haryana 1 Tamil Nadu 6 Himachal Pradesh 1 Uttar Pradesh 4 Jammu and Kashmir 1 Uttarakhand 2
Jharkhand 2 West Bengal 10 Karnataka 7
5. Programme schedule in Japan
See the next page 6. Visited prefectures in Japan
Tokyo, Nagano, Osaka, Kyoto, Okayama, and Kumamoto
7. Total number of households participated in the home stay programme 63 households Nagano: 18 Osaka: 18 Okayama:18 Kumamoto:9
8. Total number of schools participated in the exchange programmes
5 schools Nagano: Nagano-Nishi High School Osaka: Otemae Senior High School Kyoto: Joyo Senior High School Okayama: Kurashiki-Amagi High School Kumamoto: Shinwa Senior High School
GroupName Nagano Osaka/Kyoto Okayama KumamotoYouth 20 (M:9/F:9) 20 (M:8/F:10) 20 (M:8/F:10) 20 (M:9/F:9)
PM
AM
PM
AM Move to Nagano Move to Shin-Osaka Fly to Okayama Fly to Kumamoto
PM
Courtessy call on NaganoPrefectural Govt. OfficeVisit Disaster Prevention CenterVisit Zenkoji Temple
Visit Osaka Sewage ScienceMuseumCommercial Facility
Visit Mitsubishi AutomobileVisit Mt. Washu
Courtessy call on KumamotoInternational FoundationExperience of Japanese Culture(Kadomatsu making)
AM Visit Osaka-jo Castle
PM
Exchange Programme at OtemaeHigh SchoolMeeting with homestay hostfamilies
AM Homestay Homestay Homestay Visit Kumamoto-jo Catsle
PM Homestay Farewell Party HomestayMeeting with homestay hostfamilies
AM
Back from HomestayObservation of World Cup(MWave)
Move to KyotoExperience of Japanese Culture(Yuzen Dyeing)Visit Sanju-Sangendo Temple
Homestay Homestay
PM
Observation of World Cup(MWave)Farewell Party
Visit Toji TempleVisit Kyoto City DisasterPrevention CenterVisit Kyoto Station Building
Farewell Party Farewell Party
AMVisit HOKUTO CorporationMove to Matsumoto
Exchange Programme at JoyoHigh School
Visit Seto-Ohashi BridgeExperience of Japanese Culture(Takata Orimono)
Exchange Programme at ShinwaHigh School
PM WorkshopExchange Programme at JoyoHigh SchoolWorkshop
WorkshopExchange Programme at ShinwaHigh SchoolWorkshop
AM Move to Yokyo Move to Tokyo Move to Tokyo Fly to Tokyo
PM
AM
PM
10 18-Dec AM
Programme for Japan-East Asia Network of Exchange for Students and Youths1st Batch of Students from India (2008)
Move to Narita / Departure from Narita to Deli
Visit Ecobo Minamata (TanakaShoten Co., Ltd.)Visit Minamata Disease MunicipalMuseum
Observation of "Imperial Palace Outer Garden" and group photo with a backdrop of Nijubashi Bridge
Workshop Presentation in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Explore AsakusaPreparation for Farewell Dinner PartyQuestionnaire / Return BriefingFarewell Dinner Party
Exchange Programme at NaganoNishi Senior High SchoolMeeting with Homestay HostFamilies
1
2
11-Dec
4 12-Dec
10-Dec
7 15-Dec
Sun
Mon
Exchange Programme at KurashikiAnagi Senior High SchoolCourtesy call on Mayor ofKurashikiMeeting with homestay hostfamilies
9 Wed
8 16-Dec Tue
17-Dec
Visit Observation visit to Panasonic CenterVisit Toyota Mega Web
6 14-Dec
AM
Observation visit to Edo-Tokyo MuseumObservation visit to Ariake Incineration Plant (waste disposal plant)Dinner at a restaurant
General Orientation and Group OrientationCheck in (students only)Orientation for supervisors
Lecture : About Japan (Prof. Paul Snowden, Waseda Universty)
Arrival at Narita from New DelhiMove to Tokyo
Date
3
Fri
Sat
Wed
Thu
9-Dec Tue
5 13-Dec
General Orientation (Tired and sleepy a little...)
JENESYS Programme
First Batch Students from India
~Photo Book 1 General Programme ~
Ariake Incineration Plant (Waste Disposal Plant) Panasonic Center Tokyo ( “Fantastic !” )
At the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (With the ministry officials)
Workshop report presentation (At the end of the ten days in Japan,)
Edo-Tokyo Museum (Learning about sound material cycle)
Let’s get going by Bullet Train! At school ~ India is ~
JENESYS Programme
First Batch Students from India
~Photo Book 2 : Nagano Group~
At School ~ “Oyaki” making ~
Workshop (pasting post-its)
At School ~ ya, ya, and then? ~
Nagano
Home Stay ~ in Kimonos ~
Osaka Sewage Science Museum Osaka Castle
JENESYS Programme
First Batch Students from India
~Photo Book 3 : Osaka/Kyoto Group~
Traditional culture ~ Yuzen Dyeing ~
Workshop (Tell me your findings.)
At school ~ Yoga lesson ~
Farewell party with host families (fun! fun! fun!)
Kyoto
Osaka
Facility Observation ~ Seto-Ohashi Bridge ~
JENESYS Programme
First Batch Students from India
~Photo Book 3 : Okayama Group~
Traditional culture ~miniature tatami mat making ~
Farewell Party with host families
At school ~ Paper folding ~
At school ~ Lunch together ~
Okayama
Courtesy Call on Mayor of Kurashiki
JENESYS Programme
First Batch Students from India
~Photo Book 4 : Kumamoto Group~
Kumamoto Castle Environment Study in Minamata City
Traditional culture ~ Japanese sweet makin
g ~
“Nice to meet you.!” (With host family)
At school ~ Kendo practice~
Workshop facilitation
Kumamoto
Workshop, Pre-Programme Questionnaire, Post-Programme
Questionnaire
The outcome of the programme is examined and confirmed by two different
ways, Questionnaires (Pre-Programme Questionnaire and Post-Programme
Questionnaire) and Workshop.
Workshop
Workshop is conducted at the end of Group Programme in each prefecture. All
the students are advised to keep daily findings on (1) people (2) things and (3)
others. Reflecting on their experiences, they review their daily findings for the
Workshop. At the workshop, they share and discuss their findings with other
group members. After the workshop, the discussion is summarized in a
workshop report and presented at a workshop presentation.
There are 3 objectives of the workshop;
(1) To make the students clearly recognize their findings by putting them into
words and sharing them with other students of the group.
(2) To deepen their understandings by discussing the backgrounds, comparing
them with those in their own country, and thinking how they can be adopted.
(3) To summarize the discussion and the conclusion in a workshop report of the
group.
All the workshop reports and some comments of the students from the
Post-Programme Questionnaire are shown in the following pages.
Workshop Report
Date:15th December, 2008 Group: Nagano Group
I. Findings about Japan
(Category:People)
・Disciplined
・Patriotic
・Streamed Class (Track system in education)
・Traditional
・Hygienic
・Organized
・Robotic lifestyle
・Language problem
(Category:Things)
・Planned architecture
・Disaster resistant construction
・Eco-friendly policy in industries
・Systematic city planning
・Futuristic needs considered
(Category:Others)
・Anime popular
・Safe society
・Low crime rate
・No class bias
II. Details of Discussion(Topic:People/Disciplined)
・People follow the traffic rules very strictly.
・They don’t smoke in the public and don’t even litter on the streets.
・They live a very time-bound and systematic life.
・They observe personal and public hygiene.
III. Conclusion
Japan presents the best combination of facilities in terms of disaster resistant construction
and safety in the society. People here treat tradition like religion and are really disciplined.
Eco-friendly policies of Japan take it to greater heights. Less knowledge of English remains
a negative point, but is surely overcome by other positive characteristics.
Workshop Report
Date:15th December, 2008 Group:Osaka / Kyoto Group
I. Findings about Japan
(Category: People )
・ Perfectionists & Professional
・ Live life to the fullest
(Category: Things )
・ Advanced & well-equipped infrastructure for the environment-conscious
(Category : Others)
・ High standard of living
・ Integrated education system
・ Robotic lifestyle
II. Details of Discussion
People: Polite, honest, professional, punctual, embrace all religions, festive spirit, kind &
hospitable.
Things: Convenient, easy to use devices, reduce, reuse & recycle, 100% recycling, efficient
transport.
Others: All sports & non-academics integrated into education.
Robotic life
III. Conclusion
Japan, which has always been known as the world’s most technologically advanced nation,
has used this knowledge to bounce back after 1945 by creating a world-class and
people-friendly and most convenient infrastructure in a very innovative manner.
We observed that an average Japanese person has a very good purchasing power. But one
thing we felt was that with fast-paced life based on plans that always have a positive outcome,
maybe the people themselves were living too much of a robotic lifestyle.
There is so much to learn from Japanese society that is worth incorporating into our lives.
Workshop Report
Date: 15th December, 2008 Group: Okayama Group
I. Findings about Japan
(Category:People )
*Characteristics and culture and etc;
Hardworking. Generous. Affectionate. Creative. Eco-friendly. Diligent. Vivacious.
Disciplined. Caring. Focused. Effective. Punctual and Cooperative.
(Category: Things)
*Economy. Technology. Infrastructure and etc;
Technologically advanced. Capital intensive economy. Developed infrastructure. High
standard of living. Believe in economic development. Sustainable development.
(Category: Home stay)
Loving. Caring. Affectionate. Emotional. Willing to share information about India.
Interactive.
(Category: Society and Education)
Believe in Social harmony. No gender issues. Change in their educational system. Well
graded educational system. Use of modern aids.
II. Details of Discussion
・ Country and its topography
・ Infrastructure- Social, economical, political and educational
・ Society- Beliefs and traditions
・ Sports and recreational activities
・ Technological advancement
・ Historical perspective
・ Similarities and Dissimilarities between India and Japan
・ JENESYS program and its outcomes
III. Conclusion
Japan, the beautiful island country called “The Land of Rising Sun” has world’s 2nd largest
economy with high technology. The people not only welcome the western culture but also
remain firmly attached to their traditions. Japan believes in world peace and gives high
regard to international culture and knowledge exchange. In a nutshell, Japan is an amalgam
of technology and culture.
Workshop Report
Date:15th December, 2008 Group:Kumamoto Group
I. Findings about Japan
(Category:People)
patient, calm, tolerant, peaceful, fashionable, warm-hearted/caring (host families),
shy/humble, punctual (aircraft, JENESYS), trustworthy, friendly, responsible to society,
polite, well-mannered, socially intelligent, secular, non-religious, poor English,
Kawaii (cute)
(Category:Country)
clean, safe, socially conscious, peaceful, expensive, beautiful, organized (JENESYS),
rich cultural heritage, friendly in terms of international cooperation (the JENESYS
initiative)
(Category:Structure)
・ Transport system (good layout, good roads, no horns, no stray animals)
・ Waste disposal (efficient, eco-friendly)
・ Infrastructure/architecture (good maintenance, illuminated well)
・ Communication (good network, JENESYS programme: well organised event)
・ Education (good, no spoken English)
・ Law and order (effective, implemented)
・ Health conscious (disease protection, organic food, exercise, hardly no obesity)
・ Environmental consciousness (fuel efficiency, recycling)
II. Details of Discussion
Discussed the above topics.
III. Conclusion
Japan as a people, as a country and a structure was a brand new experience that will live
forever in our minds. The workshop helped us discuss different aspect of the country and
opened our eyes to all our points and views. We are highly thankful to JENESYS and JICE
for this initiative which exposed us to new Japanese culture and gave us a hands-on
experience of the people and infrastructure. Clean, friendly, conscious (in all senses of the
term) and humble- these, among others, were the keywords that unanimously described
Japan. Along with highly developed technology, and sanitary system, the high school
experience and the wonderful hospitality of our host families will be remembered by us. I
represent the group when I say we loved Japan and hope and wish to visit again.
Indian Students’ Comments
<Nagano Group>
I loved the stay in Japan – Tokyo and Nagano. I will miss this very much
when I go back to my country. This programme gave me a chance to
learn about Japan and its tradition and the lifestyle of the people. It also
enabled me to make friends – both Indian and Japanese. This has
broadened my horizon and I am sure I will never forget this. Thank you
JICE !!! The home-stay experience and exchange programmes were the
best. I also loved the visits to the Japanese temples and historical sites
and sports World Cup.
This programme was excellently organized. I experienced Japanese
culture very well. I came to know many things about Japan. The
exchange with the host family and the high school students was
awesome. I really want to come to Japan again and I want all my family
and friends to come and enjoy Japan’s awesome beauty. The
coordinators and supervisors were also very good and interactive. The
trip was so good. There was no uncomfortable moment.
This programme was very well conducted. It was very systematic and a
lot of fun, too.
The Japanese coordinators were very friendly and helpful. This
programme was an excellent way to know Japan and its people. I truly
loved this programme and I made many friends, too
Japan is a wonderful country and I would love to work here in the future.
The programme was fruitful and neatly organized. I am happy I was a
part of this programme. Japanese people are very polite and social.
Their honesty amazes me. The JICE coordinators were very cordially
and took great care of us. The difference between my country and Japan
that is the difference between a developing and a developed country is
clearly visible. The warmth of the host family and the atmosphere was
excellent. Thank you very much for such a wonderful study tour.
Being given an opportunity to experience the lifestyle of the people of a
foreign country is great in itself. This initiative of “JICE” is highly
appreciable.
And especially the exchange programme with high school students was
really good and admirable. I got to know about the young generation of
Japan, their way of thinking, their concerns and interests and so many
other things as well. And the home-stay !! It was really wonderful. I got an
opportunity to experience Japanese life very closely and I exchanged my
views with the members of my host family and had a great time. Due to
lack of words and space, I would conclude that “JICE” has really taken a
great step and it is really marvelous. Thank you so much.
<Osaka / Kyoto Group>
Absolute fun as well as a great learning experience. Was left awestruck
at the level of development, standard of living and the scenic beauty at
heritage sites. Home-stay experience was wonderful and I think I can do
a lot more than I thought I was capable of (independence, survival,
leadership, etc.). Programme was very well-organized and we learnt so
much in a fun package. Learnt about all aspects of Japan; the best
experience ever. Don’t want it to end and want to do it again.
I am really thankful to JICE who let me participate in such a programme.
It has surely contributed a lot to my knowledge and feelings about Japan.
It has certainly helped to build a strong foundation for international
cooperation. The goals of our trip have been successfully achieved. I
completely understand the fact that we did not visit may tourist places
because of our main motive of attending the JENESYS programme. The
whole programme was well planned. Thank you very much for letting me
participate in this programme. I am highly impressed by Japan’s
infrastructure, people and their lifestyle.
The “JENESYS” programme organized by JICE has given me a life-time
opportunity to visit the land of rising sun – Japan. The programme was
conducted very smoothly and our JICE coordinators took great care of
us.
The programme gave us a nice chance to interact with local people, live
with a Japanese family, to visit various museums which display the
history of Japan, their technologies etc. We were also taken to two
schools where we could talk with teenagers of our age and know how
they think and what they think about us. We were very much impressed
by the hospitality, politeness, and punctuality of Japanese people and
awestruck by the sophisticated use they make of the simple principles.
Above all, it is an experience which I can never ever forget!!
Japan is a very professional country. The people are gems and the most
valuable treasure of Japan. Technology is highly advanced, along with
culture and society. However it would be highly appreciated if English
would be given importance. That would help Japan gain more
international students and tourists.
<Okayama Group>
Well, the program was a big success due to the well organized character.
The time although was short as for the home stay. It would have been
better if we had a bit more time. The time of Panasonic Tokyo Center was
also extra short. Except for this, there was no other problem. One of the
best experiences was meeting the Indians from all over India, who were
very-very diverse. The Japan’s food was OK although earlier we hated it.
I am considering myself lucky because I had a chance to exchange with
Japanese people during the program. I knew and learnt the advanced
technology of Japan. Before this program I only heard about this. Before
this program, I only thought that our country is the best and the culture is
rich. But when I attended this program, I knew that we should learn many
things from Japan, such as punctuality, devotion to the work and equality.
Japanese people are very active, advanced and appreciative. I want to
come again to Japan and want to learn about its technology. I want to
learn many more things from Japan.
I was feeling a bit nervous before attending this program. But my problem
was quite solved in these few days. I shared my knowledge, my culture,
and also my emotion with my group members and supervisors,
coordinators and mostly with the host family. I was eager to know the
reason behind Japan’s development and these few days I found them.
Japanese people are systematic, lover of nature, down to earth but
somehow shy. They are much concerned about their culture and
cleanliness which impressed me very much. There I found the practical
view of sustainable development. Indeed I found Japan as my second
home.
<Kumamoto Group>
Participating in a programme like JENESYS is always like a dream came
true and when the programme is conducted in such a nice way, it serves
as the icing on the cake. Everything in this programme was perfect – be it
the schedule, the JICE coordinators or the hospitality.
Interaction with the people was most interesting as I found the people
very polite, gentle and friendly.
Lecture about Japan broadened our view about Japanese culture,
education system and technology.
Visiting the cultural heritages was great fun.
Surrounded by greenery and serenity, the buildings stood well preserved
and were awe-striking.
Learning various handicrafts helped me improve my craftsmanship as I
love doing crafts as many others.
Through the JENESYS student exchange program, I was able to
understand Japanese life, culture and way of life. I could interact with
local people and also during home stay and exchange program at high
school. The program was conducted smoothly without much of problems.
I could experience foreign visit and widen my thinking on global matters.
It has facilitated to lay the foundation for international cooperation among
Asian countries. I enjoyed the program thoroughly and also learn about
the technology and economic development in Japan, interact with people,
experience Japanese culture by making kadomatsu, practicing kendo
and making wagashi (Japanese sweets).
Thank you! Arigato gozaimas!!
JENESYS programme was a very good initiative taken by the Japanese
government. In today’s world, the future of all countries is linked together.
So it calls for an extreme necessity to have mutual trust and cooperation
among the future pillars of the world. This programme has greatly
enhanced my horizons. The entire programme, its management, the job
of the coordinators was up to the mark. I have learned in a great detail
about one of the most advanced counties of the world. This programme
has changed my personality and my point of view. I am thankful to
JENESYS and JICE to have given me this opportunity to learn Japanese
culture and know Japanese people.
I knew it had to be something very good when we were going to visit
Japan. I was looking forward for a very good experience. From the day I
got the call till now I am almost amazed. Japan is a country which can
represent the world. The way it is handled is superficial. Everything about
Japan is adorable. The system of health, education, administration, travel
is worth some appreciation. The things I did not like about visiting Japan
and JENESYS is the language problem for us. Rest everything was very
good. The traffic system is very nicely handled. I surely know now that
Japan is rightly called a super power. But a very good thing about Japan
is the cooperation with other counties, urging to spread peace and
making them emerge from depths. I feel really lucky to have been
selected in such a good programme like JENESYS.
I like to experience the visit to Japan very much that I cannot express in
words. It was the most beautiful tour in my life. I got the things more than
my expectation. I am much impressed about the traffic rules and people’s
patience. They didn’t blow their horn. I like the visit to recycle factory and
Ariake Incineration Plant. I had learned that most the garbage is recycle
for the further use. And so there is no waste of any thing. I like the visit
Minamata City too. The story narrated by the woman was very touching.
I got touched by the story. I was about the cry. I like the Kumamoto Castle.
I can see the architectural work which is almost 200 years old. It was
really wonderful. I enjoy the Edo Tokyo Museum too. I can learn about
the ancient Japanese culture and it is rich with all the various varieties. I
like the visit to Panasonic Centre and the Toyota Car Centre too. In
Panasonic Centre, we can learn many new invented thing that are about
to come in market. I love Japanese food, people and the beautiful nature
too. I would like to visit the place again in my near future. I really love the
Japan and I thank JICE to conduct this programme.
Impressions by Japanese High School Students
●Title:What I have learned from the cultural exchange
with high school students from India
●School: Nagano Prefectural Nagano-Nishi High School
I have learned the importance of knowing each other’s country through this
cultural exchange. When I asked the people from India about Japan, they
could answer them well but I could not always answer what they asked me
about India and I have hurt their feelings. I know a lot about the U.S.A. and
the U.K., but I do not know much about Asian countries where are closer to
Japan. We can learn about the countries from the people we meet through
the cultural exchange but I have once again thought it was important to study
by ourselves. I will be meeting many people from many countries from now
on so I would like to be interested in many countries and study about them. I
of course would like to make an effort to learn to speak in English. It was a
very good experience to have learned the differences of culture between India
and Japan.
●Title: International exchange that made us understand each other
●School: Nagano Prefectural Nagano-Nishi High School
I have felt difficulties slightly different from the International Exchange I have
experienced before, when we cooked “Oyaki”, Japanese cake with fillings,
with the high school students from India. First of all, their English had a
strong accent that I could not understand and we could not make ourselves
understood. But the girl who was with our group was smiling all the time
and that made us feel very comfortable and even though we could not
communicate well in words, we have enjoyed cooking together. We added
curry powder and sesame to “Oyaki” and it was not very spicy since she said
we should make it to suit our taste, but I was very happy because she enjoyed
“Oyaki”. I only knew what I learned about India by watching TV and I have
never met an Indian. I thought they were scary people since they value
religion, but I have learned that they were very kind, gentle and cute. And I
was happy that I could tell them those thoughts in English though my English
was not good. Though the time was short, I think we could understand each
other by overcoming the differences in race. I would like to study English
harder and I would like to come to an understanding with people from various
countries like this time. It was a great experience.
●Title: Understanding of other culture
●School: Nagano Prefectural Nagano-Nishi High School
I think I could really feel what the different culture was through the exchange.
First of all, I was very surprised that their English was different. They had
unique pronunciation which was difficult to understand that I did not get what
they were trying to say most of the time. I have managed to communicate
with the help of some gestures and by talking slowly, but I felt there was a
great barrier between countries. Even when we could communicate in
English, our views were not always the same. I felt the importance of a smile
several times then. By just smiling, we could enjoy ourselves even though we
couldn’t understand each other. We smiled more and more every time we
talked and I was very happy. So this exchange was very good and I strongly
felt that I would like to understand different cultures more.
●Title: Be an international person
●School: Osaka Prefectural Ohtemae High School
I had a vague idea that I would be in Japan till I die, until the end of this home
stay. But my Indian friends showed me the large and amazing world. I have
always felt scared of foreign countries but I could feel that was changing as I
spent time with them. B, the boy who came to stay with us was very wise.
He was very active on the first and the second days. His intelligence and
strong will he sometimes showed have amazed me. By looking at him, I felt I
was still very immature and I wanted to catch up with him. I would like to
study English harder and speak with him on an equal basis. I thought I would
like to be an international person. This cultural exchange may have changed
my life greatly. I would like to make utmost efforts to make that change a
good one.
●Title: Cultural Exchange with high school students from India
●School: Osaka Prefectural Ohtemae High School
As for having an Indian high school student at home, I actually was anxious
about the differences in lifestyle, culture and religion at first. But such anxiety
was gone without my knowing and I was truly enjoying being with her. On the
first night at home, she sang an Indian song and I played Japanese music.
We put on Yukata, Japanese informal cotton kimono and Indian costume and
we had real cultural exchange. We enjoyed Ikebana, the Japanese flower
arrangement, and Hyakunin Isshu, the Japanese playing cards and had a
wonderful time on the following day. We talked a lot and really enjoyed
talking about our families and sports. An enjoyable time flashed by and the
farewell party started. What I cannot forget about the farewell party is that all
the high school students from Japan and India danced together. We danced
in a circle around the table. We all felt the same way and I felt like dancing
forever. But the time for parting came. It was only for two days but I felt as if
we had spent a lot more time together and that made the parting very hard.
Those two days with full of memories have become unforgettable and
precious time for me. I thank all the people and the teachers at Ohtemae
High School who have given me such a wonderful opportunity from the bottom
of my heart.
●Title: Cultural Exchange
●School: Kyoto Prefectural Joyo High School
I was worried what it would be like at first. But the exchange programme has
started and an Indian boy has come, and I was no longer worried. I hardly
speak English but the people on a visit to Japan were friendly and I have
enjoyed myself. We talked about a lot of things and then tried Japanese
calligraphy. It was the first time for him to try but I was amazed to see him
writing Kanji, the Japanese characters. We only taught him once and he
could do it. I could never do that.
I was surprised to hear that they study in English at school in India. I could
not speak properly but it was great to have been able to have such an
exchange. I would like to meet them again. And I would like to study
English and hope we can have some simple conversations. That may not be
possible... Lastly I thank you for the enjoyable time. It was only an hour but
I have learned a lot.
●Title: Cultural Exchange
●School: Kyoto Prefectural Joyo High School
It was a great cultural exchange programme. The performance by the Indian
party was enjoyable. But there were so many events that we did not have
much time to actually speak with the high school students from India. But in
spite of such a short time, they were eager to speak with us, so the barrier I felt
at first was soon gone and I have enjoyed talking with them. The curry and
naan were so good that we could deepen our friendship.
●Title: Cultural Exchange
●School: Okayama Prefectural Kurashiki Amaki High School
Though we have quite a lot of cultural exchange with foreign people nowadays,
I was worried and nervous. I was very nervous this time too. I have always
been in contact with people from the U.S.A. but this time, from India where I
was not very familiar, so I was very nervous. When I met the people from
India for the first time, I thought they were very friendly. They spoke slowly
with a smile to us who were confused and I was very happy. They wore
pretty costumes and danced. And they asked us if we had enjoyed it. We
enjoyed Origami, the Japanese paper folding, and Daruma game. They took
back many Origami that we have made. We were very happy. But I wished
if I spoke English more.
●Title: Cultural Exchange
●School: Okayama Prefectural Kurashiki Amaki High School
The biggest difference I felt though talking with the high school students from
India is their positive attitude. They asked us a lot of questions though we
are from different countries. I was amazed that they were so interested in
various Japanese things and asked us questions. Compared to them, I was
too shy to speak and I regret that I have given them a hard time. I would like
to make use of this experience for the future.
●Title: Having students through Cultural Exchange
●School: Shinwa Private High School
It has been a year since I have joined ESS association at Shinwa High School.
And I was given this big task of having students from India for the first time. I
was not confident of speaking in English properly and I was worried if they
would enjoy themselves so I was very nervous. But there was no need to
worry and we had a great time. The students from India wore different
national costumes and introduced themselves. The costumes from different
regions of India were beautiful. We had lunch together then. We played the
video introducing Shinwa High School and we have explained in English.
They asked questions and listened to our clumsy English explanations. They
have enjoyed cooking Japanese-style confection but when asked “What does
it taste like?”, they answered, “Too sweet.” It might have been too sweet for
them who are from India well known for curry. What I have thought about the
students from India was that they were very friendly and smart. One of the
students at Shinwa High School has given a presentation about environmental
issues in English at the end. When that was done, they said they wanted to
have the copy of the presentation because they wanted to show it to the
people in India. I was very impressed. Then the time to part has come.
They said “Sayonara”, good-by in Japanese. I felt there was no border
between people. I hope I can have cultural exchange with various people
across the countries. And I hope the world would be peaceful through
international exchange. Lastly, I would like to thank the people who have
planned this exchange programme.
●Title: Having students through Cultural Exchange
●School: Shinwa Private High School
What I have realized most through this exchange programme is the lack of
studying English. I knew this for some time but I really became aware of that.
I would not say all the Japanese people but most of the people (my class
mates) seem to think “I will not need English in the future so I do not need to
be so good at it.” Compared to students in other countries, we know limited
amount of vocabulary, not good at grammar and we rely on an electronic
dictionary too much. I have recognized my English ability anew this time. I
would like to host the students again so that they would be able to experience
Japanese culture but I once again thought I should study English harder.
Impressions by Host Families
<Nagano Group>
● I feel close to India, the unknown country. I was impressed with the
student who stayed with us being so calm and mature even though she was
only 14. I carelessly broke a plate while I was preparing a meal and was
clearing up, then she nonchalantly helped me. My daughter could not
speak English and felt irritated so I think she was highly motivated. But
she felt very close to the student and cried when they parted, and the
student told her “You are cute.”
● She was a real vegetarian and I have struggled with the menu. She
volunteered to help and it was good to prepare the meal together. She
liked the Pizza I prepared for lunch. (It had curry flavoured eggplant and
green paper.) Those three days were very enjoyable. Our meals are
mainly vegetables even after she has gone.
● JENESYS Programme costs a lot of money and requires a lot of work but I
think it is very significant to invite talented youths not only to Japan but to
our homes so that they would be able to understand Japan well.
<Osaka Group>
● I could see my daughter enjoy speaking with a foreigner in English for the
first time. The student wore my daughter’s Yukata, Japanese informal
cotton kimono, and my daughter wore Indian national costume and we took
photos in the evening of the first day. The student requested to learn
Ikebana, Japanese flower arrangement, so we went out to buy flowers
together and she has tried it in the morning of the second day. She
seemed to find it difficult to use the flower scissors and she was cutting
twigs and stems with a clearly unpracticed hand but she seemed to have
enjoyed it. She was eager to try the Japanese lifestyle such as a
Japanese-style room, Futon, Japanese bedding, chopsticks and traditional
Japanese bath, and we had no problem.
● It was our first experience and we made many mistakes but it became a
memorable experience for my family. I was very anxious but I felt relieved
when I learned we could understand each other with hearts even if we could
not communicate in words properly. At the same time, I felt a desire to
improve English so that I can communicate with them. We both had pets
so we talked about pets and we understood each other.
● I hardly have a chance to be in touch with foreigners, so I was a little worried.
But the student who came to our home was gentle and considerate and I
was happy. He showed us some photographs of his family on internet and
told us their customs at the weddings in India.
<Okayama Group>
● I was very impressed with cleverness and sincere attitude towards people of
the high school student from India. I was full of admiration for his attitude.
He is proud of his own country and he tried to make me understand various
culture and customs in India, such as temples and the school system. I
think it is important that host families including myself to have sufficient
knowledge about Japan to be able to explain to the guests. (I wondered if
high school students from Japan had such amount of knowledge when they
go abroad to stay with families…) Through this experience, I have learned
a lot of things I did not know before such as religion, India and vegetarian.
● Our PC has a camera so the student enjoyed talking on TV phone with the
use of Skype for free every night. It was good that we could talk with his
family on PC. We were surprised when all of his family (his grandparents,
uncle, aunt, parents, sister and cousins) came on TV phone and thanked us
in the morning on the final day. There is 3 hours of time difference
between Japan and India, so 9 in the morning here is 6 in India.
Furthermore, PC with camera is not yet popular in Indian homes so they
drove for 30 minutes to get to the centre and rented special PC booth to talk
with us.
<Kumamoto Group>
● It was the first time for me to talk with an Indian. That was the best thing.
India was an unknown country though I had some information from TV. I
am ashamed to say the only things I could think of India were, “turban, curry,
eat with a hand, prayer”. But I understood there were many talented
people in India. India will have a closer relationship with Japan in business
from now on so I think it is good that I feel familiar with them now. They
seem to have high aims and I am impressed. We did not have much time
so we only visited Mt. Aso. They seemed very interested to see scenery of
Japanese countryside, a volcano and green houses. And we made
rice-cake with a mortar and a pounder. They did not seem to like the taste.
They were vegetarian but they wanted to try Ramen noodles so I took them
to a Ramen shop where I normally go with my vegetarian friend and had
vegetarian Ramen noodles together. They seemed to have liked it very
much. I offered to give them books at a book shop before the farewell
party. They choose English books so I also gave them the books to learn
Hiragana, Japanese syllabary.
● The students who stayed with us seem to have come from very good
environments. Probably from the upper class families of India. We would
like to participate in the programme again. I look forward to the next
opportunity.
● All the high school students from India were cheerful, gentle and happy.
Out of them, R, the girl who came to our home was kind and she got up
early to thank and greet my husband who was going to work early in the
morning on Sunday. (My daughter and I were still in bed.) And she
became friends with my daughter and it was a very good stimulus for my
daughter. My daughter who is usually brave was crying after she parted
with R. It was only a short exchange over the weekend but was a
memorable one. But on reflection, it might not have been a good idea to
have taken an Indian high school student with pure heart to a game arcade.
The time was short and my husband was working so we could not go very
far and the only place I could think of taking her was a game arcade.