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If you have been following our program or our blog, you have no doubt heard about our “Arigato Event.” Performed near the end of each of our stays, the event is a way for us to say Thank You to the communities and host families [...]]]>

If you have been following our program or our blog, you have no doubt heard about our “Arigato Event.” Performed near the end of each of our stays, the event is a way for us to say Thank You to the communities and host families who have worked so hard to bring us into their world. These communities do most of the work needed to make World Campus International a success. In each of our events, there is a section that highlights the talents and creativity of our participants. This summer we had some members who decided that their talents went better together than on their own. Having never met before the program, these participants put a little Elvis, some Sax, a vocal rhythm track, a traditional Japanese instrument, and a world class voice together to create this amazing rendition of the classic, “Love Me Tender.”

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Over the past few weeks, we have given everyone a glimpse into the World Campus — Japan program. You have heard a lot about what we do and how we felt as we did it. We now want to let you hear one of [...]]]>

Over the past few weeks, we have given everyone a glimpse into the World Campus — Japan program. You have heard a lot about what we do and how we felt as we did it. We now want to let you hear one of our participant’s thoughts after she returned to the “real” world. Meghan Kuts participated in program 1 and 2 of the WCI Summer 09 tour. She made this video a little more than a month after she returned home. Take a look!!!

Okay, wow. First of all, traveling with World Campus International this summer was my first trip outside of Europe and my first trip alone for more than 2 weeks. At first I was a little bit scared. Who will I meet and what will the program be like? Of course I read a lot about [...]]]>

Okay, wow. First of all, traveling with World Campus International this summer was my first trip outside of Europe and my first trip alone for more than 2 weeks. At first I was a little bit scared. Who will I meet and what will the program be like? Of course I read a lot about the program on the website, but still I could only create an image, which might be different from the real thing… and it was different. All the people I met there were so friendly and open! I am now back in my country called Holland and only now I realize what kind of people I met there and how they changed my whole lifestyle and way of thinking.

I completed all three programs of World Campus International this summer. I visited 6 different cities, lived with 7 different host families and each stay was an experience on its own. I met friends in Japan with the same interests as me, friends with the same passion, friends with a different way of thinking and friends with other customs. I never thought I would meet such a variety of people! Even when I met more than one person from one country, none of them had the same personality or interests. That was the beautiful part of the diversity I encountered. For me, I did not just meet people from Taiwan, Norway, China or Japan; no, I met people who became good friends. I never ever thought that I would get so close to the people I met in the World Campus – Japan program.

The life in Japan I lived was so different from the life I lead in Holland. Not only because it took place in Japan, but also because I was immersed in the World Campus – Japan life. At times we had a busy schedule and I was tired from the program, but it was all worth it. The things I have seen and experienced, shaped my imagination and helped me form opinions on matters like education, international relations and the role of media within the society. Also, my thoughts on different food, customs and languages. Personally, it was weird to speak English every day, but the more I talked with my friends, the more I became accustomed to it. Not only did I learn English, I picked up a little Japanese, Chinese, some Korean and even some New Jersey slang.

I have gained so much. Now, I am sitting in my chair in my house in Holland looking at pictures and videos from the program, reliving the moments. I am trying to reflect on the whole program, but I am still in Japan with my thoughts. I cannot reflect on my experiences if I am still there, can I? When I look at all the pictures and videos, I have come to realize that the time in Japan, which I enjoyed to the fullest, is over.

It might seem sad that the end of the program came. But, it is not the end of World Campus (cliché, but true). I am staying in contact with my new friends on Facebook and mail (people who are reading this and have no Facebook; get Faaaaaaaaaaacebooooooooook!) and I talk to them about everything and nothing as if we were never separated from each other. I think making connections with new people is the focus of World Campus International. Because, truthfully, the program would never have turned out the way it did without the people who were participated.

Thank you for this wonderful time and experience. See you soon!

(Ashwin Ramjiawan, Holland)

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Now that the 2009 summer tour is over and the blog posts are at an end, it is time to take one more look at each of our programs. We start with program 1, July 5 – July 22 in Omura and Tama. [...]]]>

Now that the 2009 summer tour is over and the blog posts are at an end, it is time to take one more look at each of our programs. We start with program 1, July 5 – July 22 in Omura and Tama. It was an intense and emotional program. We spent some time with a survivor of the atomic attack on Nagasaki, we took a day in each city to explore Japan’s education system, we were able to get to know some Japanese college students, and we saw, first hand some of the martial arts secrets of Sorinji. While everyone who was involved with World Campus International will have their own favorite moment, mine came when we visited a school for physically and mentally handicapped students. I was inspired and amazed at the strength of the students and faculty members. Take a look for yourself. This highlight video of summer 2009 program 1 will give everyone a taste of what World Campus – Japan does during our tours.

(Jay Kinsel, Production Manager)

More fun stuff from the tour!　

Every day is packed full of fun programs during the tour. But other than those programs, we have a personal day that we arrange by ourselves and get the opportunity to enjoy the city on our own. Even though I’m Japanese, there are still many places where I haven’t been [...]]]>

More fun stuff from the tour!　

Every day is packed full of fun programs during the tour. But other than those programs, we have a personal day that we arrange by ourselves and get the opportunity to enjoy the city on our own. Even though I’m Japanese, there are still many places where I haven’t been to in my country.

In Tama city, I took this opportunity to have a small trip to Tsukiji, Shimokitazawa, and Roppongi with Janice, who is from the U.S. In the very warm sun, we had a lot of fun looking around stores in Tsukiji, trying to eat many different things, taking pictures, and especially we relished the awesome Salmon roe bowl.

The unplanned personal day can be fun and at the same time cause problems. Our mistake was that we bought a round trip ticket from the nearest station to central Tokyo and the free pass ticket of Tokyo Metro. The problem was, Tokyo Metro doesn’t go to Shimokitazawa from Tsukiji. Instead, it could take us only to Yoyogi-uehara, so we had to take a long walk from Yoyogi-uehara to Shimokitazwa. An employee at the station told us that it would take about 20 minutes, but it took much more than that, an hour! In addition, when we thought we had finally arrived at Shimokitazawa, we realized we had passed Shimokitazawa and actually arrived at the next station. We had to pay for another train ticket BACK to Shimokitazawa station which was the same amount that we paid for two GariGari-kuns while we were walking. But it was a good memory anyway. We had fun in doing window shopping in Shimokitazawa.

After that, we headed to Roppongi. Then we got together with Yuki Yoshida, who used to be on staff with the 3rd tour of World Campus – Japan. Reunion with former staff and participants in the city is also fun during the tour. We ate together and spent a good time with them talking about the old days and this program.

Personal day is only one day each tour city and despite it being an off day, it can be more tiring than daily programs. But, it is perfect for refreshing my feelings. I feel like I will make my days worthwhile and fun with the members of WCI and people in Tama city again starting tomorrow.

(Rie Hayase, Japan)

After getting to know each other over lunch, the TIC members showed us the traditional activities of Japan. We partook in Shogi, Igo, Soroban, Koma-mawashi, Origami, Sado, Bozu-mekuri, Furoshiki and wearing yukata. I was so happy to have the chance [...]]]>

Today, we went to Parthenon Tama to have a potluck party with the TIC members.

After getting to know each other over lunch, the TIC members showed us the traditional activities of Japan. We partook in Shogi, Igo, Soroban, Koma-mawashi, Origami, Sado, Bozu-mekuri, Furoshiki and wearing yukata. I was so happy to have the chance to wear a yukata. It is complicated to wear, but I was very excited and it was so beautiful.

Afterward, I played with a Koma-mawashi, which is spinning a top afterward. A nice gentleman gave me great details on how to spin the top, but I failed six times. All the people felt pity for us, but when I finally accomplished my goal, everyone became happy and cheered! I really enjoyed the cordial atmosphere. Lastly, the baby boomers invited me to play the Bozu-mekuri (Japanese traditional card game), It is similar to one of the Chinese card game, you will never know if you will win or lose the game till the end. I was happy to be with TIC to experience such a joyful time.

(Xury Pan, China)

This was the third time for us to host for WCI. Each time, we look forward to encountering young adults from various countries around the globe, and this has become one of our fun annual events. This is because by being a host family, we gain many things that could not be learned by being [...]]]>

This was the third time for us to host for WCI. Each time, we look forward to encountering young adults from various countries around the globe, and this has become one of our fun annual events. This is because by being a host family, we gain many things that could not be learned by being abroad for business or as a tourist. It is created through meeting and living with a new family member from another country and culture. We look forward to discussing and feeling our life styles, cultures and ways of thinking in various daily life situations.

This summer, my eight year old daughter started studying English at her own will. This was probably another result of our encounter with WCI and becoming a host family. Although we support WCI as a host family, I always feel that we gain even more from all of you from WCI.

This time, Christine, a Korean American came to our household. As she is majoring in Japanese at her college, she spoke great Japanese to us. Since she has a lot of interest in the Japanese language and culture, we discussed many and various things everyday. I think that this time was also an important one for us to look back on our own country. Our time spent with Christine will continue to be our family treasure.

We hope that WCI will continue on with evermore richened activities. We also look forward to gaining family members all over the world. A final, big thank you to World Campus International!

(Yasuhiro Takahashi, Toride City)

Time is always precious, but only in Japan does it fly by like the bullet train! As World Campus — Japan left Tama City, we said goodbye not only to our second city of the tour, but also to three members of our family. Although our time with Jackie from America, Lita and Amanda from [...]]]>

Time is always precious, but only in Japan does it fly by like the bullet train! As World Campus — Japan left Tama City, we said goodbye not only to our second city of the tour, but also to three members of our family. Although our time with Jackie from America, Lita and Amanda from Indonesia was relatively short, it was undeniably memorable. The amount of tears shed was indicative of the somber mood that morning. Even though my eyes were only red because of allergies, I was also saddened by their departure.

And so with a tearful goodbye to Tama City and our three international friends we brought an end to session one of the summer 2008 World Campus — Japan tour. Although we were all a tad melancholic, our merry band regained its pep again as we met a few new friends. This summer program is separated into two sessions and even though we lost three members, we gained six new participants.

And so it is with eager optimism that we welcomed two more representatives from Denmark, another from America, one from Switzerland, one from Turkey, and another from Japan. Anders, Signe, Amanda, Catherine, Mura, and Yayoi, on behalf of World Campus — Japan, we welcome you into our family. This program offers many things to different people but it is also up to each individual to make to the most of his or her experience.

Like life, this program is not always perfect and there will be difficult moments but sometimes the most rewarding experiences are gained by overcoming challenges. The easy path is not always the most satisfying or gratifying. All we can ask is that you apply yourselves and be open to the many opportunities in the next three and a half weeks here in Japan. We look forward to getting to know you and exploring Toride City, Mito City and Hiroshima City with you!

(Guang Yeung, USA)

One thing that is great about the World Campus — Japan tour is your involvement with host families. I have found that there are many similarities and differences between my host families in Ueda City and Tama. Maybe it is because each city is so different from the other; Ueda City is very much rural [...]]]>

One thing that is great about the World Campus — Japan tour is your involvement with host families. I have found that there are many similarities and differences between my host families in Ueda City and Tama. Maybe it is because each city is so different from the other; Ueda City is very much rural with its rolling mountains, and Tama is a suburban center near Tokyo. Despite the contrast in locations, both families were awesome! They were so caring and loving towards me.

In Tama, I stayed with the Kitami family. Mie was my host mom and Atushi was my host dad, they were so amazing and nice. I also had a 13 year old host brother named Shun and a nine year old host sister named Ami. The children were so nice and adorable. Even at the very beginning, I could feel that they really loved me, because they tried carried my super heavy suitcase up to the 3rd floor! I knew that they couldn’t do that and I told them that I could lift it by myself, but they still tried to be nice and helpful. Oh, so so so cute! They are also a very sporty bunch. Shun plays tennis, and he is in the tennis club, and Ami swims a lot and can do any type of swimming style you can think of. I was never bored with such active kids.

The parents truly cared for me. They gave me so much food because they didn’t want me starving and it was delicious by the way. They also really paid attention to my health, because they knew that I am allergic to cold and dust, so they always asked me about the house condition.

One of the best experiences with the family actually involved a few other participants and their host families! You know what they said, the more, the merrier! The Kitami family just happened to be quiet close with four other families who were also hosting World Campus — Japan participants. One evening the five families all went to a peaceful park to have a picnic and play with fireworks. The food and fireworks were fine but it was the families that made so enjoyable. The families also went together to Disneyland on Host Family Day! Oh how exciting that was! I was in Japan, in Disneyland! It was really unbelievable for me. I was in Disneyland!

The Kitami family really treated me like their one of their own. They would love me so much and they have become a tattoo in my mind and soul.

(Aloysia Lita, Indonesia)