Exchange Student's experiences at Hanazono High School

Student A

　Through my time in Japan, I learned many things and had many experiences, thanks to my host family, Hanazono High school, and its students.

　To be honest, the first time in a different country is always rough. The language, the culture, the people, these are all things you are first not used to, but I promise you that you will get used to it one step after another.

　Also, since I was in the International class, everyone tried their best to communicate with me. With everyone trying to explain about Japanese culture and asking me about German culture, it was easy for me to find friends and I think for you it will be the same.

　I think that during an exchange year people usually mature and I would say that I matured, too. During my time in Japan, I saw many aspects of the Japanese culture with my host-family. Moreover, at Hanazono High school, I saw for the first time in my life how different a school system can be from the German one. While learning at the Hanazono High school, I could understand many points of the Japanese culture better, I was always able to ask somebody things I didn't understand. With this, I was able for the first time to think about my own country in a different way.

　This year was the most interesting year of my life and I think that everyone who went and will go to Hanazono High school will feel the same way.

A dream comes true.

　Unlike many other exchange students, my decision to come to Japan was decided quite suddenly. I never really gave too much thought about the idea of placing myself in a completely foreign country, for an entire year, all alone, if you know what I mean. Last year was my last year of high school and it was a stressful year of making decision after decision, each and every one which could have potential impact on my future. I was planning to study nutrition at university and when I found out that I couldn't study Japanese along with it, I was at a lost. Did I really want to do 3 years of hard work for nothing? At that moment it occurred to me that I had the option of having a one year break before going to university. But instead of just sleeping at home all year, I decided it might be a good idea to study Japanese instead and I couldn't have been more right!

　However it was not easy at all to make the decision. I had so many factors to consider, Was I ready to be away from my family and friends for a year? Would I be able to financially afford the program? Do I even know enough Japanese to be able to communicate? Being the over thinker I am, it took a while for me to make the decision. I am really happy for all the support and encouragement I received from my friends and family!

　Coming to Japan as an exchange student, I have learned so much more than just Japanese. I've put myself in a completely different world and have experienced living a completely different lifestyle. I guess being an exchange student is what it means to well and truly step out of your comfort zone. To be honest, this exchange has been unbelievably amazing, but there are bits that I absolutely would not like to relive. However, these experiences are what have made me grow as a person. I've learned not to dislike cultural differences but acknowledge their differences, I've become more independent and have come not to rely on my parents for every single little thing, I've learned to ride a bike with one hand while holding an umbrella in the other, I've learned how to budget and control my spending (kind of...the 100yen stores don't help though...), and I've learned how to read maps and take a foreign public transport system all by myself! I am proud of all these accomplishments and really believe that they have made me a better person.

　Now, with my stay coming to an end, I realize that I have honestly lived a dream these last 9 months. The hardest part of being an exchange student is saying goodbye. I'd like to thank everyone at Hanazono High School who tried their best to make conversations with me, included me in their group, and shared their snacks with me. I really do appreciate every single effort you guys made to talk to me, because I know it is hard to start a conversation with a foreigner in a language you're still studying.

　I really believe that doing an exchange is an eye opening experience that everyone should experience. But I know it is not something that everyone is able to commit to, so my encouragement for you all is to just do something everyday that is out of your comfort zone. Never say no to an opportunity given to you!

Student B

I was so excited when it was announced that I could join the exchange student program. I had a good experience at Hanazono high school for 6 months. To be honest, I felt so nervous about the attitude towards me from other people .However, students and teachers here accepted me and we got along well

The students always greeted me enthusiastically every morning. I have been cheered on by their enthusiasm during my stay. In class, we communicated with each other and found the answers about questions which the teacher asked us.

We worked cooperatively and got inspiration from each other. After class, we watched animations together and talked about our favorite characters.

I think that the experiences changed positively. I became more optimistic when I faced difficulties.

Teachers here are very kind and supportive. I talked to them about various topics, both in academic and daily life. Even though sometimes they were busy, they still took time to communicate with me and solve my problems. They told me a lot of things about local rules and the differences between Chinese and Japanese culture. Through their help, I could adopt to the new environment much quicker and have a deeper understanding of Japanese culture. I am grateful to everyone in this school.

I have to leave soon and go back to China. I will never forget the memories which were made in this school. Most of all I will remember the students and teachers i met at Hanazono high school. I hope I was a good bridge that fostered deeper understanding between China and Japan. I am happy we made a successful effort to understand and work with each other. Thank you Hanazono!