A New Beginning

A chance for new experiences and new friends. I applied for the program hoping to learn more about the culture and the people of Japan. A technological advanced country such as Japan is a perfect place to learn and experience new things that it has to offer. Japan is like the Philippines in so many ways. Both have been struck by calamities over and over and have risen and developed despite all the obstacles. These countries have risen time and time again to prove their resilience and perseverance.

Going to Japan is a whole new experience for me. I won’t be going there as a tourist, but as a student that wants to experience the daily life of a Japanese student. The lessons might be similar, but it’s the process that intrigues me.

Feeling like I might become an awkward and out of place since I am a shy and reserved person, questions like, “Will they be able to teach me their lessons despite not being able to understand the language?” and “Will I be able to understand and communicate despite the different language and culture?” and “Will I be able to gain anything from this trip?” were going through my mind while waiting for the exchange student program to draw near.

Though faced with overcoming my fears, I am hopeful that all these questions and the questions that I have yet to ask will also be answered. I am really looking forward to spending the next days learning a lot more about Japan and its people. A new experience awaits you. The beginning of something fruitful and worthwhile.