Learners’ Stop Overs

At first glance, one would think that the welcome party prepared for us would be uneventful. The set-up was quite simple, a few tables and chairs with snacks on them. The usual, as some people would say. However, it turned out to be the other way around. Everyone was talking to each other like they’ve known each other for more than two days and started laughing like old friends. Another good thing that came out of the welcome party was the part where all of us did not limit ourselves to staying in one group. Everyone kept going around, asking for each other’s social media accounts, taking photos, and getting to know each other. It was a great feeling to get to know them since we were given the chance to talk about the Philippines’ architecture earlier that day. We even played Bahay-Kubo-Bagyo with our classmates which they really enjoyed along with the snacks we gave them.

It was on the third day of the exchange program when we were given the opportunity to visit the Caterpillar Japan Akashi Plant, and Kimpo Elementary School on the fourth day. These two activities were spent with our buddies and other students who were to attend the exchange program in the Philippines in the months to come. The visit to Caterpillar was very educational since we did not only see the different procedures they go through to provide quality machines, but we also got the chance to meet their highly respected representatives and ask them several questions. The walk going to and forth the location was quite far, but it was really entertaining to do with a fun bunch of people. This made the whole experience much more exciting and less tiring. Meanwhile, the visit to Kimpo Elementary School was very refreshing on my part since I love spending time with kids. It was very satisfying to see them smile and laugh as we tried to act out the similarities and differences of Philippines and Japan. Seeing them play the games and love the simple prizes we prepared for them made me really happy and content with the happiness I am experiencing. Overall, I enjoyed the experience despite being given a limited time.

The past few days have went by really fast that I didn’t notice the amount of days we have already spent here in Japan. I may have felt like each day gets more tiring and tiring, but it becomes worth it when I get to spend it with great company. There may be times that are not so fun compared to the others and misunderstandings that we would like to forget, but these experiences have made all of us become closer as a group. I am glad to have found friends that I have grown very close with in just a matter of days, and I am overjoyed to get to experience a great opportunity like this with them. In the days to come, I hope we get to make more exciting memories which will not only give us euphoria but learnings that we can carry out in whatever we may do in the future.