My Experiences

Monday-Tuesday

As I am already in Osaka since May 10 due to a family trip, I did not join my classmates in the airport and went straight to the hotel at 5 pm. When informed that their flight has been delayed, my roommate and I have decided to check in already so that we could tidy up ourselves and make ourselves look presentable when the others arrive. After everyone has checked in, we slept and woke up early in the morning to go to National Institute of Technology (NITAC) in Akashi, Japan. We were then greeted by numerous Japanese students who sang our School Hymn. After the small assembly, we were then escorted to our designated classrooms - I was assigned to Electrical Engineering- and attended our classes. My first class was English and the Professor made us check the answers of our classmates. During this class was also the time that I met my buddy Kento. After that, we attended 2 (two) more classes including Physical education wherein we played lawn tennis. When our classes ended at 4:20 in the afternoon, we were then gathered together with 80 (eighty) Korean students in an auditorium inspired room. We socialized with them and some even reported presentations that would enlighten the others about their country. Lastly, to end the day, we were toured in the campus and finally called it a day afterwards. As for the second day, we attended three classes namely, Japanese, Mathematics, and Politics and Economics. After our classes, there was a party organized by NITAC wherein we met and socialized with more students and engaged in fun and playful activities. It was truly a memorable day for me as we have met tons of new people who are eager to really know us.

Wednesday-Thursday

Wednesday comes and we attended our classes as usual. However, after the classes, we visited Caterpillar Japan Akashi Plant. We walked to get there and I must admit that it was tiring. However, I loved how my newly found Japanese friends waited for me even if I was slow at walking. Throughout the whole walk, I talked to them and learned more interesting facts regarding them and when we arrived, I immediately got excited even if I was tired. This is probably caused by the fact that Caterpillar plays an important role in our family business. During the visit, we were toured in the factory and we saw the making of the heavy equipments. We were also asked to ask questions that were then answered by the workers of Caterpillar. After the visit, we went back to the hotel and I immediately fell asleep after cleaning up. On may 17, we attended our classes as usual. However, after the classes, we visited Kimpo elementary school and hosted games for the kids. It was really fun and I enjoyed spending time with them. Even though I’ve only been in Japan for a week, I can already feel the friendship forming with my Japanese friends.