Once In a Lifetime Experience
英語コミュニケーション学科 3年
Hawaii to me is full of simply beautiful islands, with coconut palm trees, a chilling vibe that I can only see from videos, movies, books, etc. However, I can say with certainty that I have learned a lot more about Hawaii through this program. Especially, to a soon to be 4th year student like me, it was definitely a precious experience.
Some difficulties:
To be honest, the first few days were quite strange to me because it was a little bit different from what I imagined. I did not expect to use Japanese that much thinking I was in Hawaii - a state of America. However, considering Hawaii is one of the most popular tourist destinations to Japanese, I could see why.
It just meant more benefits to me as a foreign student studying in Japan, being able to use both Japanese and English.
Volunteer experiences:
Besides the language and the jet lag, other things were wonderful. I stepped out of my comfort zone to do things that I would consider in a million years I would never do, most of which happened when we were helping to prepare for the Honolulu Festival. From translating for the Yosakoi team, having full conversations with locals, to being a part of a parade. Have to say, I felt exhausted after three days doing volunteering but the experience I got absolutely worth it.
Academic experiences:
So, after landing in Hawaii, we spent the first two days learning about the land, its history, and how local people preserved their cultures. Even with the pre-hand knowledge that I prepared before going, I was still astonished by the new information I learned in a short period of time. The professor from Kapi'olani Community College actually took his time giving us a kind of field trip tour so we could have a better understanding of what he taught the other day. I can now just look at all of the pictures I took that day and can tell you what he had taught.
Being closer to my own university friends, making new friends, meeting new people, and having such wonderful experiences are what I have gained from this program. I can say to you reading this that if there are any other chances to come back to Hawaii to experience that once again, I would grasp that opportunity in a heartbeat.
