<p>Anyone going this summer? I just got my packet today. I'll be going to Japan for six weeks this summer and couldn't be more excited.</p>
<p>My D is going to Japan as well!! She is very excited.</p>
<p>Where in Japan are you going?</p>
<p>I went last year to a small town outside of Niigata. It was the best summer of my life.</p>
<p>Deb -- That's awesome. Is she studying Japanese right now? I don't really know much of the language yet (though I hope to improve greatly while I'm there). Do you have any idea of when we get information on our host families? It's still kind of weird to think that it's actually real and it's actually happening. I was put on the waitlist and had almost convinced myself that I wouldn't be going, but then I heard today that I won one of their scholarships. It's just a great feeling.</p>
<p>Jonathan -- I'm not sure yet where I'll be. I haven't gotten my host family placement yet. But given the scholarship that I got, it will probably be somewhere near Tokyo (maybe).</p>
<p>My son also will be studying in Japan this summer, but doesn't yet know where he'll be.</p>
<p>SilverandJade--My daughter doesn't know any Japanese! She also won a scholarship and is hoping to learn some Japanese before she leaves. My older son speaks Japanese (also went to Japan with YFU) and had a fabulous experience. Do you know the dates of the exchange? We are waiting to set the rest of our summer plans based on this. I recall my son didn't find out about his family until late May or early June. He still keeps in touch with them!</p>
<p>Oh my gosh!!! CONGRATULATIONS GUYS! I'm a Japan YFU Alumni and I am soo for the program. You guys are going to have the time of your lives...i'm envious of you all because I want to go back. My host family loved me and we communicated really well. I became so much more independent as a person, and i've really connected with the culture well. I thoroughly enjoyed attending my japanese high school, went out with a couple of my friends from there one day, i'm still in touch with my friends. Also, my host parents consistently send me birthday cards, New Years cards, and letters. I promised them that i'd be visiting again really soon. I went to Yokohama Japan and it was a very nice city! If you have any questions for me, ask me. I'm Japanese and I have family in Japan, so in general, I know a lot. If you need to know anything about the culture, i'm free to answer! Again, congrats and look fowards to an experience you'll never ever forget!</p>
<p>Wow. I just looked at the site and the programs seem amazing! I hope I can go to Greece next summer through YFU. :)</p>
<p>yepunsarang-- Since you've been through the program first hand, would you care to share some general advice? Anything that you think would be important to know both about how the program works and living in Japanese culture. What are the most essential things to be able to say? What are some things that I should keep in mind while living with my host family (especially when I first get there)? Any other things to make it easier to adjust and more enjoyable overall?</p>
<p>deb-- I'm not sure of the exact dates, but my best guess would be June 23-August 5. That gives us the last week in June, all of July, and the first week in August, making six weeks. Hopefully we'll find out soon for sure.</p>
<p>I have a few questions..
if you go in the summer, what exactly do you do all day, esp. if you don't speak the language? Do all families have kids around your age?</p>
<p>Wow Silver Jade...you have lots of questions for me. Well, i'll ans the ones that I think are most relevant. Um...about the program, it's really well organized because there's a rep in every area in Japan. They always check up on you by calling your host parents. Generally, the program suggests you don't keep a cell on you or don't contact your parents as much because they want it to be as much of a "out of America" experience as possible. Also, Japanese culture tends to be very different from American. The expectations such as very high sincerity to elders and respect, and consideration for others besides you. Japanese also tend to be very discreet and conservative. It's not good to be extremely loud in public, you should be cautious about yourself, and be polite. Japanese people are very polite! Sometimes, I think too polite because you might get a misunderstanding. A lot of times, it's happened where a student would stay up in their rooms because that's what they do generally all the time at home. But you ARE NOT AT HOME during that summer and you should be interactive. Most of these host families assume that this student either dislikes them, or is unhappy. So you have to remember to give out a happy, positive attitude (even time when you feel sluggish and unhappy). Remember that you need to show lots of respect and gratitude becaus these people are taking care of you for free! Theyr'e doing it out of their hearts. </p>
<p>To make your stay very enjoyable, remember to:</p>
<ol>
<li><p>Step out of your own cautious self and try new things. DOn't be afraid! Try a Japanese tea ceremony, go out with your new Japanese buddies, try speaking japanese as much as you can.</p></li>
<li><p>Talk to your classmates at your high school to get a better understanding of Japanese culture and share American culture with them.</p></li>
<li><p>Be independent and go places by yourself </p></li>
<li><p>Be friendly and positive about yourself and your experience. It's normal to get homesick the first few days, but remember that this is something you shouldn't waste. You'll go home in time! </p></li>
<li><p>Don't be embarrassed about doing things wrong or saying wrong things in Japanese. Ask for help if you need it. </p></li>
<li><p>Have FUN!!! </p></li>
</ol>
<p>LaLa: You're probably thinking about how bored you'll be. Nope...that's all false. You have tons of touring to do by the way, you have classes at your Japanese school...so that takes up a lot fo your time, you might have siblings to talk to you, play with you, etc, you might have hw to do too during the summer, you can explore the place by yourself, and there are events that are hosted in your area for YFU students that you attend. You'll get notices about it when you're in Japan. I for instance went to an elementary school and was part of a class for a day, I went to a Toshiba and Nissan Factory/ Showcase, there was a Talentshow, etc. Trust me...time WILL fly and you won't want to leave.</p>
<p>Please ask more questions guys!!</p>
<p>thanks for the help
well im acutally going to Germany, but I assume the activities would be similar? Can you describe the experience? Like from getting on the plane to go.. to arriving..and how you got used to the difference? And what activities you did and just as much as you can..im so curious! Thank you so much!</p>
<p>La La, it must be so exciting going to Germany!! Could I tag along?
Okie doke...my experience in detail:</p>
<p>Well, activity wise, I did lots of sightseeing around Yokohama like the city area, and stuff but school took up a lot of my time during the day. (However, it's not like I went to school the entire trip so I had more freedom later) I admit that sometimes you might get a bit bored because your host parents have lives (and may be even children to take care of) and can't bring you around everywhere all the time. You got to be considerate you know...But even those times, you should amuse yourself by going to the local German grocery store or something and buy a german soft drink for fun, or just wander around without getting lost. I went to the supermarket a lot (had so much fun) and visited the department stores in Japan because they really have everything in there! You can also go clothing shopping if you want with your German classmates. They can help you find trendy clothing!! Er...I even went swimming at a local pool. I had to navigate the pool by train all by myself and had lots of fun doing laps. IF you want to do something, say so, let your host parents know, keep their phone numbers with you all the time, the house address, extra emergency money, etc. I even asked my Japanese friends if there was anywhere cool to go, and they showed me around. That's a cool option because they can tour you around when your host parents are busy. </p>
<p>How I got used to everything:
Well, i'll be candid about everything. Um...the plane ride there was swell, except I didn't know what to expect of my host parents. I was nervous but not homesick yet. When I got off the bus to meet my host parents it was a bit akward to tell you the truth. I mean you're meeting these people for the first time...but I tried to be kind and happy. The first night there was strange and I didn't know what to say. But it's a 2 month trip, so I loosened up easily and got to talk about interesting stuff like WWII and Japan with my host parents. Yeah, you don't know them, but act as if you've known them all your life and that you're family. Also, call your host parents "mom" and "dad". It makes things so much more family-like and close. </p>
<p>The first night I was there, I set down my luggage and sat on my bed, looked around, and suddenly felt this pang and started to get homesick. I admit, I cried a little (but didn't sob)...it's only normal. But don't get scared by what i'm saying. If this happens to you and you really start missing home, think that you only have 2 months. You're going to end up missing it soooo much when you return back to America. You might as well make the best use of your time and be happy...make memories, and be a little drop of sunshine to your hostparents. I kind of got annoyed at my hostparents one time (but kept it in) because it seemed as if they expected me to be so outgoing, talking all the time, and being with them 24/7. OF course you can't do that...but try, and always smack a smile on yourself. But if you're feeling bad or something, let them know right away. You don't want to suffer. My sister's hostparents were really sweet about my twin's bad stomachache when she had it at midnight. Her mom was worried so she gave my sister medicine and even fell asleep on the floor next to my sister. They're going to be sweet to you, so treat them like how you'd treat your own parents. I'm sorry i'm rambling so much, but a lot of people do feel homesick or can't adjust so easily in the beginning. But embrace your new experience and be optimistic about everything. Enjoy the time that you have because it won't be forever. You'll wish it could be...but reality (home) is waiting for you always. Be yourself, be curious, be open, and embrace a new world. I'm so excited for you!!! Ask more questions guys!</p>
<p>wWOoww Thank you SO much!!!
Reading that made me more excited! So do you think the language will be much of a problem? And from what you're saying, I gather that its alot of independent activity? Which is good..I've never really been away for long and for sure never in a foregin country! So independent = very good! Thank you so much for all your help. Sorry if you've mentioned this, but if you were there in the summer, how did you attend school? Thanks again!!</p>
<p>LaLa, i'm so glad you're so interested! I'm happy that i'm making you excited too!! Cause you should be!! Yeah...i've never been so far away and for so long that summer. It was the first time I was so independent. But ultimately, it made me into a more mature, self-confident person.
About the language...I don't think you'll be in such a bad situation but just know your basic German you know. Like "Help!" you never know what's going to happen...haha. Just kidding. Anyways, still know your basics and learn as much as you can! But don't be so worried about it cause there will be people who are willing to teach you. But once again, the more you know, the more you can practice the language and get a better understanding of the German people by talking with them.
About the school thing, I don't think all people are assigned to schools, but roughly 80 some percent do get matched with a local school. My host mother spent one day showing me the way to my high school. And it wasn't a short trip...I had to walk up these killer stairs everyday and walk a lot. But, it was fun anyways. My host mom told me which classes I had, and talked tot he school ahead of time to make room for me in one of their classes. I then basically stayed with this class for all their lessons (english, french, math, chem, gym, etc etc.) English was fun since I got to correct the teacher and read passages! But i'm sure that if you're going to a high school, your host parents have already talked to the school's principal, had everything arranged for you, and will show you how to get to school. It'll be fun...although I know how nerve wrecking it could be. But trust me...the kids there will be sooo sweet. I found the Japanese teenagers to be so much sweeter and nicer than American teens. I bet it'll be the same in Germany! Good luck Lala, and let me know your host family info when it comes in! (It might even come a week before your departure) Ask me more questions too if you need!</p>
<p>PS: take tons of pics!</p>
<p>Wow, thank you so much for your long responses! I've been soooo excited about everything since I heard from them. I've been listening to J-rock, J-pop, and anime soundtracks almost nonstop, I've started rewatching one of my favorite anime, I've worked on my hiragana, katakana, kanji, vocabulary, etc...I've also started reading Japanese news (in English, though). </p>
<p>A few more questions: It sounds like you had a lot of free time. How much of this did you spend on your own and how much did you spend with your host family? I have a friend that lives just outside of Tokyo and I'd like to see her if possible, do you know if YFU would let me work this out? Also, what can I expect from a typical Japanese birthday celebration? I'll be turning 17 in July, so I want to be prepared for any unique customs I might encounter. Thanks!</p>
<p>One more thing: What about food? I'm kind of notoriously a picky eater so that's the one thing I'm worried about. Will I be able to get by without eating seafood? The only experience I have with Japanese food is in Hibachi restaurants.</p>
<p>Oh, and is natto really that bad?</p>
<p>For those who receive "Imagine" (the CTY magazine), this month's issue contains an interesting article recounting the experiences of a young woman who spent an academic year in a YFU program in Japan.</p>
<p>It will be hard to avoid seafood in Japan. I had seafood nearly everyday. I'm sure they will want to take you to a sushi bar. It's really not that bad. </p>
<p>Natto is not bad at all. I liked it actually. :)</p>
<p>Ok. Thanks. I guess I'll just have to try it. ^_^</p>