Experience shared by Blair

I received a long email from Blair's co-ordinator of the Japanese exchange program - Ms. Wulf. She has been to Seishin 4 times. Her experience is a great help for us. (Click the title to read the email.)

Okay--Sharing our culture with them. In the past, the teachers in charge of the program had us share some thing at a welcome party and then at a farewell party.

At the welcome party, we have sung our state song, "There is No Place Like Nebraska," "The Star Spangled Banner," etc. At the farewell party, we have danced the Electric Slide or other line type dance. They usually give us some kind of traditional Japanese dance to learn when we are there when we have cultural classes at Seishin, so we thought we would teach them some of our contemporary dances like the Electric Slide. Usually a lot of fun as they try to learn! This means that you need to bring the right CD's etc. We have also had typical Nebraska type outfits that we wear for the farewell party--we have worn jeans and t-shirts and farmer bandanas. We have done the Virginia Reel and another old traditional American dance kind of like a square dance. BUT, I don't know what this new program director will want us to do. This is what has been done in the past and I suspect that we should have something in mind. Especially since we probably need CD's to get this done. Also, there is time while we are there during our lunch break and a few other breaks when we will have time to practice! If they expect us to have something ready for the farewell, hopefully we can plan something together!

Then, the farewell party---at the welcome party that they give us, they provide snacks and drinks--at least they have in the past. So, for the farewell party, we take American snacks that they can enjoy -- We take anything that will travel easily--Skittles, Pringle potato chips, Starburst Fruit Chews, M M's, Jolly Ranchers, Cheetos, crackers---be creative. If each student puts one or two bags of something in their suitcase, you can get a lot of snacks there! The Japanese don't do chocolate like American kids so we tend to stay away from that.

Then, we will probably be introduced to the teachers at their morning meeting. In the past they have wanted us to say something in Japanese to them. Your host family will probably help you prepare a short speech. I have said very general things to them---things like, "thank you for having us--we are happy to be here. We are happy to be involved with this program."

Also, it is a good idea for your students to find out who the members of their host family are in order to take some small gifts to them. Akiko will give you host families before you go --that way students will know with whom they are staying. Gifts should be made in the USA if possible--

Also, our school sends a gift to their school. We have taken books about Nebraska, a quilt, etc.

And luggage---you have to handle your own luggage once off the plane. I always tell students that they need to be able to handle their own luggage easily. The trains have areas where luggage can be stored. I have traveled with 8 students before and had no problem finding storage on the trains for luggage. The Shinkansen has a luggage area when you enter the car where luggage can be placed.

I will definitley answer any questions that you have--it takes some time to organize everything that needs to be taken and prepared for--but we will get through it together and then have a great time!

Also, since Akiko is new as the director, she may change some things, but we will be prepared for some of this. As it gets closer, I am sure that she will tell us more of what to expect! We usually arrived there on a Friday night and then had a welcome party on Saturday morning. But we will arrive on a Tuesday, and you will come on Wednesday, so I don't know what plan she will come up with.

Another to thing to know is that while we are there, we will probably be invited to speak in English conversation classes. They usually have an activity planned that they do with us. We have visited many classes at Seishin. If your kids want to take special things to show in those classes, they should be ready for that--a picture of your school--your town--whatever!