Report 1: April
I can’t believe it’s already been a month since I arrived in Japan. When we landed, Nishio-sensei
came to the airport to pick us up. We stayed in a hotel for the first night and the next morning
Yamaguchi-sensei took us to Okazaki castle, then school where we received our timetables, etc. During
this first month we’ve had some funny mishaps like Julia forgetting her hat at the hotel by the airport,
getting lost, going to the wrong class and other things like that. But it has been a very smooth transition
for me. I almost wish I knew less about Japan before I came, so I could be more surprised about
everything.
Surprisingly, the thing I miss most about Canada is couches. It’s something I never thought about
until I didn’t have one anymore. Sitting on tatami pillows just isn’t the same. Sometimes I miss my family,
but I haven’t really felt any homesickness yet. They keep us pretty busy; today is actually my first day I
spent at home (there is a thunderstorm outside).
We’ve already done some travelling during the Golden Week. Julia and I went to Osaka
and Kumano. Our plans were pretty spontaneous. Only a few days before we left did we settle where we
would stay in Osaka. And for Kumano, we decided to go there after I saw Nachi Waterfall on T.V. one
night. We booked a hotel after we arrived there. It was my first trip like that. Come to think of it, I’ve
never really done anything like that on my own before. It was really fun. Coming to Japan is my first big
trip away from home, too. I’ve had a lot of firsts here. First squatting toilet, first techo-toilet with bidet,
First time eating pig intestine (Nishio-sensei made us eat it without telling us and actually it tasted good,
but the idea of intestines still creeps me out), first chicken stomach (again, courtesy of Nishio-sensei),
first sento (public bath), and so many more. I’m doing things I would never do in Canada, or never get
the chance to.
At school I’m taking the usual Japanese language/culture classes everyone takes, but I’m also
taking tea ceremony (with Julia), and P.E. Tea ceremony is very intricate and there is a certain way to do
everything. The tea is not too bitter—in fact it’s perfect— and the sweets are always good. The most
difficult parts for me are kneeling for a long time, and whisking the tea. I feel bad for the person who has
to drink my tea because I can’t froth it well yet. After school on Wednesdays Julia and I also have
Footosaru club (5 man/side soccer on a smaller playing field). I’m hoping we can make some good
friends by joining these other classes/clubs.
Speaking of Julia, I’m really glad we came together. We mesh really well, and because she’s a
seasoned traveller, she’s not afraid to just go for things and I like that. I don’t think I could have come
with a better person. I think she has a bit more energy than me though. I hope I can keep up. I was
pretty tired after we came back from our Golden Week trip and just wanted to sleep.
So to summarize everything so far: It’s great! The people are super nice and I feel like I’m learning how
to be a better host for when I return to Canada. I am so happy and grateful that I am on this exchange.
Today is the last day of Golden Week so tomorrow its back to the books.
Jaa, mata!
Aleena
P.S. For future students: During Golden Week, Nagashima Outlet Mall has super great deals. In
particular, for ladies fashion Julia and I liked “Axes”. Super cute clothes and a really good deal. Julia got a
fancy summer dress for 1500 yen. (a little more than $15 CAD).
Report 2
So it has just been over 2 months since I’ve been in Japan and life has become routine. So many
things that shocked or wowed me have now become normal; elderly people on bicycles with heaps of
groceries in the front basket out-peddling me, girls in knee high socks and high heels with short skirts,
the oven mitts obasans attach to their bike handles to protect from sunlight/keep their hands warm,
people wearing long-sleeve thermal shirts (under their other clothes) in 27 degree weather and saying
they’re cold... there are so many things.
Half way through May, the student council took Julia and me for dinner and we had shabu shabu.,
Shabu shabu is basically a hot plate in the middle of the table with a pot of boiling water on top where
you dip various foods like meat, vegetables, and even cheese (though it’s difficult to get it back out of
the pot). You leave it in the boiling water for a short time, then take it out and voila! It’s ready to eat.
We had such a great time and actually, that was the first time I had a lasting conversation in Japanese. I
wasn’t just reciting sentences— I was expressing what I was thinking and feeling at the moment. No it
wasn’t perfect, but I could feel my mind working and kind of “growing.”
It’s funny; probably the biggest reason that my spoken Japanese has improved so much is that I
made friends with the three exchange students from Korea. Now you may be thinking: what on earth do
the two have in common? Well you see, I don’t speak Korean, and they don’t speak English, so our
common language is Japanese and we have to use it to communicate. I’m also not worried about making
mistakes while speaking with them—I know they will understand me even if I sound silly. I think the
difference in attitude between the Korean exchange students and the Japanese students is interesting.
The Korean students are much more open and outgoing, and I feel that in many ways they are closer to
Julia and me in culture.
Having said this, I have been surprised more than once by some of the “out there” things I have
witnessed people doing here in Japan. One day I was riding my bicycle to school and I saw an old man
sitting in his front yard clipping his toe nails (though apparently it is a strange notion to clip your toe
nails in the bathroom). In our Footsal club, I experienced two surprises. The first was when I saw the
boys in the club playing around; the best way to describe it is that they were rolling around on the
ground, kind of like children, and it wasn’t until I saw this that I realized: boys in Canada don’t touch
each other. They don’t hug; they don’t sit on each other... I’ve only really seen girls in Canada behave
the way I saw these Japanese boys behaving. It was interesting to see. The other surprise from the
Footsal club was again, from the boys. Maybe our second time going to Footsal, we arrive, put our
things down, start chatting with some of the members...then I realize: there is a half naked Japanese guy
maybe five feet from me. Underwear and socks. Apparently it’s not a big deal for them to just change
their clothes out in the open. I was not expecting that; I thought they would be shyer.
On another note, I’m really enjoying the courses I’m taking here at Aichi Gakusen. Actually, one
thing I wanted to know more about before I came here was what type of courses I would take, so I’m
putting it down here for future exchange students: Our required courses are Japanese grammar,
Japanese conversation, Japanese reading and writing, Japanese culture and history, and Current topics.
There are many electives/clubs to choose from too. You can take tea ceremony, ikebana (flower
arranging), cooking, fashion design, Chinese, kendo, hip hop dance, Footsal, badminton (there are many
sports clubs), art...
It`s a bit difficult for the teachers of our Japanese language courses because Julia and I are at
different levels, but it`s still really interesting. For example, one of our sensei is teaching us how to speak
in a more feminine and elegant manner—something that is new to both of us.
I am really enjoying my time here and I feel I`m learning and doing things I just wouldn`t have the
opportunity to do back in Canada.
Ja ne!
Aleena
Report 3
After three months in Japan, I am starting to feel like my time here is running out. I have only one
month left and so much to do and experience! I do also feel a bit homesick, but it’s not horrible or
anything; I expected to feel some homesickness while abroad. I feel actually that I am doing really well
considering this is my first time studying abroad and being away from my family and on my own for so
long.
At the beginning of June, the school sent us on a trip to Hiroshima, Miyajima, Kyoto, and Nara. They
organized all our travel and accommodations for us and made it really easy. We got to ride the
Shinkansen for the first time! You really don’t feel how fast you’re going when you ride it; only when you
look out the window do you notice (I didn’t do much of that because it made me motion sick). When we
arrived in Hiroshima, we took a local train to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum and Genbaku
Dōmu (A-bomb Dome). Being there was an overwhelming and humbling experience. It was sad, but I
think it was important to go and see and learn about what happened.
I’m actually surprised how many people don’t know about the dome; I thought it was common
knowledge. Julia told me she had only learned of it when she came to Japan, and that when she told
people back home about going to it, they asked what it was. The Korean exchange students said they
didn’t know about it either.
After Hiroshima, we took a train and then a ferry to Miyajima. When we arrived there all the feelings
that lingered from Hiroshima were swept away; it really was a wonderful place. The red tori gate in the
sea is amazing. Apparently hiking in Miyajima is excellent too, but Julia and I didn’t have time (nor did
we learn about it until after). I may go back in August when I travel with my family.
Kyoto and Nara are beautiful too. In Nara at Todaiji temple, you can see the “Daibutsu” or “Great
Buddha”—they call it that for a reason. It is massive! We were lucky enough to have a YMCA volunteer
take us on a tour and explain the history to us a little (you can ask the information centre in the train
station). We extended our stay in Kyoto for an extra day and spent the night at a backpacker’s hostel in
the Gion district for 1600 yen per night, which was a really good deal. The place had a choice of mixed,
male only, or female only dorms, shower, free coffee and tea, towel rental for 50-100 yen depending on
the size...pretty much anything one might need. One thing I recommend before going on the school trip
is to do some research about the places you will visit. You will get a better appreciation of them that
way.
So on another note, exams are looming in on us and papers will be due and I am starting to panic a
little. How will I manage all the things I have left that I want to do? It is only now that I finally feel
oriented and confident. When we first arrived I had absolutely no idea where I was. That was one feeling
I was not prepared for. I had no idea how to get from my house to school. Using the bus or train seemed
overwhelming and I had all these new names to learn. The best way to learn is just to do it. I found any
maps of stations or directions too confusing. If you get stuck just ask someone; the Japanese are always
willing to help! When Julia and I went to Osaka the first time we asked two different people for
directions and both times they went out of their way to actually walk us for 5-10 minutes to the place
we wanted to go. It was incredible. Everyone here has been amazingly hospitable and I feel I have
learned from their example how to be a better host myself.
Ja, mata!
Aleena
Aleena Solheim
Report 4
So here is my last report from my exchange in Japan. What a busy month July was. Exams were
looming, our trip to Tokyo was just around the corner, and I still had so many things I wanted to
experience. There just was not enough time.
One of the first things I did in July was to hike Mt. Horaiji with Nishio-sensei. There were over
1400 giant stone steps to the top. Oh and the humidity was unbelievable. I cannot believe that I thought
it was hot in May in Japan. I knew nothing. When summer hits in Japan, it hits. Hard. I stopped looking at
the weather forecast because I did not want to know the temperature and humidity levels anymore.
After a while you give up on constantly sweating. Anyway, hiking Mt. Horaiji was challenging (though I’m
sure not as much as hiking Mt. Fuji was for Julia) and rewarding; the view from the top was absolutely
breathtaking. The hike itself was amazing too. All of the different plants and trees, and the stone
lanterns and statues were beautiful. It was exactly what I thought of when I imagined “old Japan”. It
made me wonder how they carried those huge stones all the way up the mountain!
One other amazing thing about the summer was the sound of the cicadas (or “semi” in
Japanese). A cicada is a bug that looks somewhat like a cross between a praying mantis—the arms are
similar—and a giant moth. Apparently there are three different types throughout the summer, each
with their own particular sound. The first type signals the beginning of summer and the last type, the
end. It’s quite interesting. I even got to touch one. Where I lived the cicadas became so loud they were
almost deafening!
So, our (read Julia and I) first trip to Tokyo was quite an experience. We couch surfed in a city
close to Tokyo, which was a really good way to experience the city. Our host took us to our first izakaya
(Japanese pub). For future students: The YAMANOTE LINE will be your friend while you are in Tokyo. It
is easy to use and goes around the whole city, stopping at major stations. I definitely recommend visiting
the Ghibli Museum and riding the monorail to Odaiba at night (sit at the front of the train so you can see
out). Tokyo definitely has a different vibe than Osaka, just as people say. Both are good. I think with
Tokyo, it is a good place to visit and sightsee in, whereas Osaka is a place I might actually choose to live.
After 4 nights and 5 days of amazing non-stop adventure, Julia and I returned to Okazaki to face
our final exams and closing ceremony (honestly, do not worry too much about the exams; you can do it).
So our exams happened on the same day as our closing ceremony, so we had exams in the morning,
then rushed to the ceremony, then rushed back to do more exams. It happened all very quickly. I think
our closing ceremony was the day it really hit me that I was going to leave Japan soon. It was so sad and
so hard to believe. Some of the student council and many of our friends came to congratulate us and say
goodbye.
To deal with the idea of having to leave a country that I had come to love and identify with, I did
what any normal person would do: I crammed as much as I could into those last couple of weeks in
Japan. I am not sure how I did it. I went to Tokyo again and travelled with my family... I went to Gunma,
Kyoto and Nara again, Kanazawa, Wajima, and a ninja village in Mie Prefecture. It was amazing. I will
miss the life I made while I was in Japan. This experience has allowed me so many opportunities I never
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guessed it would and I am so fortunate to have been able to go. I hope that all the future exchange
students will have experiences that are just as amazing.
Sayonara,
Aleena
P.S. I can’t remember if I mentioned this but another good place for shopping is OSU in NAGOYA.
Second hand shops with amazing stuff. I don’t know how many dresses I bought for 400-600 yen that
would more than $20 in Canada. There are other things too like bags, dishware, accessories...I strongly
recommend it to future students. Also, sometimes they have cosplay (costume + play) parades which
are quite fun to watch.
Aleena Solheim
Final Report
After four and a half months of living in Aichi Prefecture, Japan, I feel that I have a much better
understanding of the people and the culture. My experiences there have become some of my most
precious memories and I know I will treasure them for the rest of my life. By going on this exchange I
was able to do and see so many things, changing my perspective and allowing me to grow as an
individual. Before I went to Japan, I could not have imagined what this exchange would do for me—the
opportunities I was given, the friends and connections I made—it was an incredible four months. I hope
that future candidates for the exchange program will take advantage of the short amount of time they
have in Japan.
I think the best way to go over all the things I experienced while in Japan is to divide it into
categories: University life, home life/community, travel, difficult experiences, advice to future
candidates, and recommendations to the exchange committee.
Starting with university life at Aichi Gakusen, it is very different from what I had experienced at
Capilano University. Probably one of the biggest things I noticed was that it was more similar to high
school. This is not a good or bad thing—it is just a thing. The mentality of my peers was younger, and
they were allowed to act younger (i.e. no pressure to act like an adult). It did not hinder Julia and me
from making friends, however. We joined classes like tea ceremony, fashion design, and badminton,
and clubs like footsal and art, which allowed us to get to know students on campus (the required classes
are just for the exchange students). Another difference was the interaction between student and
professor. I felt (and I know Julia felt the same) that many of our professors were more like friends than
professors; sometimes we went for drinks, sometimes they would take us to exhibits...just the style of
conversation was that of friends. Many of our professors said too that often Japanese students will talk
to them as if they were their friends rather than professors. One other thing I found incredible was the
sheer amount of kindness we received from the professors, staff, and students. It was unbelievable how
gentle everyone was toward us. This, I soon found out, would be a common theme throughout my stay
in Japan.
Next there was home life. Julia and I experienced very different (but both excellent) homestays.
Because of dietary restrictions and allergies, Aichi Gakusen found it difficult to find a homestay that
could accommodate my needs. I ended up staying with one of the professors, Nishio. Life was different
from back in Canada. Things I had done for myself for years back home, I never had to do while in Japan.
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For example, I never had to cook, and every night I ate the most delicious food. I was very lucky.
Sometimes—because cooking is one of his hobbies— Nishio would show me how to make a certain dish
that I really liked. I even learned how to prepare whole squid! On the other hand, I faced some new
challenges. I had to hang my laundry to dry outside, and it became something I needed to plan around.
“Is it going to rain tomorrow? In that case I should do the laundry today while I have sun,” became the
question I would ask myself every day.
Another interesting thing is that because Nishio is fluent in English, we talked daily in English. At first
I really wanted to speak only Japanese with him, and I was frustrated with myself for using English all the
time. But as time went on, I realized that even though we were not speaking Japanese, I was learning a
lot from the conversations we were having. Whether they were about language, culture, history, social
issues, or just a simple: “Can you explain why people do this?” I came to realize that I had learned many
things that I would not have been able to if I had been in a different homestay.
One thing I was surprised to hear from past exchange students was that many of them hardly or
never visited each other’s homestays. Julia and I really got to know each other’s host families and often
we would do things together. Her host family took us to see fireflies in the mountains, took us vegetable
picking, dressed us up in yukata for the Okazaki fireworks festival, and many other things. Often Julia
would stay over the night before we were going on a trip and then we would leave in the morning
together. One night she came over and made a Russian specialty, Borscht, for us. I think spending time
at each other’s homestays was a really good way for us to experience different sides of how the
Japanese live.
Next there are the festivals in Japan. Because of the time of year we went on this exchange, Julia
and I were able to see different festivals and events. The Okazaki fireworks and the Anjo Tanabata
festival were both really neat experiences that I recommend. At the Tanabata festival, I was able to see
some traditional dancing which I had never seen before. One festival I wish I could have seen was
Daimonji in Kyoto. We left the day before it started (August 16th it starts). That is the one where they
light fire on the mountains in the shape of certain kanji, the most famous being the kanji for “big”. I
highly recommend going to any festivals you can while you are there.
While I was in Japan, I had the most amazing time. Everyone treated me well, I got to travel, eat, and
try so many new things. It was a really positive experience for me. However, I think it is important to talk
about some of the difficulties one might face. People will stare at you. Get used to it. Personally, I was
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not bothered by it. If you think about it, we stare at people here in Canada when they stand out:
dramatic make up, bright hair colour, two different coloured eyes—things that are “unusual” attract our
eyes to them. So of course in a country that is quite homogenous in terms of physical appearance, a
person who does not look like that will stand out (and I must admit, sometimes it was fun to feel like a
celebrity).
Another issue is what if your host family is strict or something is not working? For me, on days when
I had Footsal club, I would have to leave earlier than it finished because I would ride my bicycle home
and Nishio worried (not unreasonably) about me riding in the dark. For the most part, I was okay with
that. Honestly, I preferred not to ride at night because it can be dangerous with the cars, but also the
number of bugs that come out makes it really unpleasant to be riding a bicycle (imagine the windshield
of a car after driving through the countryside).
For Julia, I know that in the beginning her host family prepared lots of meat and cooked things,
whereas she normally eats a mainly vegetarian, raw diet. One of the things she did to let her host family
know what she wanted was to always make sure that when they served the type of thing she normally
ate, to say it was really really good and her favourite. They pay attention.
I think the important part to remember is that things are going to be different. It is best to keep an
open mind and not force yourself to adapt, but to be willing to adapt. Communication is also important.
There are ways to let your host family know what you want and need, and it is important to make sure
you understand what they expect from you.
Now, what do I recommend to future candidates? This is important! One: Get. Involved. With
everyone. Your school, your host family, friends— I cannot stress this enough. Your host family wants to
do things with you and wants you to be a part of the family. Go to the grocery store with your host mom,
talk with your host dad even if you don’t understand each other, take the family dog to the park. You are
not bothering them. Two: Don’t spend too much time studying. I know you may be thinking, “Wait,
what? Should she say that?” But the professors there want to you get immersed in Japanese culture, not
spend your whole four months studying in a library. If you have an interest in something, tell them. Ask
them questions. Nothing is a stupid question! Three: Spend as long as you can there. This is a once in a
lifetime experience. I had to come back earlier than I would have liked because I started at UBC in
September, but if you can, stay longer! You will not want to leave by the end, trust me. Four: Don’t try
to do everything yourself. Have locals show you around when you travel, let the professors take you
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places, let your host family take care of you, ask your friends to take you to a good izakaya (Japanese
bar). You will have a much richer experience for it.
To the exchange committee: I think the students would benefit if the exchange was longer. I know it
used to be for 6 months, and I think it would be excellent if it could return to that. Four months is so
short a time to experience a culture. Another thing I think is important is to encourage the future
exchange students to spend time together and get to know one another before departing to Japan; the
other Capilano exchange students will be their main support when they are over there, and it can be
really hard if they do not get along. Also, I do not know how well Capilano does this currently, but I think
it is important to make sure that the incoming Aichi students are given lots of resources on how to do
things here. I know how overwhelming it was for me when I first arrived in Japan and I could not even
get from my house to school without help.
In short, I am so grateful to have been selected for this exchange. I have grown so much from this
experience, gaining self-confidence and a different perspective. I hope that this partnership between
Capilano University and Aichi Gakusen will continue to provide an excellent exchange program for the
students to experience a new culture and grow as individuals.
Thank you to everyone who made this possible.
Sayonara,
Aleena Solheim