Reverse Culture Shock

   I really wanted to enjoy life in the United States a little more, but I'm sorry to return to Japan. There were various reverse culture shocks whem I returned to Japan.

Japan and America

 I have three reasons. First, when I talk to someone in person, I often find it difficult to see my  opponent. For example, In a one-on-one situation, even though I was looking at the other person's eyes and listening, I felt that the conversation often progressed with the other person's gaze at hand or away from her eyes. In the United States, eye contact was a matter of course, but in Japan it is rare to make eye contact. I was used to making eye contact in the United States, so it was very strange not to do it in Japan. Second, the impression of Japanese clothing was that there were many calm colors in general. For instance, many people in the United States wear colorfully designed shirts or fluorescent clothes, but rarely in Japan. Although there were variations in color, I felt that there were many dark tones overall. I thought that I couldn't wear clothes that I could usually wear in the United States because I felt too flashy in Japan. In the United States, personal expression is important, but the Japanese hate being conspicious. Third, as I was used to the size of the United States, I felt again that Japan was a very small country. For example, Spokane had many trees, but Japan has few trees. In addition, while American roads usually have three lanes, Japan has only one lane. There are lots of parking lots in U.S. stores, but there are no more than 10 in some stores in Japan. The area of Japan is smaller than of the United States, so it can't be helped, but I was able to really feel how small my comany is. For these reasons, I was shocked by culture.  It was a good opportunity to learn again what kind of country Japan is. 

Why I Need English

Studying English is very useful for me for three reasons. First, knowing English means knowing Japan. The biggest advantage of studying English is that it gives me a way to view Japan objectively. For example, how is Japan reported overseas or,  when overseas news report about Japan, what kind of nuances are there. If I speak only Japanese, it is difficult to get different perspectives, so I may assume my ideas are correct because they are never challenged by other ideas. That leads to a prejudiced way of thinking. Second, I can get to know another culture. For instance, I can communicate cross-culturaly and deepen my understanding. By enriching my view of the world and touching on new ways of thinking, I can learn about things I didn't know before. Being able to use another language changes your perception of different cultures. It is important to use language and talk to people to understand different cultures. Different languages build different worldviews, because each language has a slightly different perspective on things. Third, English is the most global language since it is used internationaly by different groups, such  as medicine, IT, economy, sport, art, and many other areas. No matter where you go or what you are intersted in English is the most useful source of information. In addition, English in business is a tool. English is indispensable both for obtaining and transmitting information. For these reasons, I think studying English is valuable for me.

My First Week

I haven’t been to America  before, so this experience studying abroad is my first time.  At first, I worried about whether I could spend 4 months here because I can’t speak English well, but every teacher at MFWI is very kind to students, so I don’t worry about it now. I was also worried about  jet lag because there is a 17 hour time different between Japan and Washington state, but now I never think about that.

I like Japanese food, so I didn't want to leave my country, but I will try American food. American food is different from Japan, but I like it. It's very delicious. However, I felt that American food is  sweet and fattening and not good for my health. 

Spokane's Wal Mart

I was also concerned about all of my English classes because I can’t speak my opinions and ideas in English, but all of the teachers are really nice to students, so I am no longer worried about that.  I have been going to a lot of classes, which are very useful for me because I am learning a lot of new vocabulary. I want to study English more than ever because this experience studying abroad gives me courage to study English more and more. My goal is to speak English very well. I also want to learn about American history, so I am happy that I have come to America.

   

Spokane has very beautiful scenery. Japan is not cold, so I was surprised when I arrived in Spokane, that it was very cold. I was also very surprised that Spokane is drier than I expected. My roommate has a sore throat due to the dryness. I was surprised that the towel that I used and got wet was dry the next day.  I sleep with a mask over my nose and mouth because Japan is more humid than here. 

  

In Japan, I didn’t usually see any squirrels, so I have been surprised to see a lt of squirrels in Spokane. I think squirrels are very cute, but I am surprised that squirrels are little violent. My RA told me not to touch the squirrels, so I am very sad.

   
I think it is important to go to a lot of different places with my housemates in order to form deep bonds. I also think it is necessary to help each other when anyone is in trouble. I hope this experience will be really enjoyable for me.

Riana, Introduction

Hi! My name is Riana. I live in Hyogo. My hobby is listening to music.

I often listen to Western music, and various music such as J-pop. I have 5 people in my family, but my parents are divorced, so I have no mother. My grandmother, grandfather, older brother, and I live in a house. My father works at a company. He is also nourishing my family. I love my family because everyone kind of me.

Kobe Luminarie

In my free time, I go on day trip with my friends in Japan. For instance, I have been to Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, and Okayama. I like to go sightseeing, so I want to travel abroad many times.

 My dream didn’t decide. However, since English is a common language, so I want to communicate with various people, and share our different culture. English is also very useful to get a job, so I want to learn English more than ever, and speak English fluently. I won’t give up even if a big wall stands. Thank you.