Getting Orientated at School In Japan

Post written by Ambassador Abroad, Elka, who participated in our High School Abroad Program in Japan for an Academic Semester!

Getting Orientated at School as an Exchange Student

Terrified. Throughout this whole first couple of weeks, that’s been the most prevalent feeling. My name is Elka Lichman, I’m from America, and I’m participating in an High School Semester in Japan. As someone who’s not only never been to Japan but has also never been away from my family for more than a week at a time, to say it wasn’t easy to adjust would be an understatement. From the differences in culture to school on Saturday to being hit on constantly, there’s a lot to get used to. Out of every change, school is probably one of the things that’s hardest to get used to.

My First Day

From the moment I stepped out onto the stage of my exchange school, Hannan University High School, I could feel my little confidence leaving me. Going into Japan, I had only been studying Japanese for 10 months, knew very little about my homestay family, and even less about my school, so when I was informed I needed to introduce myself in front of the entire school for at least 1 minute, I completely panicked. The night before my dreaded introduction, I sat for hours, pondering how I would make it through a minute of talking about myself in a language I barely knew -I wasn’t even sure I could do that in English. 

After stumbling through messy sentences, I was introduced to my classmates and that’s when it hit me; they were just as nervous to meet me as I was to meet them. 

School Clubs and Activities

Throughout these past couple weeks, I’ve clung to this idea for dear life , and it’s helped significantly to deal with the stress. Being a new student with a major language barrier, stress is something I’m well acquainted with, along with embarrassment and anxiety. Although I’m often nervous internally, I’ve found it’s best to appear confident and open towards others. No matter how bad my Japanese is, I still strive to practice with my classmates. Japanese schools have a lot to offer, and I needed to push myself out of my comfort zone to get the most out of this program. From my experience, the best way to get integrated is to join clubs and activities. I joined Judo Club, Band Club, and participated in a class dance for my school festival. In America, I was part of many clubs and extracurriculars, including band, marching band, and wrestling, so joining Judo and Band club felt like a good way to stretch myself but still participate in something familiar. As for dance, I’m not exactly sure how I got roped into it, but I guess it’s all for the experience!

Getting Over Discomfort

One of the things that’s been especially uncomfortable for me is being recorded all the time. In almost every setting, I find myself being recorded for one reason or another. On my second day of school, I got lost so a classmate helped show me to the band room after school. All was going well until I spotted a couple of my classmates waiting outside the door. Confused, I stepped out to see why they were here, and they began conversing with me in rapid Japanese and recording my attempt to respond. Situations like this occur often, and although I don’t enjoy being recorded for speaking badly, it’s something I've learned to get used to. While I’m exceptionally bad at some things, I’m considered exceptionally good at others. In Judo Club, I’m constantly being recorded throwing my teammates, and I’ve begun to make a couple of good friends, not just in Judo Club but in Band Club and my class as well.

Closing Remarks

            I’ve had my doubts over these past few weeks, but being here has already taught me so much—not just about Japan, but about myself and the people around me. One thing I always remind myself is that everyone here is nervous, just like I am, and they want to make a good impression too. I’m honored to already be a part of my school, and I hope to keep learning and growing along with my classmates and everyone else in the program. Follow along and feel free to ask questions. Until next time!