Experiencing Life as a Japanese Student

CIEE's Language and Culture in Tokyo program participants got a peek of life as a Japanese student by participating in an afternoon of activities at a local Japanese school. The day began with a gathering in the school auditorium for orientation and a brief rundown of the afternoon.

They then listened to group presentations by high school senior students, all conducted in English. The themes ranged from complex topics such as human development to lighthearted activities like origami. Groups included around three to six students, with both CIEE Tokyo and Japanese students. Despite the variety of topics, all groups engaged in lively language exchange! One conversation I observed focused on the difference between the Japanese dishes okonomiyaki and takoyaki, which, as we learned, are very different!

Afterwards, students divided into groups to participate in club activities. There were 13 clubs in total, including performing arts clubs such as Drama Club, sports clubs like Table Tennis Club, art clubs such as Calligraphy Club, and unique ones like Go & Shogi Club (Japanese traditional board games). I was assigned to chaperone the Girls Volleyball Club and the Girls Basketball Club (which were combined that day). The CIEE students participated in drills and short games in both sports, and it was an incredibly enjoyable experience for everyone.

Finally, the Student Council hosted a Q&A session about life as a Japanese student. Some questions included the amount of homework they receive, the duration of their school year, and even their personal experiences in student council.

When I spoke with students about their highlights of the day, many mentioned participating in club activities and talking with local students about the differences between Japanese and American schools.

Overall, this experience proved to be a valuable language and cultural opportunity for both the CIEE Tokyo students and the local Japanese students. Some students even asked if they could return to engage more with the students or join a club. It is my hope that this experience will encourage them to pursue future opportunities for language and cultural exchange!

Experience a CIEE High School Summer Abroad 

CIEE's Language and Culture program in Tokyo immerses you in Japanese culture where you can practice the language, participate in local school activities, and make lifelong connections with Japanese students. Apply now for a summer program in Tokyo and take the first step toward a one-of-a-kind cultural adventure.