Noriko Foundation

CLP JPN 2019 ~Internaitonal Internship in Ishikari Hokkaido~ Today we went to Sapporo, which is the 5th biggest city in Japan. We spent the day in Sapporo, which is a bit different from this less urban area in good and bad ways. Good as it was fun to see so many new faces and go to stores unavailable in Ishikari, but bad as it was relatively busy. Beginning at our trip to the temple, I really enjoyed the surroundings. It was full of nature, and very much like some of the natu...re found in Hamamasu. It was also nice to see Miko working at a shrine in real life, as I have only seen them in some anime. After, we went to Sapporo station. When we went shopping, we mainly walked in the narrow line mall. It was fun, but there were very many convenient stores and medicine shops. We went to eat soup curry, which I have never eaten before. It was delicious, and I recognize how nice it is to pay for food without needing to tip as in the US the bill tends to be expensive including tip. After, we went back to the station and went to the Pokemon Center on the 8th floor. At the checkout, I managed the interaction in Japanese. It was interesting as well, as he asked about where I am from. It’s nice to converse in Japanese with those I meet, it’s good practice.

CLP JPN 2019 ~International Internship in Ishikari Hokkaido~ We went to Hamamasu, one of rural areas in Ishikari and attended English class in the junior high school. I’m always surprised by how clean the air is, so driving along the coast with the windows down was a nice treat. The students were incredibly funny and kind, and they were already so good at English. After class, it was lunchtime, so we all ate , which was surprisingly delicious. I sat at the table with the fi...rst years, and I was able to practice my Japanese with the kids. Seeing all the students eat lunch in the same room was really interesting. At my high school, my graduating class was around 400 people. So seeing a school where there are only seventeen students was truly humbling, and I could truly see how tightly knit the students were. But at the same time, it was a very good example of Japan’s aging population, and reminded me why we have to spur interest in these rural areas so they don’t go extinct. I felt very inspired to hopefully, one day return as an ALT myself. Today was my favorite day so far. Seeing the impact we could have on kids, and being able to make learning English even more fun was truly humbling, inspiring, and more than anything, fun for myself. - By Timo See more

CLP JPN 2019 ~International Internship in Ishikari Hokkaido~: Today, we had a field trip to learn the region. These experiences are important for them to think critically and with creative mind for regional revitalization, which is another purpose of this program. Today was far more relaxed compared to the first day, as today we went on a fun field trip and then worked on our presentation that we will be giving friday. When we went to the shrines after meeting at the librar...y, I saw just how beautiful the natural parts of Japan are. I also noticed that they had the posted on a sign, and seeing this at a Shinto shrine is always amazing. In southern California, we would never be able to see this sort of place as it would probably be really busy and not very clean. The walk on the wooden platform that lead near the river was really neat, I didn’t expect it to go out so far. I really do enjoy these experiences the most; it’s almost never available where I live. We went to the library to eat and work on our projects. The room was very Japanese as there were tatami mats and low tables. I really do enjoy these types of things. In summary, it was a relaxing day full of great cultural experiences, which are very dear to me. - By Trent See more

CLP JAPAN ~International Internship in Ishikari Hokkaido~ The first day: Today, we visited the Ishikari Board of Education and met the superintendent (in the middle) and the director. We really appreciate that they welcome to our participants. From the participant: While today (Monday 6/24), was very hot, busy, and tiring, it was also very fun! I feel like I am learning a lot about Japanese culture, language, and gaining a greater appreciation for the Ishikari area. Today, we... began by reviewing the purpose of our internship, practicing honorific Japanese, and finally practicing exchanging business cards. After resting for a little bit, we went to meet the Ishikari Board of Education at the Ishikari Town Hall. Finally, we went to visit NorthMart, and met the CEO, Design Director, and several of the employees. Once again, everyone was very kind, welcoming, and funny. I was surprised by how young everyone was! I look forward to teaching them English! I think that will be very fun. Overall, the day was very busy, but also a great learning experience. I’m beginning to gain a much greater appreciation for Japanese culture, especially now that I’m seeing somewhere that isn’t a huge city like Tokyo. All in all, I look forward to more work, people, and Japan! See more

Chapman university