Vol. １１June 2016

Contents
SaijoIEA General
Meeting & Lecture

1

SaijoIEA home page
now online

2

1st International
Cafe (Wed. June 29)2Vietnam Note: theVinh Moc Tunnels

2International Camp:
3
Participant Comments
Now Recruiting HostFamilies

3

Eigo de G0!
(English column)

4

Events &Announcements

4International Relations
Saijo is a quarterly
newsletter published inJapanese, English, andVietnamese by the Saijo
International Exchange
Association (SaijoIEA).
We welcome your comments, questions and submissions.

On May 29, the Saijo International
Exchange Association held its annual
general meeting in the main conference
room of Saijo City Office.
AfterChairperson
Tsunemitsu’sgreeting, guests Mayor Masaru Aonoand Saijo City Council Vice-Chairman
Koichiro Kurokawa offered congratulatory remarks. The general meetingthen reviewed activities and expenditures for 2015. The proposed activities
and budget for 2016, as well as officer
nominations, were all approved.
As in our first year, SaijoIEA willcontinue providing advice to Saijo’s
Japanese and non-Japanese residents.
We will host and support more eventsand activities to improve international
understanding. Furthermore, we plan
to continue language courses and othereducational events. Information will be
distributed via our e-mail newsletter,
new home page, Facebook, and more.
After the conclusion of the general
meeting, Michiyo Arita of the International Cultural Exchange Associations
gave a lecture entitled “Thinking about
the Future of International Exchange
in Saijo.” Ms. Arita discussed topics

such as the meaning of international
exchange, the role of private associations, and the present condition of nonJapanese residents in Japan.
We extend our gratitude to all participants and planners for making the second general meeting a success.（か）Membership Recruitment【Annual Membership Fee】
Individual 1,000 yen
Student (HS and younger) 500 yen
Organization 10,000 yen【Period】 April 1, 2016~Mar. 31, 2017
【How to become a member】
Complete a membership formand submit it to the SaijoIEA office(Saijo City Office International Affairs Section).
(Membership forms are available
at city facilities and for downloadonline.)

Saijo International Exchange Association 164 Akeyashiki, Saijo City, Ehime Prefecture 〒793-8601
TEL(0897)52-1206 FAX(0897)52-1200 E-mail: kokusai@saijo-city.jp URL: http://www.saijo-iea.jp

2International Relations Saijo～A New Home for International Exchange～

SaijoIEA Home Page Now Online!

2016 International Cafe Schedule
SaijoIEA will be holding our popular International Cafe four times in 2016-17. Enjoy conversa-

Our new page features up-to-date information about
upcoming SaijoIEA events and language courses, aswell as records of our past activities. The website will
also feature application forms to register as a volunteer or request volunteer assistance.
We will be updating and improving the SaijoIEA
website, so please check it regularly!

tion over tea, Vietnamese coffee and other treats.
Any language is okay!
June 29 International Cafe special menu
●Vietnamese che dessert with lotus seeds●Mochi candy stick (Soy sauce flavored rice candy)

2016 International Cafe No. 1 ☆★
June 29 (Wed) 6-8 p.m.
Sangyo Joho Shien Center (SICS)
150-1 Kanbai-ko, Saijo-shi◆Cost¥300 (SaijoIEA members: ¥200)※No reservations necessary◆Inquiries SaijoIEA Office℡ 0897-52-1206★☆
◆Date◆Place★No. 2★No. 3★No. 4Vietnam Note: Life in Secret
Underground Tunnels
There are two tunnel networks in Vietnam thathave become famous tourism spots today. The firstis the Cu Chi tunnels, located in the Cu Chi district about 70 km northwest of Ho Chi Minh Cityin southern Vietnam. The second network is theVinh Moc tunnels located in Vinh Linh District,
Quang Tri Province, about 60 km north of Hue incentral Vietnam. During the Vietnam War, the location of these tunnels was secret. I would like tointroduce the Vinh Moc tunnels in this column.
From 1965-72, central Vietnam was the target ofheavy aerial bombing by the American military.
Over 500,000 tons of bombs were dropped on VinhLinh District (820 km2), an estimated average of 7
tons of explosives per person. To survive underthese conditions, people began digging tunnels. At
first, individual families dug tunnels for themselves. These tunnels were soon connected, and alarge underground network developed. The largest
network is the Vinh Moc tunnels.

Aug. 10 (Wed) Sangyo Joho Shien Center
Nov. 2 (Wed) Tanbara Community CenterFeb. 1 (Wed) Sangyo Joho Shien Center

The tunnels have a three-level structure. The
first floor is 8-10 m beneath the ground. This level
was used for habitation. The second floor is 12-15
m underground and was used as a shelter fromaerial bombing. The third floor is approx. 23 m underground and was used to store food and weapons.
The Vinh Moc tunnels have 13 entrances, 7 on thecoast and 6 in the hills. The main passageway is2000 m long. Along this passageway were structures of society: every 4 m there was space for afamily of 4 (0.4 m by 1.8 m), classrooms, clinics,
meeting areas, wells, kitchens, and more. Up to1,200 people lived in the tunnels at one time. For2,000 days they lived underground and were protected from bombings. 17 children were born there.
I was born 2 years after the war ended and sohave no direct experience with the horrors of war,but I heard stories from my parents and could imagine what it was like. People today probably
couldn’t live 1 day in the tunnels, let alone 2,000.
After the war, the tunnels became tourism spots.
If you are interested in seeing what life was like inthese wartime tunnels, I encourage you to take atrip to Vietnam.（レ）Saijo International Exchange Association 164 Akeyashiki, Saijo City, Ehime Prefecture 〒793-8601
TEL(0897)52-1206 FAX(0897)52-1200 E-mail: kokusai@saijo-city.jp URL: http://www.saijo-iea.jp

International Relations Saijo

International Camp (3From March 25-27, the first International camp was held at Omachi Community Center.
20 junior high and high school students spent time with ALTs and Ehime University students, learning about other cultures and practicing communication skills. We received
comments from the college students.

I love English, so I started studying in preschooland have studied abroad in America and worked as
an English tutor. However, there was a time when I
hated English. This is because English education inAsia is a mountain of tests. I took tests and did homework everyday, but I could not understand why I wasstudying English. There must have been many students who felt the same as me.
At this camp, I was able to answer questions fromthe students. English is a way to connect with many
people. No matter what language you study, as you
learn you will become able to understand other countries. The students tried their hardest to speak English and other languages. I was impressed. English isnot just about tests, but is a good way to makefriends. This is what I learned. Ms. Liao (Taiwan)

The International Camp in Saijo was animportant life experience for me. I could only
spend a short time with the people I met
there, but we became very close. We played
games together, worked in groups, cooked,
and slept in the same room. It is a beautiful
memory. I will always be grateful for thiswonderful opportunity.
Elena (Romania))

In Saijo I was able to meet young people who are not college students. It was afresh experience. Everyone was kind andfriendly. The passion of the students inspired me to work harder. We ate ice
cream and my bibimbap (Spicy! Spicy!)
together. The students tried everything. I
had a lot of fun. Min Woo (Korea)

I found that the pace of activities was wellstructured. The first workshops started
smoothly for the young and they adapted
more easily, over time, young people were increasingly requested to participate. What wasalso nice is that the atmosphere stayed relaxed, which I think is essential in suchcamps: learn while having fun.
The confidence and the atmosphere wasalso acquired through the culinary activity.
This activity helped to strengthen the links
between high school and counselors. I particularly liked this activity because it was a cultural exchange as each group chose the dishes
they wanted to cook. In my group we had chosen to make tacos and dessert: fruit salad andclafoutis strawberries (French dessert).
In conclusion I really enjoyed this experience and I would recommend it. The sentences to adapt for this experience: "Experimentwith the language, but above all a humanexperience."
Sabine (France)

Now Recruiting Host Families
SaijoIEA is accepting applications for host families
to welcome exchange students from Hebei Universityin Baoding. Our cities have a friendship relationship.
For exchange students with an interest in Japan,
the chance to experience everyday life with a hostfamily is unforgettable. Host families will learn about
Chinese culture and form bonds of friendship! Becoming a host will allow your family to have a wonderfulexperience crossing language and culture.

〇Homestay period: July 20 (Wed) ~ August 3 (Wed)〇Number of participants: 17 Japanese department
students, 2 English department students, 1 instructor〇An explanatory meeting will be held in early July.
★☆Inquiries☆★
Saijo International Exchange Association office℡ 0897-52-1206

Saijo International Exchange Association 164 Akeyashiki, Saijo City, Ehime Prefecture 〒793-8601
TEL(0897)52-1206 FAX(0897)52-1200 E-mail: kokusai@saijo-city.jp URL: http://www.saijo-iea.jp

4International Relations Saijo

Eigo deGO!

Why are you studying English?
—Reconsidering your goals and methods—

courage you to think about them as well.
1. Why are you interested in English?
2. What do you want to use English to do?

When I speak to someone whom I have just met inWith these questions as a jumping off point, it is im-

Japanese, they often ask, “How did you study Japa-

portant to think about your goals. Simple goals such asnese?” The implied question is, “How should I study“I enjoy studying English, so I just want to have fun”

English so that I can speak at a high level?”or “I want to keep my mind active” are great. More

I have studied Japanese for 10 years. In that time, Icomplex goals such as “I want to travel to foreign coun-

have tried many methods and learned from manytries and speak with many people” are also wonderful.

teachers.

I think that there are many college students whoTo become fluent in a language, environment ismore important than anything else. But when I tellstarted studying Japanese because they wanted to beable to watch anime without subtitles.

this to people in living Saijo, I always feel guilty be-

You might be surprised how much you learn bycause it is impossible to truly immerse yourself in anstudying with a clear goal in mind. I watched a lot ofEnglish language environment here. That does notanime in college and have been told by teachers that itmean that living in Saijo precludes you from becoming

improved my pronunciation. (I do not know if this isfluent in English, but that selecting effective study

true, but it’s a nice thought.)

methods is essential to reaching your goals.
In any case, while speaking and listening as muchas possible is best, people are busy and selecting study

I recommend that people who say “I don’t have anygoals” or “I forgot why I started studying English” toreevaluate the goals and methods.

methods suited to your needs and abilities will keep

I will be leaving Saijo in August, so this is my last

you from wasting time. I always ask my English stu-column. Nothing would make me happier than for mydents to think about the following two questions. I en-readers to keep practicing English. Good luck! (J)Events & Announcements
SaijoIEA Volunteer Registry
The Saijo International Exchange Association connects people interested in volunteering and those who require volunteer
assistance for international exchange activities or living support.
〇 I want to volunteer!
＜Volunteer Registry＞
When support is necessary, SaijoIEA will contact qualified registered volunteers with a request.
＊Volunteer interpreter/translator (foreign language)＊Japanese language supporter＊Host family volunteer bank
＜Event Staff＞
Recruitment for each event will take place before the event.
〇 I need help from a volunteer!
We accept requests for volunteer assistance.
＊Interpretation/translation for events and non-Japaneseresident lifestyle support＊Japanese language study (non-Japanese)＊Homestay (application deadline: two months in advance)＊Other (cultural exchange events, etc.)※There are cases in which we are unable to accept requests.
★☆How to Register☆★
Register through the “Volunteer” page of the SaijoIEA website.
※We hope that we can count on the support of newand continuing volunteers for the 2016-17 year.

International Exchange Lecture
The Aloha State: An Introduction to Hawaii
Yu and Jake, University of Hawaii students interning forEhime Prefecture, will introduce their home state’s history
and culture. Includes a ukulele performance.
※Lecture will be held in Japanese
Date: July 9 (Sat) 2-3:30 p.m.
Place: Saijo Public Welfare Center, Kenshushitsu 2 (3F)
Max participants: 60 (first come, first served)
Application period: until July 8 (Fri)
Organized by SaijoIEA (℡ 0897-52-1206)

Editor In April I joined the editorial staff of InterN o t e s national Relations Saijo. I will do my best to
make this newsletter exciting and fun, so I
hope you will continue reading it.（石）
International Relations Saijo Staff:
Sachi Kawaguchi （か）Truong Dinh Le （レ）John Wheeler （J） (English translation)
Miho Ishimura (石）
Mamiko Imai (今）Saijo International Exchange Association 164 Akeyashiki, Saijo City, Ehime Prefecture 〒793-8601
TEL(0897)52-1206 FAX(0897)52-1200 E-mail: kokusai@saijo-city.jp URL: http://www.saijo-iea.jp