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2011 JET-MIP ESSAYFEBRUARY, 2012: BREEZE ISSUE #52
A FREE MONTHLY E-NEWSLETTER FOR FRIENDS OF JAPAN & TEACHERS OF JAPANESE
AKI'A HODGESGEORGIA
TOWERS HIGH SCHOOL
My time in Osaka, Japan was a dream made reality. Since the fifth grade I had always dreamed of going toJapan, but I just didn’t know how I was going to get there. I was greatly influenced by this trip and being
allowed to experience the Japanese culture first hand. I really don’t know what to write about during mystay in Japan except for my experiences and the beauty of it all.
From my point of view, our first official day here in Osaka, Japan was like a breath of fresh air. This wholeexperience was like a whole new world to me and I am very greatful for this opportunity. I participated in
the orientation and practiced what to do for our home stay, and learned more about life in Japan. The
lecture was very interesting and kept my attention which has helped me a lot within these few hours wehave been here. I would have to say that everything had been fun and engaging; it has helped a lot withthe stress and homesickness. On the other hand a few of us explored the area around the Kansai institutein our free time. We walked to the family mart, explored the store and purchased a couple of items. Iwould have to say that one of the best things about being here is the amazing view and waking up to theocean. Though one set back would be the constant humidity but they have fairly nice weather here.
Later that day we went to Rinku Town Station to do some exploring and shopping which was pretty cool. If
you don’t know what Rinku Town is then I will explain it to you, Rinku town is more of like an outlet mallbut better. On another note we got stared at a lot but I didn’t mind. I actually found it invigorating to be
surrounded by so much culture; everyone was very nice and inviting.
One thing I have learned to do over the years is to take things as signs for something else. I am eternallygreat full for this opportunity and the opportunities that are being presented to me.
July 23, 2011 was the first day of my home stay. My host family the Kamemura’s are very nice. I loved thefact that they welcomed me as one of the family. We visited a zoo, the train station, walked around indowntown Osaka. I tried takuyaki, pork ramen, sashimi and many other foods. Being able to say that I lived
in Japan for ten days and experienced Japanese culture first hand has opened my eyes to all thepossibilities of relations between Japan and America.
The most interesting part of my home stay was when we all went to the movies and saw a Hayou Miyazaki
production. I really enjoyed my home stay. I would just like to thank everyone who sponsored and madePrivacy - Terms

this program and my dream a reality. Thank you so much.
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2011 J-LEAP Report: Naoko Nogamoto2011 J-LEAP Report: Yui Ito2011 JET-MIP Essay: Aki'a Hodges

2011 JET-MIP Essay: Cayra DeGiulio

2011 JET-MIP Essay: Christopher Mahmood

2011 JET-MIP Essay: Jackson Morawski

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