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Studying Abroad

Jim Zumwalt (center) with high school friends in Japan (1973)

May 8 - I first came to Japan in 1973 as an American Field Service high school exchange student. I lived with a very nice host family in Yokohama and attended Komaba Toho High School near the Tokyo University Komaba campus in Meguro, Tokyo. Although I was excited, I was also a bit scared because everything seemed different from my life as a teenager in California.

Adjusting to life in Japan was challenging at first: eating rice for breakfast, riding on the train for 90 minutes to school, and wearing a wool school uniform every day. The biggest hurdle I faced was learning Japanese. I remember sitting in the fourth row of my classroom listening to my world history teacher lecture for an hour and not understanding anything except for a few names. I was used to receiving very good grades at my school in the United States so it was embarrassing for me to receive the results of my first World History test where I only received seven points out of a hundred.

Fortunately I had some very patient teachers who helped me with my Japanese, and I soon made friends. My calligraphy teacher was particularly supportive with his positive attitude. My feeble attempts at writing with a brush and ink were always different from everyone else, and this teacher would point out my "unique" and “creative” approach toward calligraphy. His class helped me gain self confidence despite my poor Japanese.

Click to see my America Ryuugaku EXPO 2009 Video Aisatsu.

Thinking back on that year as an exchange student, I realize that I learned much more than a foreign language. I learned to adapt to a new environment, to appreciate a different culture, and to gain confidence in my own abilities to overcome challenges. My study abroad experience furthered my interest in continuing to study Japan – something which has become a lifelong endeavor.

I was delighted to learn that the American Embassy is sponsoring the America Ryuugaku EXPO 2009, a Study U.S.A. Fair on Saturday, May 16 at Akasaka Sacas. The event will provide information about high school exchanges, U.S. colleges and universities, an English language assessment panel, and lots of entertainment such as American music, comedy, food exhibits, and appearances by former sumo champion Konishiki and rapper Verbal.

Of course, I will also take part in the activities on Saturday and I really hope to see you there!

Until next time,

Jim

COMMENTS

Dear Mr. Zumwalt,

After attending an Open House at the American Embassy on November 4, I sent an e-mail to Mr. Shepherd and the Executive Director of AFS Japan telling them you were an AFSer in Kanagawa. The AFS Fukui Chapter will celebrate the 25th Anniversary this coming December. I wish you a fruitful year.

Kuniko Yamada

Mariko from Fukuoka writes:

Your comment on AFS experience to Japan was quite impressive and was shared with AFSers who are here from Russia, USA, Hungary and with all volunteers. Thank you for sharing with us. Wish you all the best.

Jim san,

I just came back from the luncheon hosted by Honolulu Japanese Chamber of Commerce. I really enjoyed your speech. Arigatougozaimashita! I wish I could have a time to introduce myself.

You mentioned about the blog during your speech, sassoku I visited and enjoyed your blog. Blog wa subarashii idea desune!

I was born and raised in Kobe. I found that you used to work in Kobe and enjoyed the baseball game in the Koshien stadium. I might have run into you then because I was working as a beer vendor when I was in high school.

Your homestay story reminded one summer when our family hosted an American high school student from Seattle. We had a wonderful time and he and I became really good friends.

Once again, thank you for the wonderful speech today and am looking forward to reading your blog.

Yosuke

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