Student Testimonials: An Insight From Former Ambassadors From Salinas and Ichikikushikino
Students from Salinas, CA
Julianna with students in Ichikikushikino, 2019 trip
“I had the opportunity to travel to Japan the summer before my junior year of high school. I found out about the Sister City Association through my mother, who was a part of the first exchange group in 1987.
In the weeks leading up to the trip we learned basic Japanese words and phrases as well as a dance we performed in front of our host families and Association members in Ichikikushikino. It was really scary thinking about how, in a few weeks, I would be in another country, but I was excited nonetheless to go to Japan and experience a whole new culture.
The day of the departure we flew from San Francisco to Tokyo, where we saw the SkyTree and went to Tokyo Disneyland. From there we used the bullet train to get to Kyoto, then to Hiroshima as we traveled down the country to arrive in our Sister City, Ichikikushikino.
Once we arrived in Ichikikushikino, we met our host families for the first time. We stayed with our own host family for the next week. While staying with my host family, I learned about Japanese culture first hand and created lifelong relationships with each member of my host family.
This trip absolutely changed my life in every aspect and I would definitely do it all over again in a heartbeat.”
- Julianna Escamilla, Student Ambassador from Salinas, 2019
“I have to say that going on this trip was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life; if not the most rewarding experience.
You may think it is scary and difficult going to a country where you don’t speak the native language, but there is no way to express how the hospitality and love was translated for me by my host family. Every day they reminded me of how happy they were to be hosting me, making me feel at home so far from the U.S.
Coming home from the trip, I had an entirely new family on the other side of the world, and the sights and places I had visited felt like places I have known all my life.
Travelling to Japan is life fulfilling dreams you didn’t know you had.
You will be welcomed by strangers and you will be loved by a culture of open arms.
You will see things too wonderful to describe and you will learn more than cam be taught by words or translated by language.
My advice for those thinking of applying is to absolutely go for it; you only get one life to live, so why not take the chance to see if you can find new friends and family in the land of the rising sun?
- Carly Wolf, Student Ambassador from Salinas, 2019
Carly with students in Ichikikushikino, 2019 trip
Students from Ichikikushikino, Japan
2018 Student Ambassadors from Ichikikushikino with their host siblings
“The summer of 2018, I went to California. I still remember how I was not anxious about the trip before I left. Rather, I was looking forward to going to California.
After our long flight, my group and I exiting our plane with tons of luggage. The different scenery confirmed that I had arrived in California. While in California, I went to Hollywood, the Golden Gate Bridge, Santa Monica beach, and many other places, most of which I had seen on TV. But the week I spent in Salinas left the deepest impression on me, as it changed my life and way of thinking.
When my host family asked what I wanted to do, I said that I would like to experience an everyday American life while staying with them. During my week in Salinas, I had cereal for breakfast, BBQ’s, and evening parties with many people; the experience that I was longing for. I also went to local high schools and participated in Japanese classes. While I was interacting with students that have been learning Japanese, I discovered my want to teach Japanese abroad. I still actively participate in classrooms, assisting students with learning and teachers with teaching Japanese.
In those 2 weeks I experienced a lot and created many connections. I have grown and learned to express my opinion and take action in my community. I am grateful that I had the opportunity to travel to America and experience American culture.
To exchange students: In those 2 weeks, although it was short period of time, I experienced something completely new. I highly recommend applying for this exchange and travelling to a new country.”
- Kotaro Koba, Student Ambassador from Japan, 2018
“In the summer of 2018, I went to California, USA, as a member of the Sister City Association. I participated in this exchange program because I wanted to interact with foreigners and test my English amongst native English Speakers.
Before departure, I prepared things to bring, including presents for my host family which reflect the culture of Japan. Upon arriving, I experienced jet lag for the first time. My group and I then spent the first two days sightseeing in San Francisco.
However, the most memorable part of the trip was the time I spent in Salinas with my host family. Living with my host family taught me that my English was still immature, leading me to begin practicing it more with my host family. After returning from America, I focused more on studying English while in Japan. The next year, I hosted an exchange student from Salinas. I was happy, because my English had improved greatly since when I had traveled to Salinas.
Currently, I go to vocational school with a career goal of working at hotels in foreign countries. I am still studying so that I can best communicate with people I meet in my future career, which will also improve my English skills.
To the next group of exchange students who will go:
Japan and America have many differences that make them both amazing. Make sure to go to places you have only ever seen on TV. The experience of interacting with local high school students is irreplaceable, and the experiences you receive are seeds for future growth. It will only be two weeks, but it is a valuable opportunity that can change your values. Please go and experience it :).”
- Ren Nakatani, Student Ambassador from Japan, 2018
Student Ambassadors from Ichikikushikino, 2018