My First Trip Abroad
Who would have known that one’s first trip abroad would be by an exchange student program? Definitely not any usual person. You may have been told by your parents to study hard and strive to finish your studies so that in the future, perhaps you can go abroad by your own well-earned money. The so-called “rich kids”, on the other hand, get to go abroad through vacations and leisure trips with their families.
The first step to my unusual trip abroad- to Japan in particular, was to submit an awfully strange letter about why I would want to study there and my perspectives and thoughts on the country. After an intimidating interview with a strict panel of teachers who questioned regarding bizarre things such as crossing the street and riding a bicycle while using an umbrella, I got accepted. I was oh so happy then.
When the euphoria caused by having been accepted as an exchange student subsided, then came the crappy requirements and things we couldn’t go without doing. Lucky I was still alive after having three consecutive blood tests for the medical examination. We were even tested for AIDS. Acquiring and submitting needed documents also required me to make immediate and untimely travels. All of these paid off however, when THE DAY came.
It was May 12, a Monday. Who knew that on that Monday was a life-changing experience?
From the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, I boarded Japan Airlines Flight JL 746 together with my two other companions, both of whom are my friends and fellow exchange students. The plane ride turned out quite fun probably because I was with two friends whom I am at ease being with. The three of us fancied the stewardess who patrolled our seat rows and handed beverages, so we agreed on each of us having the isle seat for an hour in order to get direct contact with the pretty miss. Kids we were then.
Clean, green, modern, and COLD! We entered a 14.5°C-cold Japan: the coldest air temperature ever to touch my Filipino skin. From then on, we became subjects to Japanese hospitality and kindness. They were such good people: modest, kind, and respectful. The Japanese hold strict abidance to the law and careful observance of values expected of them.
I and my two friends learned little by little the very famed language of Japan. We learned and got used to call Japan as Nihon, the language as Nihongo. We outshined the exchange students from other countries in Japanese proficiency. At the same time, ingenious and modern agricultural techniques were taught to us at Japanese schools as a part of the exchange program. We realized how Japan has gone so far in upbringing agriculture and how the Japanese value the agricultural sector very much.
Striving yet enjoying, Japanese customs which were once hostile and unusual to us became natural and easy. We became close and attached to our own host families who were ever so patient and loving. The three of us made friends in each of our respective schools. Envied by Japanese fans worldwide, we got to wear and take home genuine Japanese high school uniforms. We also did things which not many have the chance to do. We skied on snow, drove tractors, went to Disneyland and Disney Sea, and rode the bullet train.
So much had my first trip abroad given me. A once-in-a-lifetime experience which molded me to be a new person. A better person. It made me more aware of things outside my home country. It blessed me with many new friends and acquaintances, of people who may someday lend a helping hand. Full of regret and a desire to stay longer, I and my two friends left Japan, teary-eyed, but as more matured and more knowledgeable individuals.
I shall post pictures on my next blogs. So please wait for that. :D
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I ain’t Japanese. I’m Filipino. ^^
