Hello everyone!
It has been a very busy month.
January 2026 is already over, but it still feels like it just started.
Even so, I feel this month was a very good way to begin the year.
I usually support Japanese students who go to Canada and New Zealand.
Every January, I also support high school students from New Zealand who want to experience Japanese high school life.
This program is possible because JTC New Zealand offers a special scholarship program for students from New Zealand.
This is the member for this time. For more details, please refer to this URL
This study abroad program is only 2 weeks, so It’s short.
While the students were studying at different high schools in Japan,
I worked as their local advisor and local support.
We were happy to be a bridge to help expand their world and their views.
Today was their departure day.
I went to the airport to say goodbye to them.
They looked very different from when they arrived in Japan.
Even though their stay was short, they grew more confident in many ways.
Before they left, I told them,
“Don’t forget your passport, and don’t forget the memories you made here.”
This program is not only about connecting one moment.
It is about connecting to their future.
While I was supporting them,
it reminded me of my own homestay experience when I was in high school.
My stay was also only two weeks.
But even now, almost 20 years later,
I am still connected with my host family.
Because of this, I truly hope the students keep in touch with their host families forever.
I hope that one day, they will do the same kind thing for someone else,
just like what they experienced in Japan.
When you receive kindness in another country,
I hope you remember that feeling.
And after you return to your own country,
I hope you share that kindness with others 😊
