Many Northwestern students who returned from Christmas break easily resumed their schedules and routines. But some students who arrived on campus earlier this month encountere completely foreign experiences.
On Jan. 9, a group of 13 Japanese students from Meiji Gakuin High School in Tokyo, Japan, arrived in the United States. Four days later, on Jan. 10, they came to NW, where they are staying while they learn more English and study American culture.
The visiting Japanese students have classes in the morning and then an afternoon break to discuss their day before having tutoring sessions with NW students. They end the day having supper together.
After being here for two weeks, some of the students shared their favorite aspects about being at NW, and their experience living in a dorm.
Nozomi Shinjo, 18, commented on the community she’s observed on campus.
“The teachers are very kind, and students talk with us,” she said.
Ryosuke Higashimura, 18, came to NW to “get a good experience.”
“I like to talk with other students,” he said.
Tsubasa Nakamura, 18, is enjoying his time in Hospers Hall. The atmosphere there has been inviting and welcoming to the visiting students.
“They are very kind,” he said.
Rio Sato, 17, is also staying in Hospers Hall.
“My favorite thing is Hospers Radio,” he said. “Lucas is a very good DJ.”
Yurikio Wada, 17, is also enjoying the dorm life living in Fern.
“I love my roommate Eliza,” she said.
One of the new experiences the students have enjoyed is trying the new foods in the cafeteria. Yuya Yamamoto, 18, commented on his favorite meal.
“I like the French fries and hamburger,” he said.
“I like everything [about NW],” Ayuka Shoga, 17, said. “I like the food!”
Though most NW students have become accustomed to Iowa’s corn fields and landscape, one of the Japanese students has enjoyed the new sights.
“It is a beautiful view,” Moe Kunishige, 18, said.
Along with the views, new foods and welcoming people, Tatsuya Usui, 18, has taken a liking to the RSC, where students gather to play games, and he also likes to work out.
After a week of classes and tutoring, the students were ready for a fun outing. They visited Sioux City where they explored public museums and went shopping. Later in the month they will go ice skating and visit a farm and a farm museum nearby.
The Japanese students will be on campus until Jan. 31, so make sure to introduce yourself and get to know them before they leave.
