We desperately memorized Chinese sign language on April 30 in the bus, which was going to the Narita Airport to welcome Chinese people.The first time in my life I did an international exchange was in Rochester. It was fresh for me and I had expectation and uneasiness about it.When I met Chinese people for the first time, I thought that they had the same atmosphere as Japanese people.Although I thought communication would be transmitted only by writing Chinese characters on a note pad, it was difficult in practice.I learned that some of the Chinese characters used in Japan are not used in China, and that meanings are different even though they are the same Chinese characters.
We went to the Nippon Foundation to thank them for supporting our exchange program on May 1.Since we dressed very properly, we became tense for a while. Then, we visited Asakusa together with Dr. DeCaro and the Chinese people.Since this was the first time that I went to Asakusa, I saw many things of a Japanese tradition which I hadn't seen for a long time. We visited NASDA in Tsukuba on May 3.About the universe, since many things which I did not know have occurred, I was surprised.
I left for America on May 4.I worried about whether the ASL that I had studied personally would work well and if my gestures would work well.When I met the students of NTID and RIT, they were very bright and kind. And they understood what I wanted to say in unfamiliar ASL. Moreover, I also listened eagerly to what they wanted to say. I understood anew the merit of international exchange after mutually teaching the sign language of a native language.
Expression of sign language and the body had come out of the play: Peter Pan, which NTID planned for the daytime of the 5th, was very well. But of course since it was ASL, I have not decoded in detail.I did not make a presentation quickly in a panel discussion on the 6th. I failed in the field of whether the audience has understood perfectly. But it was a good experience as it is helpful for a presentation at work in the future. I was able to experience something and was able to extend my view by participating in PEN.I had always stayed in Japan, and had come out of the country only once. I want to go to overseas positively and want more international exchange after this.
I knew a lot of things about RIT and NTID.There was a gallery which places students' works in RIT&NTID.When we visited there, the works of the students of fine arts were exhibited.Individuality had come out of it strongly.Moreover, every work showed the efforts of the person.The preeminence of the magnificence of an institution's and students' sense were also admired.
It turns out, in spite of the same communication-of-information method of both schools, the educational plans of both schools differ. What I thought wonderful is that relation of RIT and NTID is deep.If TCT and the University of Tsukuba have a similar system, which makes it possible to them transfer to RIT from NTID, I think I would have learned more things.
The party held by ADC and PEN on May 10 was a very good event for me. Because my birthday was on May 10.I was personally glad to have my birthday during my stay in Rochester. I did not expect that PEN and ADC would congratulate me on my birthday. They even had a cake prepared for me. I was too moved to control my lachrymal gland. It was a commemorative day that is different from a mere birthday. It was very special memory for me. The spring festival was held by RIT by chance on the 10th.And the ride was installed in the site of RIT. It was too large event for the students of TCT.
We did sightseeing of the existing natural places, such as High Falls, and Niagara Falls, Eastman House Museum. We were cured only by seeing the scenes there. It is very grand and it is also pleasant that it is there. There is much nature also in Japan, but I seldom go to such places. So I am forgetting natural beauty and it's importance.
The stores in the United States are closed on Saturday and Sunday. I wonder when Americans go shopping. How to spend holidays may be different in America and in Japan.
It is bright in Rochester till 20:00. Although it is natural there since it is located in the north, it will take time for Japanese people to get familiar with the life.
Although it is also important that I get to know many things about the United States, I think that it is difficult to recognize the difference in culture.
I came back on May 12. But many good occurrences stick in my mind a long while. Possibly I took to the United States.I will never forget the PEN exchange tour. Thank you very much.