My CIP was at Mitsuba Yochien which is a local preschool a ten minute walk from campus. I attended the after school care where all of the remaining students would play in a big room together.

Overall, I really enjoyed getting to know all of the students and seeing the dynamics of Japanese kids in this space. Because the kids are comfortable with each other and I was the outsider, they were very welcoming and wanted to get to know me in a way that I haven’t seen in other spaces. This experience helped me understand Kansai-ben better and speaking Japanese even when I wasn’t confident in what was going on.

To incoming students who are interested: My biggest advice would be to ask the teachers for guidance when you can! They know best and you are there to support them so don’t be shy in asking even though it is very busy at times. Also! Japanese kids (or maybe just all kids) are very friendly and touchy so be prepared for them to climb all over you. And bring a mask because they can be a little sticky sometimes.