For my CIP I chose to volunteer at an after-school children’s center that was near my homestay. The kids were elementary to middle schoolers, and I got to play games with them, help with homework, practice my Japanese, and learn about what childhood is like in Japan. It was an amazing experience that really made me feel like a part of the community. The memories I made with the children and the staff members will be forever very special to me. For those who are not the best at putting themselves out there in the social setting, I really recommend 1. volunteer activities, because they give you a sense of purpose, and/or 2. working with kids, since they will immediately take a liking to you. For those who do chose a similar CIP, I recommend getting to know some Japanese names for games beforehand and teaching the children games you used to play, too!
「Boston University」カテゴリーアーカイブ
Theodore Chen: Sieg F.C.
For my CIP, I joined Sieg FC, a soccer circle at Kyoto University. For clarification, soccer clubs work different in Japan, with the official university team being referred to as the “soccer club” (サッカー部) and unofficial ones (often several) being referred to as “soccer circles” (サッカーサークル). We met 1 – 3 times a week and I was able to play in a game against another circle from a different university in Kyoto. The level of play would be comparable to a Sunday league in the US, and that was about how serious everyone took it as well.
It was a bit difficult to find a club to join at first, but I was able to join Sieg because my conversation partner was already in it, and he essentially acted as a reference to get the schedule and start going to practices. I had been largely ignored/dodged when I tried to express interest in other soccer clubs, so I’d recommend going along a similar route I did in order to join one if you are interested. I think this is just due to the fact that the students aren’t sure if an exchange student would be able to fit in due to the language barrier, so with somebody who already knows you it is much easier.
I really enjoyed my time with the club, and although it was slow getting started and a bit awkward talking to everyone, over time I got to know a few people and it was really cool getting a glimpse into soccer culture in Japan as compared to the US. Regardless, soccer is still soccer no matter where you go, so it was a great avenue to get to know other Japanese students through that common ground.
Compared to other activities however, I think joining a club, especially a sports one, places the responsibility of interacting with people and making friends on you. Although it’s good I didn’t feel like I was treated differently, it meant I had to go out of my way to get to know people, which actually ended up being good Japanese practice.
Afiq Amjad bin Khairir: Volunteering at Nalba
selfie with the kids at nalba
I decided to volunteer at nalba, a volunteer-run cafeteria that provides dinner for children and a safe space for them to do homework, relax, and play with others. They operate every Mon/Wed/Fri from 3.30pm to 8.00pm.
My main job at nalba was honestly just to have fun, play, and interact with the kids until dinner time. I also tried to help out with the dinner preparation once, so f you’re also interested in cooking, there’s also that aspect of nalba.
The kids were always so full of energy and constantly want to play games, run around, talk to you etc. so there’s never really a day where you don’t quite do anything at nalba. I absolutely loved talking to everyone there, from the kids, to the other volunteers, to the people in charge. They were all so kind and accommodating, so never feel scared to approach them if you have any questions regarding anything.
My advice to those interested, the kids are probably more shy/intimidated by you than you are of them, so when first starting out, you probably have to put more effort into trying to get them to play with you. They’re definitely always down to talk/interact/play, so don’t feel like you have to wait for them to come up to you.
Wen-xuan Li: Volunteering at Fukakusa Kindergarten
My volunteering at Fukakusa Kindergarten entails instructing basic English vocabulary of colors, animals, and children’s stories and playing with children during the asobi time. Will and I went there once a week, two hours each time.
I appreciate this volunteering, which provides me with a window into Japanese kindergartens and children’s rearing systems, which I could compare and contrast with the situations in China and America. It also serves as one of the few opportunities for me to be involved in the Japanese community directly by interacting with Japanese teachers and children, driving me to think about how education for children contributes to Japanese culture.
You are expected to be nervous and confused initially, but you will get through that period quickly because the teachers are amiable and helpful. They are very considerate and respectful. If you have any confusion or questions, direct communication is appreciated. The Japanese etiquette can be tricky to approach at first, but gradually, you will handle it well.
Emile Carlo Convocar: Kendo
For my CIP activity this semester, I attended weekly practices at 京都妙覚寺道場 to continue kendo while in Japan. I got to hone in on my basics by continuously sparring against very strong senpais and senseis, who were all eager to help me become a stronger kendoka. Through this experience, I’ve come to learn the importance of basics in kendo and in routinely refining and perfecting one’s form and techniques, no matter how far along they are into their kendo journey. My advice to incoming KCJS students, especially if you decide to do a martial art for your CIP, is to be willing to fail and be okay with not “getting it” immediately. Take it one step at a time and in every practice, focus on one aspect of your martial art that you want to improve upon. If you do that, I believe you will have a fulfilling CIP experience by the end of the semester.
Danielle McKinney: Volunteering at the Nishijin Jidokan
I volunteered at the Jidokan in Nishijin. I would highly recommend this activity if you enjoy working with children or you want to improve your casual Japanese speech. You simply show up and spend a few hours playing and working with the kids. The children are extremely energetic and fun to work with.
Evan Laufman: Taiko Drum
Over the course of this past semester, I have been learning how to play the 太鼓 (taiko) drum with the Fujinomori Taiko Preservation Society. From the very start, I was so impressed with the amount of dedication that goes into playing the instrument. Throughout the past three months, the society has performed all over the prefecture, and participated in the 時代祭 (Festival of the Ages), one of Kyoto’s big three festivals.
I would wholeheartedly recommend this community involvement activity to anyone who is looking to really step out of the KCJS bubble and get an authentic experience. Everyone in the society was so welcoming and kind!
The taiko drum is a quintessential Japanese instrument, and if you have interest in music, you should most certainly try your hand at it. I was tappin’ my toe to the beat all semester long!
Wilson Zhang: Kyudo
I took Kyudo classes, which was held in the Kyoto Budo Center, because I wanted to learn something culturally related to Japan, so I chose Kyudo, a Japanese martial arts of archery. I had never done Kyudo before, but as I continued to take classes I slowly improved from the Sensei’s amazing lessons and resources. I found myself enjoying learning the techniques and the cultural aspects of Kyudo. If you want to learn a unique martial art, I really recommend Kyudo.
For future study abroad students, in any CIP you choose, my advice is that when you don’t understand something, the most important part is to ask questions. Not knowing what the other person is saying, can ultimately cause more confusion to both you and the other person. By asking questions, eventually, not only, you will be able to learn new vocabulary, but also the other person can speak in a way that can be much clearer to you.
Ashley Harlow: 書道
During my semester at KCJS I studied the art of Japanese calligraphy, or 書道 (しょどう). I studied under 浅草先生 who has been practicing 書道 throughout her entire life alongside of a few of her students. Prior to my first lesson, I had absolutely no experience other than writing a handful of simple kanji with a pencil, so learning to write complex kanji with a large brush I had never used anything like before was a challenge. But by the end of the semester, I had improved enough that 先生 encouraged me to sign my works! Overall, I am extremely grateful for my experience at my CIP! I got a very solid start in a skill that I hope to continue practicing in the future, and I was able to practice my listening skills with Kansai-ben! My biggest piece of advice for students going into their CIPs in the future is to be honest about where your language level is at. If someone says something that you don’t understand, ask them to repeat it or to use more simple vocabulary instead of nodding your head and pretending like you understand; in the long run, you will have a much more enjoyable experience and learn tons more when you can communicate clearly and effectively with each other!
Sam Kraus: Volunteering at NPO Reframe
This semester, I volunteered at NPO Reframe, a place for kids who have problems at home, mental health issues, do not go to school, etc. At NPO Reframe, the kids often play outside, play video games, eat snacks, and more.
I spent my time watching over the kids and making sure everybody was safe, playing with them, cleaning the rooms in which the kids played in, etc. The picture I uploaded is a picture of me and 朝倉さん (Asakura-san, the owner) standing in front of the entrance.
If I were to offer advice to incoming students, I would advise you to challenge yourself by starting easy and slowly building up overtime. For example, the first time I went to my CIP, I was quite anxious since I went alone; therefore, I challenged myself to simply show up that day. Next time, now that I had already shown up, I challenged myself to strike up a conversation with someone. And the time after that, I would strike up a conversation with two others, or simply try something else. Challenge yourself, build a ‘tolerance’ to that challenge, and keep trying new things. The things that were daunting at first will become easier, which will open up even more doors for you.