「The University of Pennsylvania」カテゴリーアーカイブ

ホール・ライアン：同志社大学動物福祉サークル

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今学期の始めに、CIPを探していた時、動物が大好きだから動物と関係あることがしたいと思いました。それで、同志社大学動物福祉サークルに入りました。サークルの会議では、学期中のイベントについて話すことになっています。例えば、１１月に同志社のキャンパスで子供の祭りをすることになっているので、動物サークルも色々な活動をする準備をしています。

動物福祉サークルは毎週木曜日の午後６：３０に、同志社の新町キャンパスの建物の中で集まっています。私とリー・ミシェルさんは早く行くようにしていますから、会議の前に会長と話すことが出来ます。会長は時々私とリーさんにお菓子を持って来てくれるし、会議は面白いです。

サークルの人はやさしいですが、最初の会議の時は、私とあまり話してくれませんでした。でも、後でサークルの会長は私と友達にサークルのイベントについて説明してくれました。今学期、動物園のボランティアやホームレスの猫を助ける活動を行うつもりです。楽しみにしています（実は、猫は好きではないんですけどね）。

動物福祉サークルウェブサイトのリンク：http://1st.geocities.jp/doshishaanimallife/

グレース・シュ：京都大学アニメーション同好会

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正直に言えば、KCJSの一番嫌な部分はCIPだと思うので、なかなかしにくかったです。色々なサークルに連絡して見学しても、色々な理由で参加しにくそうだったので続けませんでした。例えば、同志社大学のPAPERSというイラストサークルに連絡しましたが、PAPERSの主な活動は毎年自分のイラスト雑誌を作ることで、今年の雑誌はもう印刷したので、部活動もほとんど終わったそうです。

だから、残念ながら、今まで正式にCIPに参加したのは一回だけです。先週の金曜日に京都大学アニメーション同好会に行ってみました。京都大学アニメーション同好会のウェブサイトを調べると、部活動など本当にたくさん書いていますが、主な部活動は話すことと飲み会することだけだそうです。サークルの人数は結構多いのに（３０人ぐらい：〜２０男、３女）私は４人（３人の女性と会長一人）としか話せませんでした。どうしてかあまり分かりませんが、このサークルでは男性と女性がはっきり分かれていて、何か暗黙の了解がありそうです。三人の女性に「どうして？」と聞いた時、「わざとじゃないけど、自然にこういう風になった」と答えてくれました。同じように「部活動は何でしょうか？」と聞いた時、「これぐらいです」といったような返事が返ってきました。最初聞いた時、あまり信じられませんでしたが、一回参加した後で部活動は本当に話すだけぐらいの印象を受けました。

これから、他のKCJSの友達が今参加しているピアノサークルに入るつもりです。

多田ガイ：よさこいサークル

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ŸŸŸ僕のCIPプロジェクトは同志社大学の「よさ朗」というよさこいダンスサークルです。ペンシルベニア大学で、インドダンスクラブに入っているから、日本に行く時、ダンスがちょっと恋しかった。だから、CIPのために「よさ朗」に参加してみたかった。

最初に、メールで副代表に連絡しました。副代表の返事はすごく優しかった。日本語と英語で、僕を練習を誘ってくれました。鴨川の隣で、「よさ朗」の練習は毎週木曜日にあります。しかし、雨が降ると、練習がありません。

今まで、二回練習に行きました。みんなは優しかったですが、まだ友達になりません。「よさ朗」は百人以上だから、パフォーマンス以外にチームイベントがありません。それから、みんなが自己紹介をした時、いつもアダ名を使いました。そして、ダンスの間の休憩の時、みんなは自分の友達のグループで集まって、話しました。だから、ちょっと寂しくなりました。

将来、多分この問題について副代表と話します。よさこいダンスが好きですが、「よさ朗」の文化僕にとってはちょっと不思議だと思います。

Zeynep Doga Arican: HUB Kyoto

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My experience of interning at HUB Kyoto was a unique one since I had the chance to work in a welcoming environment in which new ideas are valued and encouraged. The best part of my CIP was to be able to have conversations with the HUB people with various occupations at the HUB events or during regular weekly meetings. It was really interesting to experience the alternative side of Kyoto.

At the beginning of the term, I was working as a project assistant and researching about the HUB projects from all around the world and writing reports on them. The main idea was to find a project that would suit HUB Kyoto’s needs and aspirations. After writing reports and presenting them to the HUB people for three weeks, I realized I was not making any real contributions to HUB Kyoto, since my project reports were not stimulating any further action. That is the reason why I decided to change my role in HUB Kyoto, and instead of writing reports on other people’s projects, I decided to come up with a project proposal and work on it. When I proposed my project plan, they were surprised and happy to see me taking a step forward by myself.

My project was basically an event in which high school students sell food and drinks to raise some money that could either be used for other HUB projects or be donated. My main goal was to create an event that would encourage young people in social entrepreneurship and get them interested in making money through simple events. The idea was appreciated a lot by HUB Kyoto and Eri-san, one of the members, introduced me to another member who is working as a high school teacher. Having a conversation with a young high school teacher was very interesting since I had a chance to listen to Japanese high school students’ aspirations and life styles. Yamashita-san, the high school teacher, was also very encouraging about the project and he was willing to work with me one on one to make the event better. However, after having a meeting to schedule the time for the event, we realized that it would be really difficult to find a time that would both fit the high school’s and KCJS’s schedules. In addition, only one month was left and no preparation had been done, which would require me to do a lot of preparation by myself while also dealing with the schoolwork. Because of this reasons, we decided to cancel the project. HUB people were sorry that I would not be able to carry the project out after having been preparing for it for almost three weeks. However, I was told that my project proposals were suitable to HUB Kyoto and they would be implemented in the future. Even though it was a little disappointing not to be able to carry out my own project myself, I was really glad to hear I could make an actual contribution to HUB Kyoto.

All in all, thanks to HUB Kyoto, I was able to see the world of social entrepreneurship in Japan and have a conversation with people coming from very different backgrounds, with various occupations and interests in life. The fact that they were very willing to listen me talking about the economic and social world in my home country, made me feel a lot closer to them, not to mention a lot welcomed and included. I felt very lucky to be given the chance to listen to their point of views in certain global issues. It was very interesting to listen them talking about Japan’s stance on global problems and the social conflicts modern Japanese people go though. At HUB, I always felt like a part of the group and the family, which encouraged me to learn more about the Japanese culture. When I compared the conversations I had with my host mom and the HUB people, I can see how different generations perceive national and global issues in different ways. Even though 4 months was a very short period for this particular type of CIP, working at HUB was an important component of my study abroad experience and I am very glad I chose doing it.

 

James Mellody: Klexon English Language Cirlce

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My time volunteering at Klexon English Circle has been a culturally enlightening and entertaining experience.  Through the circle, I have come to meet a lot of interesting Japanese people, mostly students from various universities in Kyoto.  The actual CIP itself consists of speaking in English for two hours each Tuesday with various Japanese people in the circle.  For the first hour, I talk with several people one on one for about 10 minutes each.  For the second hour everyone breaks up into small groups and talks about various topics.  This allows for a more natural conversation to develop.  After the two hours are over, Klexon members often go out in a more natural social setting.  This is where I really get to talk to the members and get to know them.  At Klexon we speak all in English, but when we went out we spoke in a mix of Japanese and English, the goal being to use whichever language best facilitates communication.  To me, learning a language in a classroom setting can often feel forced, but actually using language in a real setting was exhilarating.  More than practicing language, we were trying to have real conversations.  I also noticed that the atmosphere became much more casual and people became more open and willing to talk.

I also went to two parties held by Klexon.  At first I was unsure of how to initiate conversation – whether it should be in English or in Japanese.  After a little while, however, people began to engage me in conversation.  While they spoke to me in English at first, people started to speak to me in Japanese as they became more comfortable.  The structure of the language they used matched the informal setting of the party.  They used more informal speech patterns, which immediately helped to make the environment friendlier.  In this casual environment, I managed to make some friends that I have since seen outside of the circle.

When first talking to a Japanese person, I would informally introduce myself.  We would then proceed to talk about very basic personal information.  This type of introductory conversation is very similar to that used in America.  I did not, nor did the Japanese people around me engage in the formal introductions common in many situations in Japan.  The more informal setting of the party eliminated the need for such formality.

These parties had no music or dancing, but were instead dinner parties in which we sat, ate, and talked together.  Parties at my college in America are usually extremely loud and filled with people dancing rather than talking.  The Klexon party had a completely different atmosphere.  These parties were not just places to have fun; more importantly they were places to get to know each other.  This is different from many American college parties where the objective seems to be having fun, not necessarily getting to know new people.

I have found that it is hard to find opportunities to really sit and have a conversation with a Japanese person, so Klexon has been great in that regard.  Klexon allowed me to experience how Japanese people socialize.  It was also fascinating to see how Japanese people interact with a foreigner in a social setting.  Initially, most people were slightly shy when talking to me, but as we talked they opened up and became much more willing to initiate conversation.

Klexon has been a wonderful experience.  I have had the opportunity to meet and talk in depth with many Japanese people. I am extremely glad that I picked Klexon as my CIP, and I would recommend it to anyone in the future.

アリカン•ドア: HUB. P v

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「HUB」は世界中の町にある、ソーシャルアントレーのプロジェクトです。私はアントローに興味があるから、HUBを選びました。それと、京都の伝統的な生活と文化をホームステイで経験できるから、HUBで現代的な京都を経験したかったです。HUBで働いている人は美術に関係があるので、HUBは私の目的にふさわしいと思いました。

私は、京都に四ヶ月だけいるから、HUBの人は私が仕事を探すのは難しいと思いました。最初の一週間目のオリエンテーションで、私の仕事が決まりました。私の仕事は、世界にある他のHUBのオフィスのプロジェクトを調査することでした。最初の二週間は、私の発見をレポートに書いたり、京都のHUBの人に発表をしたりしました。私は、ロンドンのHUB のB−LABとスカイプのセッションをしたかったですけど、京都のHUBのメンバーは、英語をしゃべるのが恥ずかしかったから、問題がありました。解決策を見つけることができなかったから、スカイプのセッションをキャンセルすることに決めました。

これ以上、何もできないと思ったから、HUBでの仕事を変えることにしました。他のHUBのプロジェクトを研究する代わりに、私は自分のプロジェクトを作ることに決めました。今は、自分のプロジェクトを企画しています。最近のミーティングでは、三つのプロジェクトのプロポーザルをしました。今は、HUBの人から許可を待っています。

メロディー・ジェムス：英会話サーカル

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私は、今までCIPで色々な活動をしてみました。最初は、北野天満宮の太鼓会に参加しました。ドラムセットを叩くので、太鼓に興味を持っているんです。太鼓会に参加するのは楽しかったですが、太鼓会はあまり練習がないので、太鼓を習うのは難しそうだと思いました。他のCIPを選ぶことにしました。次のCIPは、京都にある「カフェルンビータ」とういサルサクラブでサルサのレッソンを受けることでした。そのCIPは面白かったですが、日本人と話す機会は少なかったです。私に取って、一番大切なCIPの目標は日本人と話すことなので、また他のCIPを選ぶことにしました。選んだCIPは京都にある「くれそん」という英会話サーカルです。

先週、私は初めて「くれそん」に行きました。「くれそん」のミーティングは二時間かかります。一時間目は、色々な日本人と十分ずつ話します。二時間目は、全員が小さいグループに分かれて、英語で会話します。ミーティングに来た人はほとんど若かったです。大学生が多かったです。同志社の大学生も一人来ました。私の会話の相手の一番話したかったトピックは旅行でした。アメリカの文化と日本の文化の違いについて話しました。面白い会話のおかげで友達を作るのが簡単だったので、うれしかったです。

「くれそん」は、普通のミーティング以外のイベントもたくさんあるので、日本語を練習する機会もあるそうです。「くれそん」で、色々な日本人と話す機会があるので、「くれそん」に行くのを続けることにしました。

http://www.klexon.net/

Aelita Parker: DESA (Salsa!)

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Aelita Parker

At salsa, aside from the dancing part, which is consistently enjoyable and has quickly become what I look forward to most on my Friday’s, I’ve gotten such an incredible opportunity to observe an entirely different side of Japan and Japanese. Here there’s no keigo, no bowing, and no real boundaries between sexes. Sometimes I’ll see two women dancing together or two men, and when I see a man and woman dancing it’s a completely different world of interaction. Even when people don’t know each other there’s an immediate familiarity and comfort that you can see in everyone’s complete lack of abashment. It almost feels like a different country in the drastic differences. My understanding of Japanese male female relationships (in a complete simplification) was one where the women sit at different tables then the men when there’s a gathering, where the woman cooks and washes dishes (for the most part), and when you meet someone new you do so with a bow and 「はじめまして」. Not to say that I see no love or joking between couples, but the inequality almost feels built in many times, especially with older adults. Café Rumbita however, has given me such a completely different view, one that expands my view not only of this group of individuals, but also of Japanese and Japanese society in general.

I think in our human need to define and explain, to make sense of people and situations, many think of Japanese and Japan in very narrow terms. We associate collectivism with a lack of uniqueness or personality, and while I didn’t need Salsa to tell me that’s a false and unfair label to place on a whole nation, Salsa gives me proof of that untruth every week. Because the stereotype of Japanese adults is one that can be hard to break, I’m so glad I’ve been in so many situations that completely contrast my previously conceived notions. Here there’s no hierarchy, just lots of spinning and Latin music.

Normally when I meet adults in Japan I get really nervous, trying to review all of the keigo I know in my head before I’m forced to say it. What I’ve noticed here though is that even with people I’m seeing or meeting with the same time, the interactions are much freer and more natural. Sometimes I dance with friends from DESA and we joke in Japanese and spin around with no attention paid to form, and other times I dance with 45 year old men who’ve taken their share of classes. No matter who it is though I don’t think I or they feel any apprehension, or think twice before asking to dance. It’s interesting that something you might peg as being outside of most people’s comfort zones, is the most comfortable place I’ve found myself in Japan, and I think other regulars would agree with me.

Because the context that we see adults in (even in America) you generally have to know someone on a pretty intimate basis to really get below the surface, to see more than a house wife or a salary man. Again I’ve gotten to see thoughts and motivations behind certain decisions from family and my host family in japan, gotten opinions on topics ranging from teenage pregnancy to testing in high schools, but for the first time I was able to see the completely carefree, the completely honest side of adults here. One of my favorite regulars is one of the most proactive and brave women I’ve seen, and it makes me wonder if she carries the same attitude with her back home. Is she as demanding, as enveloped in her life outside as she is in salsa? I see Japanese men dancing the Cuban “sexy” style, men in suits with such grace and precision that I can’t believe they’re not doing this professionally.

The other weekend I spoke to a woman who’s maybe in her forty’s for 20 minutes about the differences between LA, New York, and Cuban styles, after which she taught me a few new steps and we danced the marchata. An interaction I never would have believed would happen in Japan if I had not come here. I’m shy as well, so this has been such a great opportunity for me to break out of my shell and completely unfurl.

When I went this past Friday, for the first time, I danced with the teacher Masanori. Maybe an irrelevant side note but that moment was added to my top three favorite moments of my trip so far, and added to my already inexpressible love of salsa and café Rumbita.

 

パーカー・アリタ：DESA (サルサ）

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私はＤESAと言う国際交流サークルに参加しています。DESAはイベントがある上に、毎週金曜日サルサクラブに行きます。通例、そのサルサクラブは“カフィ・ルンビタ”という場所です。金曜日に、午後九時から大学生は無料（むりょう）で入れて、しかもサルサの授業も無料です。普通の週、友達と一緒に行くから、よく友達と踊ります。最も（もっとも）、友達が少ないときや、他のひとに誘われた時，新しい人とも踊（おど）りますが。もう四回行きましたから、私はおなじみですが、よく新しい人が来るので、サークルのメンバー全員に会ったことがないです。かんさつして色々な事に気づきました。たとえば、新しいパートナとあったら、おじぎをしながら、“お願いします”と言わなければならない。踊（おど）り終わると、お辞儀をしながら、“ありがとうございます”と言います。もちろん、友達とおどる時、そんな丁寧な挨拶（あいさつ）は必要じゃありません。今週も行くつもりなので、楽しみにしています!

Ambika Singh: Angelnet

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When I first heard about the CIP project, I was at a complete loss as to what I would do. However, after some deliberation I decided that I would be an assistant English teacher. Back in the US I had been an art camp counselor since I was 14, so I figured that dealing with children would be basically the same regardless of what country I was in. Despite my initial confidence, my CIP proved to be one of the most challenging experiences of my life to date.

My CIP had its ups and downs, but I can definitely take away some life experience from it. I learned how to politely quit an organization (definitely an important skill), as well as how to handle situations in which you do not feel comfortable. In the US, politely quitting is not a common concept, as people tend to quit due to their job mistreating them or being less than desirable. However, in Japan this concept is well-known, and it seems that many people use it to leave their jobs. After realizing that my CIP was not what I had expected, I called my boss and thanked her for the volunteering opportunity and wished her the best. This conversation was pretty awkward, but in the end I think I accomplished my goal, to leave on a positive note.

Before I came to Japan I never had to deal with a situation like mine at Angelnet. I am less naïve now about volunteering, as it is not always an enjoyable experience, and I know that it can become very stressful and exhausting. Since I’ve also never had to deal with problematic children before, I’m glad that I now have the experience under my belt of how to handle them. In the future, I am definitely going to continue being a camp counselor in the US and I’m not going to let my CIP affect my love for volunteering.