Ambassador Educators to Represent Fort Worth

Fort Worth, TX – Sister Cities selects leaders for international youth exchangesDLs at crater

Twelve delegation leaders from area schools and organizations were recently selected to lead youth exchanges to five of Fort Worth’s sister cities next year.  Nearly 100 local students will be interviewed for approx. 80 slots on the exchanges starting Nov. 2, 2015.

Ambassador Educators selected to represent Fort Worth abroad are:

Spring exchanges March 12-20, 2016
  • Reggio Emilia, Italy: Sandy Yeandle, Daggett Montessori & Vicki Delgado, Leonard MS
  • Trier, Germany: Marvin Vann Griffith, Southwest HS & Beth Weibel, Sr. Program Manager, Fort Worth Sister Cities
  • Budapest, Hungary: Jay Kurima, FWISD TABS & Ana Castenada, South Hills High School
  • Toluca, Mexico: Nathan Henderson, Stripling Middle School & Rachel Jenkins, UTA
Summer exchanges June 10-August 4, 2016
  • Guiyang, China, June 10-19:  Tracey Cravens, Northside HS & Cindy Vasquez, City of FW
  • Nagaoka, Japan, June 22-July 1: Kathy Roemer, Fort Worth Country Day & Maria Saucedo, World Languages Institute
  • Nagaoka, Japan: July 27-August 4: Kimberly Tezak-Daus, Diamond Hill Jarvis High School & James Gleaton, Paschal High School

“International exchanges give students possibly their first opportunity to travel abroad, which is almost always described as a life-changing experience. Without these amazing teachers and professionals to lead the students through sometimes difficult and unfamiliar circumstances, this would not be possible,” said Michael Bennett, Chairman of the Board of Sister Cities.

Local educators benefit greatly from travel abroad programs.  They have the opportunity to develop their craft by being exposed to different people and cultures, gain leadership skills by mentoring students outside the classroom, network with international educators, and travel to rich and interesting cultures.

2015-10-28 11:32

Ambassador Educators to Represent Fort Worth

Fort Worth, TX – Sister Cities selects leaders for international youth exchangesDLs at crater

Twelve delegation leaders from area schools and organizations were recently selected to lead youth exchanges to five of Fort Worth’s sister cities next year.  Nearly 100 local students will be interviewed for approx. 80 slots on the exchanges starting Nov. 2, 2015.

Ambassador Educators selected to represent Fort Worth abroad are:

Spring exchanges March 12-20, 2016
  • Reggio Emilia, Italy: Sandy Yeandle, Daggett Montessori & Vicki Delgado, Leonard MS
  • Trier, Germany: Marvin Vann Griffith, Southwest HS & Beth Weibel, Sr. Program Manager, Fort Worth Sister Cities
  • Budapest, Hungary: Jay Kurima, FWISD TABS & Ana Castenada, South Hills High School
  • Toluca, Mexico: Nathan Henderson, Stripling Middle School & Rachel Jenkins, UTA
Summer exchanges June 10-August 4, 2016
  • Guiyang, China, June 10-19:  Tracey Cravens, Northside HS & Cindy Vasquez, City of FW
  • Nagaoka, Japan, June 22-July 1: Kathy Roemer, Fort Worth Country Day & Maria Saucedo, World Languages Institute
  • Nagaoka, Japan: July 27-August 4: Kimberly Tezak-Daus, Diamond Hill Jarvis High School & James Gleaton, Paschal High School

“International exchanges give students possibly their first opportunity to travel abroad, which is almost always described as a life-changing experience. Without these amazing teachers and professionals to lead the students through sometimes difficult and unfamiliar circumstances, this would not be possible,” said Michael Bennett, Chairman of the Board of Sister Cities.

Local educators benefit greatly from travel abroad programs.  They have the opportunity to develop their craft by being exposed to different people and cultures, gain leadership skills by mentoring students outside the classroom, network with international educators, and travel to rich and interesting cultures.

Fort Worth Youth Ambassadors Visit Japan

Fort Worth, TX –  Sister Cities provides unique opportunity for Fort Worth youth.

Since 1990, The Harashin Co. of Nagaoka, Japan has funded scholarships for eight Fort Worth students and two teachers to travel there for an educational and cultural enrichment exchange. In return, the families of these Fort Worth students host students and teachers from Nagaoka in their homes for a reciprocal exchange.

This program and all the scholarships have been funded by the Hara family and Harashin Co. Ltd. of Nagaoka. For nearly 26 years of this program, it is estimated that over $2 million has been generously donated.

Exchange programs are a key element in the overall programs of Fort Worth Sister Cities International and this unique opportunity for Fort Worth students is no exception. The students depart July 26 for a week long exchange and the Japanese students will be in Fort Worth August 7 -15.

Exchanges with each of Fort Worth’s eight sister cities provide youth the opportunity to spend 9-15 days with an international host family and experience their history, culture and customs. This is done as citizen diplomats and gives students a better understanding of other cultures providing them an international education only these programs can offer.

All student applicants (grades 9-12) participate in a vigorous selection process including teacher recommendations, essays and personal interviews. The Harashin Scholars are required to attend monthly cultural orientations to further enrich their international experience and prepare them for the exchange.

Harashin scholars include: Rose Bailey, Bob Chao, Samuel DeRobertis, Zoe DeRobertis, Alyssa McClean, Nate Wallace, and Ameera Zaman, accompanied by Tara Forrest and Roselyne Tembiwa, delegation leaders.

Home hosting make these programs possible.  Become a home host to an international student for an amazing experience!

2015-07-28 11:09

Fort Worth Youth Ambassadors Visit Japan

Fort Worth, TX –  Sister Cities provides unique opportunity for Fort Worth youth.

Since 1990, The Harashin Co. of Nagaoka, Japan has funded scholarships for eight Fort Worth students and two teachers to travel there for an educational and cultural enrichment exchange. In return, the families of these Fort Worth students host students and teachers from Nagaoka in their homes for a reciprocal exchange.

This program and all the scholarships have been funded by the Hara family and Harashin Co. Ltd. of Nagaoka. For nearly 26 years of this program, it is estimated that over $2 million has been generously donated.

Exchange programs are a key element in the overall programs of Fort Worth Sister Cities International and this unique opportunity for Fort Worth students is no exception. The students depart July 26 for a week long exchange and the Japanese students will be in Fort Worth August 7 -15.

Exchanges with each of Fort Worth’s eight sister cities provide youth the opportunity to spend 9-15 days with an international host family and experience their history, culture and customs. This is done as citizen diplomats and gives students a better understanding of other cultures providing them an international education only these programs can offer.

All student applicants (grades 9-12) participate in a vigorous selection process including teacher recommendations, essays and personal interviews. The Harashin Scholars are required to attend monthly cultural orientations to further enrich their international experience and prepare them for the exchange.

Harashin scholars include: Rose Bailey, Bob Chao, Samuel DeRobertis, Zoe DeRobertis, Alyssa McClean, Nate Wallace, and Ameera Zaman, accompanied by Tara Forrest and Roselyne Tembiwa, delegation leaders.

Home hosting make these programs possible.  Become a home host to an international student for an amazing experience!

Fort Worth Sole USA Representative at Italian Sports Games

Fort Worth, TX – Sister Cities fielding youth sports teams.

In its ongoing efforts to promote Fort Worth globally and provide opportunities to enhance the understanding and awareness of different cultures on a global basis, Fort Worth Sister Cities International will be sending nearly 100 student athletes, coaches, and staff to the Giochi Tricolore Sports Games in Reggio Emilia, Italy August 24-31, 2015.

The games create a chance for young people to convey a positive impression of American youth to other people from around the world participating in the event.

“By not only visiting a foreign country, but living with and competing against nearly 5,000 young athletes from around the world, our Sports Ambassadors will undoubtedly learn that they have much more in common with the other participants than what separates them,” Fort Worth Sister Cities Chairman Michael Bennett said. “These are the types of experiences that help these young people shape their understanding and acceptance of people from other cultures.”

The Youth Ambassadors and coaches representing Fort Worth will compete and live in an Olympic-style village with student athletes from other countries as well as represent Fort Worth and the U.S.A. through positive sportsmanship and goodwill.

“The programs sponsored by Sister Cities have such a broad appeal by offering international experiences you can’t get as casual tourists,” said Fort Worth Sister Cities Sports Games Chair Pam Lea. “The student athletes will remember this trip for the rest of their lives.”

The Sports Games are held every four years in Reggio Emilia, Italy with Fort Worth being the only city in the U.S. invited to participate. Teams participating are girls basketball, girls volleyball, girls and boys swimming, and two boys baseball teams.

Become a Youth Ambassador

2015-07-28 11:08

Fort Worth Sole USA Representative at Italian Sports Games

Fort Worth, TX – Sister Cities fielding youth sports teams.

In its ongoing efforts to promote Fort Worth globally and provide opportunities to enhance the understanding and awareness of different cultures on a global basis, Fort Worth Sister Cities International will be sending nearly 100 student athletes, coaches, and staff to the Giochi Tricolore Sports Games in Reggio Emilia, Italy August 24-31, 2015.

The games create a chance for young people to convey a positive impression of American youth to other people from around the world participating in the event.

“By not only visiting a foreign country, but living with and competing against nearly 5,000 young athletes from around the world, our Sports Ambassadors will undoubtedly learn that they have much more in common with the other participants than what separates them,” Fort Worth Sister Cities Chairman Michael Bennett said. “These are the types of experiences that help these young people shape their understanding and acceptance of people from other cultures.”

The Youth Ambassadors and coaches representing Fort Worth will compete and live in an Olympic-style village with student athletes from other countries as well as represent Fort Worth and the U.S.A. through positive sportsmanship and goodwill.

“The programs sponsored by Sister Cities have such a broad appeal by offering international experiences you can’t get as casual tourists,” said Fort Worth Sister Cities Sports Games Chair Pam Lea. “The student athletes will remember this trip for the rest of their lives.”

The Sports Games are held every four years in Reggio Emilia, Italy with Fort Worth being the only city in the U.S. invited to participate. Teams participating are girls basketball, girls volleyball, girls and boys swimming, and two boys baseball teams.

Become a Youth Ambassador

Sister Cities Students Attend Leadership Academies

Fort Worth, TX: E3 – Energy, Environment and Education, Theme of Academies ILA Flash Mob 2014

Since 1989, the award-winning International Leadership Academy (ILA) has brought young people from Fort Worth’s sister cities to the area to discuss pressing global issues. This year, over 170 participants will converge at TCU July 18 – Aug. 2 to share their cultures and learn more about leadership.

Students from Fort Worth, Italy, Germany, Japan, China, Mexico, Swaziland, Indonesia, and for the first time students from Vietnam, will be in Fort Worth for this two week program. The Academy’s goal is to increase communication and leadership skills through team-building, problem-solving, and sharing cultures.

Participants will live on the TCU campus, and share a room with students from another country. They will attend classes that are designed to challenge stereotypes, highlight cultures, promote diplomatic dialogue, develop leadership skills, and solve global problems. Activities will also include visits to area businesses, museums, and other cultural venues specific to Fort Worth and a community service project.

This year marks the 11th year of ILA’s middle school program, Jr. International Leadership Academy (JILA) held July 13—17. College students from Toluca, Mexico will serve as facilitators as the Fort Worth students discuss the same issues as their high school counterparts. The students will experience cultural presentations and interaction with high school students from Toluca, Mexico gaining an international perspective.

“The students will be challenged to improve and refine their leadership skills and learn how diverse cultures can support common goals. It’s a tremendous opportunity for personal growth,” said Nancy Marchant, ILA and JILA Coordinator.

The closing ceremonies for ILA take place on Aug. 1, 10:00 a.m. at TCU’s Ed Landreth Auditorium and are open to the public.

2015-06-24 04:20

Sister Cities Students Attend Leadership Academies

Fort Worth, TX: E3 – Energy, Environment and Education, Theme of Academies ILA Flash Mob 2014

Since 1989, the award-winning International Leadership Academy (ILA) has brought young people from Fort Worth’s sister cities to the area to discuss pressing global issues. This year, over 170 participants will converge at TCU July 18 – Aug. 2 to share their cultures and learn more about leadership.

Students from Fort Worth, Italy, Germany, Japan, China, Mexico, Swaziland, Indonesia, and for the first time students from Vietnam, will be in Fort Worth for this two week program. The Academy’s goal is to increase communication and leadership skills through team-building, problem-solving, and sharing cultures.

Participants will live on the TCU campus, and share a room with students from another country. They will attend classes that are designed to challenge stereotypes, highlight cultures, promote diplomatic dialogue, develop leadership skills, and solve global problems. Activities will also include visits to area businesses, museums, and other cultural venues specific to Fort Worth and a community service project.

This year marks the 11th year of ILA’s middle school program, Jr. International Leadership Academy (JILA) held July 13—17. College students from Toluca, Mexico will serve as facilitators as the Fort Worth students discuss the same issues as their high school counterparts. The students will experience cultural presentations and interaction with high school students from Toluca, Mexico gaining an international perspective.

“The students will be challenged to improve and refine their leadership skills and learn how diverse cultures can support common goals. It’s a tremendous opportunity for personal growth,” said Nancy Marchant, ILA and JILA Coordinator.

The closing ceremonies for ILA take place on Aug. 1, 10:00 a.m. at TCU’s Ed Landreth Auditorium and are open to the public.

Youth Ambassadors Travel to Indonesia and Japan

Fort Worth, Texas – Goodwill Ambassadors travel to two Sister Cities In June, 27 students and leaders are visiting two of Fort Worth’s eight sister cities including Bandung, Indonesia and Nagaoka, Japan.

This will be the first youth exchange to Bandung, Indonesia since 2000. Jay Kurima, FWISD ed

ucator, will lead the delegation to Bandung including seven high school students, one university student, and two additional adult leaders. They will also be visiting Yogyakarta.

The fifteen students and leaders to Nagaoka will be led by Glen Mears and Cindy Vasquez.

“In today’s ever-expanding global marketplace, cultural enlightenment and exposure is crucial for students and adults alike. We believe in a student-centered program that encourages the development of leadership skills and motivates students to pursue their own goals,” said Michael Bennett, Chairman of the Board of Sister Cities.

The youth of Fort Worth benefit from a global education. They learn leadership, communications, teamwork and problem solving skills, as well as an understanding of other cultures. They receive training to become citizen diplomats representing the U.S. which enhances their college and career opportunities.

Sister Cities Partnering With FWISD For Spanish Immersion Camp 2015

Fort Worth, Texas — Local students receiving Spanish enrichment training Facilitators from Spanish Immersion Camp in 2014

Fort Worth Sister Cities welcomes 10 university students and 2 educators from Toluca, Mexico’s Tec de Monterrey University June 12-28, 2015 for the second Spanish Immersion Camp for elementary students and in partnership with the FWISD. The Toluca students will act as international facilitators for the two-week camp.

“The FWISD is thrilled to partner with Sister Cities in this way providing our students an opportunity to study Spanish from native speakers.  Last year’s camp proved to be very successful with over 125 elementary students participating,” said Carrie Harrington, Director of World Languages for the FWISD.

The facilitators for Spanish Immersion Camp 2015 prepare for another successful camp session.

All Toluca facilitators and educators will be home hosted by local families in order to give them a glimpse into American life and to give the hosting families exposure to Spanish from native speakers, as well.

While here the group from Toluca will also have an opportunity to explore cultural attractions and experience true Texas hospitality.  Visits are scheduled to the Stockyards, AT&T Stadium, the Kimbell Art Museum, Fort Worth Water Gardens, Sundance Square Plaza, and more.

Toluca, Mexico is Fort Worth’s closest Sister City. Signed in 1998, this partnership has resulted in many exciting programs such as: middle and high school-to-school partnerships including the Model U.N. program; municipal and economic forums; monarch butterfly tourism exchanges; culture, language, and mentoring programs; a medical school intern program; and City of Fort Worth Police Dept. training program.

2015-05-15 10:45

Sister Cities Partnering With FWISD For Spanish Immersion Camp 2015

Fort Worth, Texas — Local students receiving Spanish enrichment training Facilitators from Spanish Immersion Camp in 2014

Fort Worth Sister Cities welcomes 10 university students and 2 educators from Toluca, Mexico’s Tec de Monterrey University June 12-28, 2015 for the second Spanish Immersion Camp for elementary students and in partnership with the FWISD. The Toluca students will act as international facilitators for the two-week camp.

“The FWISD is thrilled to partner with Sister Cities in this way providing our students an opportunity to study Spanish from native speakers.  Last year’s camp proved to be very successful with over 125 elementary students participating,” said Carrie Harrington, Director of World Languages for the FWISD.

The facilitators for Spanish Immersion Camp 2015 prepare for another successful camp session.

All Toluca facilitators and educators will be home hosted by local families in order to give them a glimpse into American life and to give the hosting families exposure to Spanish from native speakers, as well.

While here the group from Toluca will also have an opportunity to explore cultural attractions and experience true Texas hospitality.  Visits are scheduled to the Stockyards, AT&T Stadium, the Kimbell Art Museum, Fort Worth Water Gardens, Sundance Square Plaza, and more.

Toluca, Mexico is Fort Worth’s closest Sister City. Signed in 1998, this partnership has resulted in many exciting programs such as: middle and high school-to-school partnerships including the Model U.N. program; municipal and economic forums; monarch butterfly tourism exchanges; culture, language, and mentoring programs; a medical school intern program; and City of Fort Worth Police Dept. training program.

Youth Ambassadors Travel to Hungary and Italy

Goodwill ambassadors travel to two Sister Cities

In March, 24 students and leaders are visiting two of Fort Worth’s eight sister cities including Budapest, Hungary and Reggio Emilia, Italy.

“International exchanges give students possibly their first opportunity to travel abroad, which is almost always described as a life-changing experience. These exchanges improve their future prospects and give them a level of access and learning not available through tourism. Students learn how the culture works — out of the spotlight, away from tourist sites.  What an amazing way to gain a global perspective,” said Mae Ferguson, President/CEO of Sister Cities.

The youth of Fort Worth benefit from a global education.  They learn leadership, communications, teamwork and problem solving skills, as well as an understanding of other cultures. They receive training to become citizen diplomats representing the U.S. which enhances their college and career opportunities.

The Budapest group is planning to visit several cultural attractions including Hero’s Square and St. Stephen’s Cathedral, as well as several schools where they will be hosted and meet Hungarian students. The Reggio group will experience home stays, visit schools and share their culture with other students. They will also visit Florence and Venice.

Fort Worth Youth Ambassadors Selected

Harashin Scholars in Nagaoka, Japan

Sixty-five Fort Worth students recently completed a vigorous selection process and have been selected to represent the City of Fort Worth as Ambassadors to Fort Worth’s sister cities.

Youth Ambassador exchanges provide a global education for students giving them the opportunity to explore history and experience languages, culture and arts of the country they visit. Students live with host families to develop an understanding of the culture and its traditions during exchanges that range from 9 to 14 days.

The selection process includes written essays, teacher recommendations, report cards and in-person interviews conducted by the teachers who lead the delegations abroad. This year’s Ambassadors represent students from FWISD, Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD, and several private schools. Scholarship assistance of nearly $80,000 is awarded annually ensuring a diverse group of students and teachers who will represent Fort Worth.

On exchanges students develop relationships with students from other countries and gain essential skills to be successful in a global society. “Selection of Youth Ambassadors is a very competitive process and we feel we have an outstanding class to represent Fort Worth and the U.S. next year,” said Dr. Staussa Ervin, Chair of the Programs and Exchanges committee of Fort Worth Sister Cities.

The 2015 exchanges are scheduled for March, June, and July to Italy, Hungary, Japan, China, and Indonesia.

2014-11-25 09:55

Fort Worth Youth Ambassadors Selected

Harashin Scholars in Nagaoka, Japan

Sixty-five Fort Worth students recently completed a vigorous selection process and have been selected to represent the City of Fort Worth as Ambassadors to Fort Worth’s sister cities.

Youth Ambassador exchanges provide a global education for students giving them the opportunity to explore history and experience languages, culture and arts of the country they visit. Students live with host families to develop an understanding of the culture and its traditions during exchanges that range from 9 to 14 days.

The selection process includes written essays, teacher recommendations, report cards and in-person interviews conducted by the teachers who lead the delegations abroad. This year’s Ambassadors represent students from FWISD, Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD, and several private schools. Scholarship assistance of nearly $80,000 is awarded annually ensuring a diverse group of students and teachers who will represent Fort Worth.

On exchanges students develop relationships with students from other countries and gain essential skills to be successful in a global society. “Selection of Youth Ambassadors is a very competitive process and we feel we have an outstanding class to represent Fort Worth and the U.S. next year,” said Dr. Staussa Ervin, Chair of the Programs and Exchanges committee of Fort Worth Sister Cities.

The 2015 exchanges are scheduled for March, June, and July to Italy, Hungary, Japan, China, and Indonesia.

Trinity Valley School Partners As Sister Cities Ambassador School

Students from Toluca Mexico Being Hosted

Six high school students and a teacher from Toluca, Mexico’s Tec de Monterrey Multicultural Program will spend three weeks in Fort Worth, hosted by Trinity Valley School Nov. 25 – Dec. 13.  TVS is one of several Ambassador Schools this year hosting student delegations from Fort Worth’s Sister Cities.

Trinity Valley School’s Director of Global Initiatives, Dr. Michael Roemer, has planned an enriched program.  “Hosting this exchange helps our students learn the value of diversity and seek commonalities that tie us together,” said Dr. Roemer.  Trinity Valley School’s Global Initiatives Program is committed to educating K-12 students to become aware of and engaged with people around the world.

The Toluca students will also take part in educational programs at the Botanical Research Institute of Texas, and cultural tours are planned to the Stockyards, Cowboys Stadium, the Amon Carter Museum, and the Kimbell Art Museum.  The students will also spend time in class with Trinity Valley School students, teach some of the younger students about their culture, and take part in the school’s Trojan Outdoor Experience (TOE) program.

The goal of the exchange is to provide an international experience for the students that will inspire global understanding. The experience will also provide opportunities for the Toluca students to learn about the U.S. educational system and develop new friendships through a home hosted experience with Trinity Valley School families.

The Toluca students must complete an international exchange as part of their graduation credits, and these students chose to visit Fort Worth.  Sister Cities will facilitate this exchange through the Ambassador School Program.

2014-11-25 09:11

Trinity Valley School Partners As Sister Cities Ambassador School

Students from Toluca Mexico Being Hosted

Six high school students and a teacher from Toluca, Mexico’s Tec de Monterrey Multicultural Program will spend three weeks in Fort Worth, hosted by Trinity Valley School Nov. 25 – Dec. 13.  TVS is one of several Ambassador Schools this year hosting student delegations from Fort Worth’s Sister Cities.

Trinity Valley School’s Director of Global Initiatives, Dr. Michael Roemer, has planned an enriched program.  “Hosting this exchange helps our students learn the value of diversity and seek commonalities that tie us together,” said Dr. Roemer.  Trinity Valley School’s Global Initiatives Program is committed to educating K-12 students to become aware of and engaged with people around the world.

The Toluca students will also take part in educational programs at the Botanical Research Institute of Texas, and cultural tours are planned to the Stockyards, Cowboys Stadium, the Amon Carter Museum, and the Kimbell Art Museum.  The students will also spend time in class with Trinity Valley School students, teach some of the younger students about their culture, and take part in the school’s Trojan Outdoor Experience (TOE) program.

The goal of the exchange is to provide an international experience for the students that will inspire global understanding. The experience will also provide opportunities for the Toluca students to learn about the U.S. educational system and develop new friendships through a home hosted experience with Trinity Valley School families.

The Toluca students must complete an international exchange as part of their graduation credits, and these students chose to visit Fort Worth.  Sister Cities will facilitate this exchange through the Ambassador School Program.

Japanese Students Visit Fort Worth

Sister Cities Partners With Three Local Schools

This year’s Ambassador Middle Schools include McLean Middle School, Fort Worth Country Day and Trinity Valley School. These schools will host 36 students and teachers from Nagaoka, Japan October 18 – 26 for this annual international exchange. Fort Worth Sister Cities established the Ambassador Middle School program in 1991 partnering with local public and private schools to promote global fluency. The goal of the Ambassador Middle School program is to give students the leadership skills needed to succeed in today’s connected world.  At the same time, teachers are given creative teaching tools and exposure to international cultures. “The Fort Worth ISD is proud to partner with Sister Cities on this program, as well as many other international initiatives. We want to give our students the best opportunity possible to be successful,” said Michael Sorum, Deputy Superintendent and Sister Cities Advisory Board member. The Japanese students will attend classes, participate in cultural activities and be home hosted by families from the three participating schools. In partnership with the Fort Worth Japanese Society, the students will perform a traditional Japanese dance at the annual Japanese Festival in the Botanic Gardens on Sat.,  Oct. 25.  Through this unique experience the Japanese students will provide a glimpse into life in Japan and its unique culture.