By Krista Roberts
Staff Writer
Instead of having a typical California summer junior, Barbara Blumenthal is paying for her own path and traveling 6,000 miles overseas. She will spend her break in Japan, living with a host family and immersing herself in a new culture.
When Blumenthal found out about an interesting summer foreign exchange program, she completed a series of steps in order to qualify. The program she applied to requires applicants to submit a collection of mini essays and paperwork to be eligible for selection.
“I’m really glad that Barbara finally has the opportunity to learn about a nation and culture that she is so passionate about,” junior Levi Schoenfeld said.
If chosen, students fly to Japan to spend six weeks in a selected town, study Japanese in authentic situations and learn about different customs. Blumenthal found out in April that she had been accepted to participate in the 2010 summer exchange program.
Blumenthal has spent four years studying Japanese with her private tutor.
“I passed the Japanese government proficiency exam, a test that determines how well you know Japanese,” Blumenthal said.
Given these positive results, Blumenthal is confident that she holds the language speaking skills needed to communicate effectively in Japan. After applying, she was granted an $8,000 scholarship for her summer visit from U.S. Congress.
On June 6, Blumenthal began her excursion by flying to Berkeley, California. There, she stayed for a three-day orientation to meet other teens selected nationally to participate in the program.
“There are kids from all over the United States. All of us are going to different parts of Japan, so the orientation is really just a chance for us to share expectations and bond,” Blumenthal said.
After their orientation, the group boarded a lengthy 12-hour flight to Japan.
After arriving at her assigned town, Kobe, Blumenthal will have to adjust to her new environment and family.
Throughout the summer, she will be at tending a private Catholic school. By creating an immersion school environment, Blumenthal believes that the rigorous learning atmosphere will help her become fluent in Japanese.
“In Kobe, I won’t have the luxuries I have at home. Each day, we will take a train, then a bus, to get to the school,” Blu menthal said. “The customs are different here, and it is expected that you stay after school. I’m not against the idea. It’s just different than in California.”
In mid-May, Blumenthal found out who her host family was going to be. She began to email them often, learned about their lifestyle, and told them about her hobbies and goals for the future.
This family of five includes Miwako, the host mother; Shoithi the host father; Yuri, their 16 year-old daughter; Diaki, their 18 year-old son, and their dog Sandy.
Blumenthal hopes to do some sight-see ing over the course of her trip in addition to her studies. She is eager to visit one of Kobe’s main attractions, the world’s largest suspension bridge, measured to be 12,831 feet long.
“I am most excited to take Barbara shopping,” Yuri said.
The family is eager to introduce Blumenthal to the country and learn more information about American culture from her as well.
“I am so grateful to have this opportunity. I know that my Japanese will improve so much over the course of the trip, and I’m just so thankful,” Blumenthal said.
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