Home Stay
One of the very unique aspects
of the Interim Semester Japan Trip is the opportunity for students to
enjoy a home stay of two nights with a Japanese family. This is often a
great source of initial pre-trip anxiety as students contemplate two
nights with people whom they have never met, and some of whom may not
speak a great deal of English. Invariably it becomes one of the
highlights of the trip. The host families take on this responsibility
for a number of reasons. Many younger Japanese parents relish the
opportunity for their family to gain practice speaking English with a
native speaker. Some delight in personally introducing outsiders to the
Japanese way of life in a more intimate manner than a tour alone
could accomplish. Some are mindful of the mission of Hiroshima, its desire to create an atmosphere of peace through goodwill and
understanding. Students find themselves warmly embraced by their host
families, who endeavor to give students a true sampling of Japanese
life. Favorite activities 
include the tea ceremony in traditional garb,
visits to nearby sky resorts and spas, trips to the Mijyajima Shrine,
as well as shopping expeditions and trips to local high-tech arcades.
The time 
passes all too soon, but students leave with a deepened
understanding of what it means to be Japanese.