Epsom Girls Grammar
14 day study tour of Japan.
Spring 2012
Objectives
- Contextual study of the Japanese language through interaction with Japanese people in their native language environment.
- Useful practice for NCEA standards.
- Broadening experience of having travelled overseas.
- Opportunity to deepen relationships with students from our sister school who will visit here in July/August.
Since we are a group we need to make an effort to work together so things go smoothly for us all. Make sure you arrive at places within the stated time.
Accompanying Teachers are both from the Japanese Department.
- Ms Deborah Ward
- Mrs Yuka Harrison
This booklet has been put together to help you on your trip – bring it with you everyday.
Use it to glue in any tickets and memorabilia from your trips. This will be useful for your NCEA study.
We will meet everyday at the beginning and end of the day. In Wakaba this will be in our own Home room, in Tokyo the leaders will meet in the teachers’ room. We will use this time to discuss what will happen on the next day in detail, you will need to make the appropriate notes to make sure you turn up at the right place at the right time.
BEFORE WE LEAVE
PASSPORTS
There have been situations when students have lost or forgotten their passport. The student will then have to pay the full cost of a fare home for herself and the accompanying teacher.
You need to arrange a way to carry your passport so you can’t lose it – we suggest a belt bag.
MONEY
Pick up some Yen (¥) at your New Zealand bank before you depart to cover your first few days. Then use your card when you arrive at an ATM. Currently 1 NZ dollar = 67 yen.
ATMs
Many automatic teller machines (ATMs) in Japan do not accept cards issued outside of Japan. The big exceptions are the ATMs found at post offices and chain convenience stores i.e 7-Eleven. These ATMs allow you to withdraw cash by credit and debit cards, including Visa, Plus, Mastercard, Maestro, Cirrus, American Express and JCB cards and provide an English user menu.
THEFT
Theft is practically unheard of in Japan, however you must keep a close eye on all your belongings while you are away. You may safely keep your valuables or money in your suitcase while lodging with your homestay family. While travelling, however, you should keep these on your person (ie. attached to you). While you are moving around within the sister city during your visit, it is suggested that you keep your passport at home (safely with your host family), and keep your money (only enough cash for each day at a time) safely secured within a hip pouch or money belt. Please avoid keeping wallets or purses in daypacks or pockets.
CLOTHES/CLIMATE
Spring is the best season to visit the city. April especially decks the city up in cherry blossoms and carries an average temperature of 13.9°C.
Chances of rain in April are approximately 30% on average and of sun 60%.
It can get cool in the evenings, so remember to bring a warmer jacket for then and a raincoat or umbrella.
At school you will wear EGGS summer uniform.
BAGGAGE
Allowance is 20kg per person plus hand baggage.
HAND BAGGAGE(AIRPLANE):
Restrictions: Limit of up to 100ml of liquids, gels, pastes, creams, lipsticks, deodorants etc (max. 1kg total quantity) may be carried on board aircraft and must be carried in a ziplock or similar sealed and clear/transparent plastic bag. The plastic bag/items must be shown to security officials separate from the rest of cabin baggage when going through any airport security clearance points.
PACKING
Try to avoid over-packing. Remember, you are carrying it! Any experienced traveler will tell you it is no fun to lug around heavy suitcases. This means you should pack a minimum of clothes and accessories in the lightest but sturdiest suitcase you have. Try walking around the block with your bag: if it is too heavy, repack!
Labels with your name and address are also necessary. Place one inside the bag and one in a visible position on the outside. A ribbon is a good way to spot your suitcase on the carousel.
Small hand towel –Most toilets in Japan do not provide a means of drying your hands, therefore most people carry a small hand towel with them. This will be convenient for you too.
Tissues- Use tissues and not a handkerchief if you have a cold.
DUPLICATE TRAVEL DOCUMENTS
In case of loss or theft, take a copy of the identity page of your passport and telephone numbers for lost cardsetc and place them in your checked luggage. Make sure you leave a copy at home with your parents/guardians.
ELECTRICITY
The voltage in Japan is 100 volts. The power plugs are different from New Zealand so if you need to use a re-charger or electrical equipment, you will need to take a special adaptor available from a travel shop or at the airport.
You may find this list a useful last minute check for your packing.
Suggested Packing LIST
HEALTH CARE NEEDS:Here are some suggestions:
- Aspirin/ibuprofen etc
- Anti-bacterial gel for hand-washing
- Antihistamine Cream or
- Allergy medication
- Sunscreen
- Lip Balm
- Antacid
- Diarrhoea Medicine
- Cold Medicine
- Motion sickness medicine – if needed
- Shampoo
- Deodorant
- Toothbrush, Paste & Floss
- Hand Towel
- Contact Lens Preparation
- Lotions / Skin Creams
- Hair brush / Comb
- Tampons/Pads
The usual PLUS:
- Pyjamas
- 3 pairs of shoes (school – gym – outside)
- PE Gear
- School uniform
- Travel Alarm/Watch
- Sunglasses/Case/Strap
- Ear Plugs
- Umbrella
- Safety pins (to prevent wardrobe malfunction)
- Day-bag
- Luggage Tags
- Camera
- Journal
- Pencil case
- Reading Material for the plane/trips
- Your workbook
- Gifts for your host family and any new friends
- Photo album to show to your new friends
- Credit cards
- Yen
- Extra ID
- Do your Parents have all your contact information?
1
IN JAPAN
HEALTH INSURANCE
We are fully insured so you do not need to worry about facing huge bills. However, if you are feeling off colour it is best not to worry your host family. If you are feeling unwell, say “気分がわるいです”. Do not say “びょうきです”. That means you are seriously ill and before you know it… you could find yourself at the hospital when all you have is a sniffle. You have your teachers’ phone numbers. If anything starts to go wrong, ring them immediately.
POST OFFICE
Small post offices are open Monday to Friday from 9:00 to 17:00 and are closed on weekends and national holidays. Larger offices are opened on weekdays until 19:00 and may also open on Saturdays and Sundays. Most post offices are equipped with international automatic teller machines (ATMs). Mailboxes are red.
TEMPLE OR SHRINE ETIQUETTE
When visiting a Temple or a Shrine, behave calmly and respectfully.
When entering temple buildings, you may be required to take off your shoes. Leave your shoes on the shelves at the entrance or take them with you in plastic bags provided at some temples. Wear nice socks.
Photography is usually permitted on the temple grounds. It is forbidden indoors at some temples. Watch for signs.
TIPPING
There is no tipping in any situation in Japan – cabs, restaurants, personal care. To tip someone is actually considered a little insulting.
AT WAKABA
As this is a school trip there will be the same expectations of behaviour as we have at school.
You will wear school uniform. It is spring so bring a jumper as it can be cool. (Average temperatures 10-20◦C)
Wakaba also has their own rules which we will have to abide by while visiting. I have copied them in here.
The Rules of Wakaba Students and the School:
You may NEVER leave your host sister’s side. It is really easy to get lost in a city without street names!
There is to be NO gum chewing. You will drop absolutely NO litter.
Wakaba students are not allowed out without their parents after 8.00pm.
The accessories and any kind of earrings (including stud earrings) are not allowed at school. No hair accessories and no make up, no nail polish. Hair must be kept tidy in a simple style.
Mobile phone and i pod, MP3, the students can not bring these things to school.
Enjoy a week of your Japanese student life. Bow to the teachers and any adults and say せんせい、こんにちは/ おはよございます/ さようなら。
Shoes
You must bring two pairs of shoes to wear at school. One pair you change into when you get to school – this should be a casual shoe with no heels – like a slipper – we have discussed this – ask if you are unsure. You need the second pair to wear in the gym. Something cheap, with white soles, from someplace like the Warehouse. Both these sets of shoes will be left at school, so you will need another pair for outside during your free time.
Remember to take off your outside shoes at the entrance and put your inside shoes on to go inside. Usually there will be shoe boxes for students to keep your shoes outside.
Other things to think about:
-The most important thing is to make Japanese friends. It is up to you. Your Japanese will only improve if you speak it whenever you get the opportunity, and your time at the school will be more enjoyable.
-Ask questions / talk to the people you don’t know.
-Attend a sports or cultural club meeting if you can
-In class you may only understand a little of what is said. Don’t worry. Listen for words and expressions that you do understand.
-Observe differences between seniors and juniors.
-Acknowledge any help that you have received in your closing speeches or farewells.
-Observe the rules.
Homestay list
Class / Host Sister / EGGS Student / 父 / 母 / 姉 / 妹 / 兄 / 弟1年1組21番 / ● / ● / ●
12 / 14
1年2組1番 / ● / ● / ●
14,11
１年５組5番 / ● / ● / ●?!
19
１年５組9番 / ●
１年５組18番 / ● / ● / ●
29
１年５組22番 / ● / ● / ● / ●
10 / 21*
１年５組24番 / ● / ● / ●
13
1年６組11番 / ● / ● / ● / ●
14,9 / 5
1年６組14番 / ● / ● / ●
12
1年６組22番 / ● / ● / Grandfather / ●
Grandmother / 19
1年６組24番 / ● / ● / ●
13
1年６組25番 / ● / ● / ●
23,18
１年５組13番 / ● / ● / ● / ●
13 / 15
THE HOMESTAY EXPERIENCE
The homestay experience is the major part of this Study Tour and extremely important to learn more about the Japanese people and their style of life.
While Japanese living has become increasingly more Westernised, it is still very different to the lifestyle we know here in NZ. Most difficult of all is the fact that you may be place in a home where little or no English is spoken. Communication with your homestay family may be difficult and will require patience and effort on both parts.
YOUR HOST FAMILY
All the families have volunteered to be your hosts. Please understand that every family is different. Some have big houses, some small.
In particular some mothers will prepare lunch for you however this is not a requirement of their hosting you. Therefore some will not provide lunch. The school has a cafeteria and a shop so please come prepared to buy your own lunch.
You will need to pay for your own transport to and from school. The estimated cost of this is provided in the host family schedule. Your host sister will show you where and how to buy your tickets. Some families live near to the school and some don’t – be prepared to use local transport.
Be polite and communicate with your host family and sister.
Greetings are important each day, egおとうさん、おはよございます。Consider their hospitality and kindness to have you at their home. You are going to Japan because of your interests in the culture and people.
If there is something that you don’t understand, or are unsure about – ASK
-Ask how to use the bathroom and toilet.
-Ask you host mother or sister what to do when you have your period.
Do not be shy as this is very important.
-Ask what you should call them.
-Ask to use the phone remember that all calls cost money – even the local ones.
-Check on waking/bedtime/mealtime hours.
-Watch the family to know what to do at mealtimes. Don’t forget いただきますand
ごちそうさまでした
Other things to remember:
-Don’t go out alone.
-Have quick showers as hot water is expensive.
-Don’t let washing pile up.
-Keep your room tidy.
-Offer to help with the dishes/housework/laundry etc.
-Help take the dog for a walk.
-Help with younger children.
-Play games / teach your family games.
-Don’t look longingly at goods in shops – your host family may feel obliged to buy them for you.
Sometimes it is difficult to make conversation with people in an unfamiliar language so it is recommended that you complete the following projects before you leave:
- Compile a photo album showing family members, friends, where you live, your school and local Auckland attractions.
- Compile a general scrapbook of New Zealand attractions, sights and famous people or sporting groups (a good giveaway in Japan)
These will help you pass some time with your family, particularly on the first day, which is always the hardest.
Take every opportunity to go everywhere with your host family.
Participate by indicating that you are listening (はい・ええ・そうですねetc.)
Good topics to talk about – general information about Japan /bad topics – yourself and your achievements.
Answer compliments directly by denial (いいえ、まだへたです- No, I’m not good at it yet)
The correct place to engage in greetings and to be introduced is when you reachthe lounge.
If you have any concerns, tell your host mother, or the teachers at school. If you feel that it is serious enough then contact your teacher.
Communication with your parents back home
We would request that direct telephone communication with parents back in New Zealand be kept to an absolute minimum during the exchange.
International phone calls are extremely expensive and host families fear that each call will be a financial burden upon their household. Of course, collect calls and NZ Telecom Operator (Home Country Direct) are possible, but you should discuss the use of the telephone first with your host family. They will be able to assist you place a collect call through the Japanese international operator.
Students are also reminded that local calls within the city are charged 10yen (15cents)/3 minutes basis – so please always ask permission to use your host family’s telephone before calling anyone.
OTHER USEFUL TIPS AND GENERAL INFORMATION
Japanese people will look after you extremely well. They are wonderful hosts. As participants, your only responsibility will be to make the visit enjoyable for your host family too.
But the following notes will give you some idea of what you should do when you visit your homestay family:
- You should give the main gift (to the parents) as soon as you arrive at your homestay (ie. Within an hour or so of arriving). That is the Japanese custom. You should also keep a small gift to give them before you leave. That is our custom, and it also lets the Japanese family knows that you have enjoyed the visit and appreciated all their efforts.
- The homestay family will organize everything. They will get you to and from group meeting points and on rest days (weekends) will plan your activities.
- You should make an effort, at all times, to be PLEASANT and COURTEOUS to your homestay family, even if you are feeling a little homesick, tired or bored. The homestay family will only want to do what is best.
You can help out if there are awkward moments by asking the family questions, which will lead to activities:
- “What interesting things are there to do in the area?”
- “Can I go to the supermarket with you?”
- “Will you teach me to eat with chopsticks?”
- “Will you teach me origami (paper folding)?”
The Japanese family will be only too please to show their city and their city and their culture – they show great pride in introducing aspects of their lifestyle and culture to foreign guests.
If you can’t explain something, you should try writing it down on a piece of paper using simple English. Most Japanese people can understand written English.
If you end up in a homestay situation near to another member please be careful not to spend time visiting and talking only to each other. You will appreciate that this is highly discourteous to your hosts. You should make a good effort to communicate with your homestay family and spend lots of time with them, not the other NZ students. You should try to show an interest in all the things your homestay family do for you – even the food and drink they will provide
SHOES
Japanese people do not wear shoes inside the house. Leave your shoes in the entrance to the house. They may give you a pair of slippers to wear for your stay. When you go to the toilet, however, you will see another pair. Step out of your slippers and step into the toilet pair. Don’t forget to take them off (an slip back into your own) after you have left the toilet.
Even if it is too hot to wear socks, carry a pair of cotton socks with you at all times. There will be many times when you have to take your shoes off – such as visiting temples or another family’s home – ant it is not a good idea to reveal “grimy and sweaty” (or “smelly”) feet. NEVER go barefoot outside, even if you do feel hot, bothered or extremely tempted!
WHAT TO WEAR:
When leaving / arriving in the Sister City and Auckland:
Please wear tidy and respectable clothing. During the flight you may find the temperature on the airplane is quite cool, so remember to have a jumper or a sweatshirt with you. The flight is about 11 hours long, so you should wear clothes in which will be comfortable to sit for that length of time. If you wish, you could pack some comfortable clothing (e.g. trackpants) in your cabin luggage and change during the flight.