An Adventure To Japan

Japan will be an adventure that stretches me out of my comfort zone …

My name is Yadira Perez. I have a passion for learning new languages and delving into foreign spaces. This summer, the Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE), has given me a full scholarship to participate in their “Japanese Language and Pop Culture Program”.

Though I am nervous, because this will be my first experience traveling abroad, I look forward to learning a new language and experiencing a new culture. Furthermore, after completing the program, I will receive college credits for the language classes that I will be taking.

Surprisingly - though I am excited to travel throughout Japan - I am most looking forward to learning Japanese. Learning a new language makes it possible for me to broaden the people that I can help and befriend. In the future, I hope to be involved in serving others in some capacity. Learning Japanese, and already speaking Spanish, helps me to help others, and familiarize myself with different cultures.

As America becomes increasingly diverse, it is imperative that we not only feel more comfortable in one another’s cultures but that we also appreciate these differences. English is not everyone’s first language. For example, I grew up not speaking English in my home. The only English influence that I had was when I attended school. At times, I felt excluded from certain activities that involved language. Sometimes, I also felt alienated throughout the day. It took a while for me to learn how to interact with others and how to respond to them.

Since I had this experience of learning English as a second language, I understand how important it is to communicate across cultures. I want others to know that their cultures are valued and appreciated. I want to make myself comfortable in foreign, initially uncomfortable spaces, build bridges, and form deep friendships.

Even though I received a full scholarship to attend CIEE’s “Japanese Language and Pop Culture Program”, I still need to raise money to pay for my plane ticket and spending money on my travels.

The checklist below gives you an idea of the expenses :

Roundtrip direct flights to Japan can begin at : 2,000 $

Spending money for traveling around Japan for CIEE program trips : 2,500$

Emergency Funds for any issues that may arise while traveling abroad : 2,000 $

I would greatly appreciate your support in reaching my goal.