THE YORK-BENIMARU FOUNDATION｜Students' Diaries

HOME ＞ NEWS & TOPICS ＞ Students' Diaries

August 16, 2014
How wonderful a home stay was｜Atsuki Kimura
I stayed at Remillard family. This family was always full of laughter. I thought this family was nice to me. For first two days, only I and host mother were at home. She asked me many questions. I was very glad. But I can understand a little, so I don’t know what to answer. I just nodded and smiled. Such a situation continued all the time. I answered just “Yes” or “no”. I wanted to talk with host family. But I couldn’t find the words. I have to study English conversation harder. I want to try a home stay again! The home stay was a nice experience to me. I was really glad to meet the Remillard family, their relatives, their friends and many people.

August 16, 2014

How wonderful a home stay was｜Atsuki Kimura

I stayed at Remillard family. This family was always full of laughter.
I thought this family was nice to me. For first two days, only I and host mother were at home. She asked me many questions. I was very glad. But I can understand a little, so I don’t know what to answer. I just nodded and smiled. Such a situation continued all the time. I answered just “Yes” or “no”. I wanted to talk with host family. But I couldn’t find the words. I have to study English conversation harder. I want to try a home stay again! The home stay was a nice experience to me. I was really glad to meet the Remillard family, their relatives, their friends and many people.

August 16, 2014
From finishing my training｜Sarina Maejima
“What a wonderful time it was!” When I look back upon the one month period, first of all I thought these words. I met irreplaceable friends and my host family, and I had a lot of valuable experiences. In Seattle, through the daily classes and communication with the local people, I learned the importance of talking with them positively. Also I could feel my English skills especially “speaking” was improving step by step. In Manitoba, first I had a big uneasiness because I had to stay apart from my friends and stay alone. But thanks to my host family’s kindness and warmth, I could have a great time. The other side, I strongly realized I have to study and practice English more and more. The great lack of words I know, the difficulty of “listening”… But maybe this is a chance for my growth. When I return to Japan, I’ll learn English more and I promise I’ll come back here, Manitoba again. With all my heart for everyone I met, Thank you so much!

August 16, 2014

From finishing my training｜Sarina Maejima

“What a wonderful time it was!” When I look back upon the one month period, first of all I thought these words. I met irreplaceable friends and my host family, and I had a lot of valuable experiences.
In Seattle, through the daily classes and communication with the local people, I learned the importance of talking with them positively. Also I could feel my English skills especially “speaking” was improving step by step.
In Manitoba, first I had a big uneasiness because I had to stay apart from my friends and stay alone. But thanks to my host family’s kindness and warmth, I could have a great time. The other side, I strongly realized I have to study and practice English more and more. The great lack of words I know, the difficulty of “listening”…
But maybe this is a chance for my growth. When I return to Japan, I’ll learn English more and I promise I’ll come back here, Manitoba again.
With all my heart for everyone I met, Thank you so much!

August 16, 2014
After finishing the training｜Yurika Nakano
The overseas training for about a month in USA and Canada has been over in no time. In Seattle which I visited first, I experienced a lot of first things such as a life in dormitory, watching MLB game, seeing a movie without subtitles and presenting in English. Although they were interesting, I couldn’t get used to American food. I missed an ordinary life in Japan. But about five days after arriving at Seattle, I got used to a life in a foreign country and felt like the time passing fast. Saying goodbye to the wonderful American life, we visited Manitoba in Canada. The large fields, a rich nature and our host family have been waiting for us. I was so excited that I could see plants, sceneries and food which are different from both America and Japan. My host family took me many places and I could make good memories with them. I thank my host family so much. My host family was fantastic! I want to visit Seattle and Manitoba and see the people who took care of us someday!!

August 16, 2014

After finishing the training｜Yurika Nakano

The overseas training for about a month in USA and Canada has been over in no time. In Seattle which I visited first, I experienced a lot of first things such as a life in dormitory, watching MLB game, seeing a movie without subtitles and presenting in English. Although they were interesting, I couldn’t get used to American food. I missed an ordinary life in Japan. But about five days after arriving at Seattle, I got used to a life in a foreign country and felt like the time passing fast. Saying goodbye to the wonderful American life, we visited Manitoba in Canada. The large fields, a rich nature and our host family have been waiting for us. I was so excited that I could see plants, sceneries and food which are different from both America and Japan. My host family took me many places and I could make good memories with them. I thank my host family so much. My host family was fantastic!
I want to visit Seattle and Manitoba and see the people who took care of us someday!!

August 16, 2014
An unforgettable memory｜Misaki Watanabe
I was so nervous when we had the welcome party. It was because I didn’t have any confidence in my English ability. But my host family is very cheerful and kind. So my anxiety disappeared. I said “I wanted to do finishing and cycling. I also wanted to eat Canadian foods.” My host family realized my wishes. They took me to a cottage. We did the fishing, shopping, swimming and so on. I enjoyed those things. Also they showed me a lot of Canadian games and how to make cookies and jam. It was very good. I spent very happy days. I learned the difference between Japan and Canada. The Canadian people are friendly, so all the people who I met were like friends, and I felt that Canadian are free. This home stay is unforgettable. This experience is the treasure of my life.

August 16, 2014

An unforgettable memory｜Misaki Watanabe

I was so nervous when we had the welcome party. It was because I didn’t have any confidence in my English ability. But my host family is very cheerful and kind. So my anxiety disappeared. I said “I wanted to do finishing and cycling. I also wanted to eat Canadian foods.” My host family realized my wishes. They took me to a cottage. We did the fishing, shopping, swimming and so on. I enjoyed those things. Also they showed me a lot of Canadian games and how to make cookies and jam. It was very good. I spent very happy days. I learned the difference between Japan and Canada. The Canadian people are friendly, so all the people who I met were like friends, and I felt that Canadian are free. This home stay is unforgettable.
This experience is the treasure of my life.

August 15, 2014
Memory of home stay｜Mayuko Yasuda
When I saw the Scenery of Winnipeg, I was overcome with emotion for expectation and uneasiness to home stay in the future. However, my host family was very kind to me, my uneasiness disappeared. And the home stay program has been over happily in no time. What I can never forget is a kayaking. I challenged a kayaking for the first time. I was exhausted by unforeseen hard exercise. But the view from a kayak was wonderful. It was beyond words. I will never forget that scenery. After a short break at a rocky place, I went to a lake with host sister. I could watch an animal and a flower which were not in Japan. It was very impressive. I thank my host family for treating me well and letting me have many experiences. I wanted to visit here again.

August 15, 2014

Memory of home stay｜Mayuko Yasuda

When I saw the Scenery of Winnipeg, I was overcome with emotion for expectation and uneasiness to home stay in the future. However, my host family was very kind to me, my uneasiness disappeared. And the home stay program has been over happily in no time. What I can never forget is a kayaking. I challenged a kayaking for the first time. I was exhausted by unforeseen hard exercise. But the view from a kayak was wonderful. It was beyond words. I will never forget that scenery. After a short break at a rocky place, I went to a lake with host sister. I could watch an animal and a flower which were not in Japan. It was very impressive. I thank my host family for treating me well and letting me have many experiences. I wanted to visit here again.

August 15, 2014
I never forget｜Ayaka Muto
I was anxious. Because of there were a language barrier. However, my anxiety has changed into a fun thanks to Howatt family. They listened seriously to my poor English. They let me have had a lot of experiences, horse riding, farming and sightseeing. The anxiety about My English had gone before I noticed it. I never forget this summer vacation. This program became my precious memory. I would like to thank the York-Benimaru Foundation gave me a chance, and Howatt family. Thank you!

August 15, 2014

I never forget｜Ayaka Muto

I was anxious. Because of there were a language barrier. However, my anxiety has changed into a fun thanks to Howatt family. They listened seriously to my poor English. They let me have had a lot of experiences, horse riding, farming and sightseeing. The anxiety about My English had gone before I noticed it. I never forget this summer vacation. This program became my precious memory.
I would like to thank the York-Benimaru Foundation gave me a chance, and Howatt family. Thank you!

August 15, 2014
Every day is fulfilling!｜Hikaru Nanaumi
Two weeks were very substantial for me. I went to camping in three days and two nights from the second day home stay has begun. And I did waterskiing, tubing, fishing, and swimming. I was very happy to have had valuable experiences that I could not experience in Japan. We had so much fun every day. My host family took me various places. I did a rhythmic gymnastics. They taught me how to make bread. I felt anxious of my stay at first, but the feeling disappeared soon. I didn’t feel homesick because of my host family’s help. I have to reflect of myself. Because I have relied on my host family. Two weeks were very short, but I was able to grow a little. I want to study English harder and meet my host family again. I appreciate them.

August 15, 2014

Every day is fulfilling!｜Hikaru Nanaumi

Two weeks were very substantial for me. I went to camping in three days and two nights from the second day home stay has begun. And I did waterskiing, tubing, fishing, and swimming. I was very happy to have had valuable experiences that I could not experience in Japan. We had so much fun every day. My host family took me various places. I did a rhythmic gymnastics. They taught me how to make bread.
I felt anxious of my stay at first, but the feeling disappeared soon. I didn’t feel homesick because of my host family’s help.
I have to reflect of myself. Because I have relied on my host family.
Two weeks were very short, but I was able to grow a little. I want to study English harder and meet my host family again. I appreciate them.

August 15, 2014
Every day｜Manami Akatsuka
My host family was Fenez family. I was nervous then, but the family always treated me gently and cheerfully. Almost every day we went out or enjoyed some games at home. I experienced the Brazil show, horse racing, trampoline and so on. They were very precious times. As for the meals, I felt the pleasure of eating homemade dish with family. In the daily conversations, I could study a lot of things. I found various things about English pronunciation and the kind of the words in the conversation. Finally, I’d like to say I am happy that T spent the past two weeks as a ‘daughter’ of Fenez family. I really love that family.

August 15, 2014

Every day｜Manami Akatsuka

My host family was Fenez family.
I was nervous then, but the family always treated me gently and cheerfully. Almost every day we went out or enjoyed some games at home.
I experienced the Brazil show, horse racing, trampoline and so on. They were very precious times. As for the meals, I felt the pleasure of eating homemade dish with family. In the daily conversations, I could study a lot of things.
I found various things about English pronunciation and the kind of the words in the conversation. Finally, I’d like to say I am happy that T spent the past two weeks as a ‘daughter’ of Fenez family. I really love that family.

August 15, 2014
Spending 2weeks with Penner family｜Miho Horikoshi
The past two weeks, I had spent a wonderful time. Before the home stay started, it was full of anxiety and tension if I could communicate with the host family in my English. But Penner family heard my English affectionately. And then I challenged that I want to talk with a host family. When I don’t know some English words, I used my dictionary. I had a lot of experiences in the home stay. That were, riding in a bicycle, going to a lake, riding a boat, riding a tube, swimming in a lake, campfire under starlit sky, riding on a horse and so on. I want to talk with my friends about those fun days. Thank you so much.

August 15, 2014

Spending 2weeks with Penner family｜Miho Horikoshi

The past two weeks, I had spent a wonderful time. Before the home stay started, it was full of anxiety and tension if I could communicate with the host family in my English. But Penner family heard my English affectionately. And then I challenged that I want to talk with a host family.
When I don’t know some English words, I used my dictionary. I had a lot of experiences in the home stay. That were, riding in a bicycle, going to a lake, riding a boat, riding a tube, swimming in a lake, campfire under starlit sky, riding on a horse and so on. I want to talk with my friends about those fun days. Thank you so much.

August 1, 2014
Sightseeing in Manitoba｜Yukiko Funada
Today, we did a sightseeing tour of Manitoba. Firstly, we visited the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba. It was very very big! We listened to history of Manitoba Legislature. I learned a lot through that tour. Secondly, we visited the Minister of Agriculture. They welcomed us so kindly. Hikaru’s speech was very wonderful. Then, I received a badge of Manitoba. I want to treasure the badge. And we took pictures in front of the memorial tree. Next, we visited the zoo. I watched a polar bear for the first time. It was so fluffy and pretty! Because the polar bear slept, I was so sad. Also, we watched a bison. I ate a hamburger of bison. It was good! I want to keep this memory forever.

August 1, 2014

Sightseeing in Manitoba｜Yukiko Funada

Today, we did a sightseeing tour of Manitoba. Firstly, we visited the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba. It was very very big! We listened to history of Manitoba Legislature. I learned a lot through that tour. Secondly, we visited the Minister of Agriculture. They welcomed us so kindly. Hikaru’s speech was very wonderful. Then, I received a badge of Manitoba. I want to treasure the badge. And we took pictures in front of the memorial tree. Next, we visited the zoo. I watched a polar bear for the first time. It was so fluffy and pretty! Because the polar bear slept, I was so sad. Also, we watched a bison. I ate a hamburger of bison. It was good!
I want to keep this memory forever.

August 1, 2014
Valuable Opportunity｜Tomomi Hirayama
I was responsible for greeting at Lieutenant governor. I was very nervous, but I was able to read the document correctly. To finish my role relieved me. The city tour at the zoo, I was able to see the animals. For example, white bear and seal. Also I was surprised there were wolves. Because of a scheduling conflict, I couldn’t go to Winnie the Pooh area. The guide gave us a pooh badge instead. It made me happy. I can see the calf and the cow in Manitoba daily farm. I ate bison’s hamburger at Fort Whyte centre. It was unexpectedly delicious. Then, I had a valuable opportunity to experience the life of indigenous people of the aborigine. I ate a maple fudge, fruits and cookie at the bus. Today, I received a lot of splendid hospitality of Canadian.

August 1, 2014

Valuable Opportunity｜Tomomi Hirayama

I was responsible for greeting at Lieutenant governor. I was very nervous, but I was able to read the document correctly. To finish my role relieved me.
The city tour at the zoo, I was able to see the animals. For example, white bear and seal. Also I was surprised there were wolves.
Because of a scheduling conflict, I couldn’t go to Winnie the Pooh area. The guide gave us a pooh badge instead. It made me happy.
I can see the calf and the cow in Manitoba daily farm. I ate bison’s hamburger at Fort Whyte centre. It was unexpectedly delicious. Then, I had a valuable opportunity to experience the life of indigenous people of the aborigine.
I ate a maple fudge, fruits and cookie at the bus. Today, I received a lot of splendid hospitality of Canadian.

July 29, 2014
Seattle!!｜Ayaka Ohnuma
I was able to learn a lot through the training in SPU. I became excited with the scenery I saw the first time, the smell I have never smelled, and a lot of first experience on the first day of Seattle at the same time, I felt anxious and nervous. But through new meeting, such feelings disappeared. I could do many precious experiences. I went to a famous market, Pike place market, I went to Safeco field to watch a baseball game, and I went to Nikkei manner and I communicated with elder students. What I was impressed most was. I did BBQ. A hamburger which Mariah’s mother and brother was delicious and I swam with local high school students in Green Lake. I thank for local people who take care of me. I will do my best at homestay in Canada.

July 29, 2014

Seattle!!｜Ayaka Ohnuma

I was able to learn a lot through the training in SPU. I became excited with the scenery I saw the first time, the smell I have never smelled, and a lot of first experience on the first day of Seattle at the same time, I felt anxious and nervous. But through new meeting, such feelings disappeared. I could do many precious experiences. I went to a famous market, Pike place market, I went to Safeco field to watch a baseball game, and I went to Nikkei manner and I communicated with elder students. What I was impressed most was. I did BBQ. A hamburger which Mariah’s mother and brother was delicious and I swam with local high school students in Green Lake. I thank for local people who take care of me. I will do my best at homestay in Canada.

July 29, 2014
Looking back to Seattle｜Hayato Endo
We stayed at the dormitory of Seattle Pacific University for nine days. Before I went to SPU, I thought “Can I live in Seattle?” and “Can I speak English?” I was very worried. But I didn’t have to worry because Alex, Mariah, Joe and Rebecca were very friendly. It was a lot of fun to have English classes because Joe and Rebecca taught me intelligibly and amusingly. I didn’t only go to the classes but also visited the city for sightseeing, communicated with American children and high school students, had a barbecue and watched the Mariners baseball game. I could do valuable experiences that might not be possible in Japan.

July 29, 2014

Looking back to Seattle｜Hayato Endo

We stayed at the dormitory of Seattle Pacific University for nine days. Before I went to SPU, I thought “Can I live in Seattle?” and “Can I speak English?” I was very worried. But I didn’t have to worry because Alex, Mariah, Joe and Rebecca were very friendly. It was a lot of fun to have English classes because Joe and Rebecca taught me intelligibly and amusingly. I didn’t only go to the classes but also visited the city for sightseeing, communicated with American children and high school students, had a barbecue and watched the Mariners baseball game.
I could do valuable experiences that might not be possible in Japan.

July 28, 2014
Seattle’s Aquarium｜Nanaka Yoshida
Eight days have passed since I arrived at Seattle. I was worried if we could get along I was full of anxious feeling, but I had a good time in Seattle. I don’t want to come back to Japan. On July 28th, I went to the aquarium. It was not so big but the fish were beautiful. I touched hand with a starfish and sea anemone. It was fun. Because the aquarium was surrounded by the sea, I felt the smell of tide. I want to visit Seattle again in the future.

July 28, 2014

Seattle’s Aquarium｜Nanaka Yoshida

Eight days have passed since I arrived at Seattle. I was worried if we could get along I was full of anxious feeling, but I had a good time in Seattle. I don’t want to come back to Japan.
On July 28th, I went to the aquarium. It was not so big but the fish were beautiful. I touched hand with a starfish and sea anemone. It was fun. Because the aquarium was surrounded by the sea, I felt the smell of tide. I want to visit Seattle again in the future.

July 25, 2014
Enjoying BBQ｜Reina Fukushima
I went to Green Lake on July 25th. We enjoyed BBQ with Mariah’s family and King’s High School students. We ate a hamburger, a hot dog and so on. And we were talking, playing, UNO, NINJA, Chain tag. It was very very happy day. Then, we swam in the pool and the lake. The lake was a little cold, but we enjoyed it!

July 24, 2014
I think this｜Shiho Nishimura
It has been four days since we left Japan. There are completely different in meals, people’s faces and the view which we saw to compare Japan with America. But thinking of that, I don’t feel much that we are in America. I think it’s because we always act with these members of the York-Benimaru Foundation, language which we use is overwhelming Japanese during the day and we are living with fellow Japanese. Each purpose may be different when participating one by one. But if we don’t use our skills, it doesn’t make much sense to have come to America. Conditions may not change but we can change our state depending on the circumstances, for example, invention, judgment and so on. I always say “Don’t be shy.” in mind. This is the words our English teacher in Japan said. I think I’ll act more positively.

July 24, 2014

I think this｜Shiho Nishimura

It has been four days since we left Japan. There are completely different in meals, people’s faces and the view which we saw to compare Japan with America. But thinking of that, I don’t feel much that we are in America. I think it’s because we always act with these members of the York-Benimaru Foundation, language which we use is overwhelming Japanese during the day and we are living with fellow Japanese. Each purpose may be different when participating one by one. But if we don’t use our skills, it doesn’t make much sense to have come to America. Conditions may not change but we can change our state depending on the circumstances, for example, invention, judgment and so on. I always say “Don’t be shy.” in mind. This is the words our English teacher in Japan said. I think I’ll act more positively.

July 23, 2014
Exciting Seattle｜Kana Watanabe
I went to Pike place market, the Space Needle and Boys & Girls Club. It was cloudy and rainy weather. I took a lot of pictures. Pike place market was very crowded. I bought a sweat shirt emblazoned with a logo for “Seattle” and a bag. It’s my favorite. The Space Needle was very high. The view was beautiful, but I had an frightening experience. Boys & Girls Club was interesting. There were many cute and handsome children. I taught them Japanese. Because they were glad, I was happy. American food looks good and there is a lot of quantity. English classes are very interesting. I am having a good time.

July 23, 2014

Exciting Seattle｜Kana Watanabe

I went to Pike place market, the Space Needle and Boys & Girls Club. It was cloudy and rainy weather. I took a lot of pictures. Pike place market was very crowded. I bought a sweat shirt emblazoned with a logo for “Seattle” and a bag. It’s my favorite. The Space Needle was very high. The view was beautiful, but I had an frightening experience.
Boys & Girls Club was interesting. There were many cute and handsome children. I taught them Japanese. Because they were glad, I was happy. American food looks good and there is a lot of quantity.
English classes are very interesting. I am having a good time.

July 22, 2014
Let’s go to Seattle｜Sayaka Akiba
Two days have passed since I came to Seattle. Today, I went to Space Needle and Pike place market. It was rainy, but the view of Space Needle was beautiful. I was surprised at the size of Seattle. There were many things at Pike place market. For example, vegetables, fruits, snack, candy accessories. There was little time but I’m glad to see many places. The things we can’t see in Japan were sold there, and we can see the things we can’t buy in Japan. If we have an opportunity, I want to go there again.

July 22, 2014

Let’s go to Seattle｜Sayaka Akiba

Two days have passed since I came to Seattle. Today, I went to Space Needle and Pike place market. It was rainy, but the view of Space Needle was beautiful. I was surprised at the size of Seattle.
There were many things at Pike place market. For example, vegetables, fruits, snack, candy accessories. There was little time but I’m glad to see many places. The things we can’t see in Japan were sold there, and we can see the things we can’t buy in Japan. If we have an opportunity, I want to go there again.

July 21, 2014
I can’t wait!｜Manami Narita
I’m really excited now because it’s my first time to stay in a foreign country with foreign people. This means that I’ll encounter different cultures. I hope I can appreciate the difference between us and understand each other from the heart. Also, I’d like to enjoy the life in Canada, including wonderful nature. I’m sure this experience will broaden the mind. During my stay, I’d like to keep smile, speak to others friendly in English, and try everything I can do there. I can’t wait! Ittekimasu!

July 21, 2014

I can’t wait!｜Manami Narita

I’m really excited now because it’s my first time to stay in a foreign country with foreign people. This means that I’ll encounter different cultures. I hope I can appreciate the difference between us and understand each other from the heart. Also, I’d like to enjoy the life in Canada, including wonderful nature.
I’m sure this experience will broaden the mind. During my stay, I’d like to keep smile, speak to others friendly in English, and try everything I can do there.
I can’t wait! Ittekimasu!

＜HOME

TOP

Foundation Outline＞