'When I arrived in America, I was very nervous'

By Runa Matumoto

​It was my second time to participate in this program and I was really looking forward to it. When I arrived in America, I was very nervous. But Claire, my buddy and her family welcomed me. I was happy because they spoke to me gently and cheerfully. It made me smile. 

On a host day, I saw the scenery of America with my host family. I went to the American supermarket. The supermarket was big and wide. It made me surprise. And I knew different culture from Japan. For example, there were a lot of cars in road. It was so interesting. Also I went to a popular store, IN-N-OUT. I wanted to go there before I went to America. So I was very happy!

When I went to school, I was very surprised. Because it was too different from Japanese schools. Classes, lunch times, and activity methods,are all different.

​ I was excited. School students talked to me a lot. I was so happy and I am grateful. 

In the beginning, I was worried to speak English. But a lot of people talked to me. 

Especially, school friends and my host family talked to me a lot. So I was happy.

I would like to thank everyone who was involved. Thank you so much. I’ll apply what I have learned to my future and I want to go to America again!!