My Experience at a Japanese High School: As a Student

I remember it like it was yesterday, but it was about four years ago. I came to Japan for the very first time, at the age of 16. I was bright eyed and bushy tailed as my train pulled up to Nagoya station and I met my host mom for the first time. Then she took me home to a smaller community in Kasugai. I have so many good memories from that trip, but today I will talk about my experience as a student!

I went to a local high school for about 5 weeks in the summer. I still remember when I put on my sailor style school uniform for the first time. I was full of excitement and ready to rush for my first day. Nothing could have prepared me for what was to come! 

When I first got there I met the school officials first. It was a quite formal meeting. Then they took me to the classroom. All 40 pairs of eyes were locked on me, glowing with curiosity. Then I noticed the hallway... All of the students from the school were crowed in the hallway starring at me. Talk about awkward! Haha! It was like I was in a zoo and I was the attraction. 

I didn't know much Japanese, but I learned the word for photo very quickly. Once lunch time came, everyone was doing their best to talk to me. So many people asked to take a picture with me which surprised me. I have to admit, I felt like a superstar. 

My best friends from that experience.

Even when I left the school building, people were waving at and shouting hello from the school building! I couldn't believe this experience. It really shows how little foreigners are in the countryside of Japan. It was like they had never seen a foreigner before. Nothing like this would ever happen back home! Luckily everyone was very welcoming to me and I had an amazing time!