🌸Hirodai Ambassador [Study Abroad News] Ayano Kawase, 4th year student, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences No.2

Hirodai Ambassador Activity Report

4rd year, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences 　Ayano Kawase San

[Study abroad destination] University of Hawaii Community College (USA)
[Study abroad period] August 2023 to January 8.
[Type of study abroad] Long-term study abroad at a partner university

Aloha! It's getting cooler in Oita. It's starting to feel like the rainy season is in full swing, and the pouring nights can make you feel a bit uneasy.
Halloween and ThanksgivingNow that the holidays are over, it's time to see Christmas trees and Christmas ornaments in Hawaii.
This will be my first winter without snow. It's exciting.

Well, I've been living in Hawaii for about 4 months now, and here's what I think.
I want to soak in the bathtub. I want to take a hot spring bath. I felt that showering alone was not enough to relieve my fatigue. I feel the fatigue building up and realize that sleep alone won't help me cope. It's tough, isn't it? 

Meanwhile, the Honolulu Marathon is just around the corner. I don't want to run in the rain, I'm tired and my body isn't in the best shape...but me! I found a wonderful place that is perfect for me! Rakuten Lounge, located at Ala Moana Center and International Market Place, is operated by Japan's Rakuten. If you have a Rakuten credit card, you can use it for free for about an hour.

Full of Japanese people! Both the staff and customers are Japanese! Treat yourself to some ice-cold juice, and here are some recommended points! You can use the predecessor massage machine for about 20 minutes! happiness! Without the osteopathic clinic, my body is in tatters, and it has become my lifeline. I would like to go to an authentic Hawaiian massage. no! to go! One of these days! 

Flowers given to me by my host sister

International Education Week is held in mid-November.There was a time for multicultural exchange entitled.

In my ESL class, we learn about each country's culture such as food, clothing, and shelter.pick one upThrough research, Bulletproof paragraphand finally in front of the class and several university officials.10 minutesWe gave a presentation. In particular, many of my classmates gave presentations about food, and they provided salads and soups from various countries. I'm full.

I am a member of Yosakoi Circle H at Hirosaki University.IRODAISince I was a member of the Enbu-jin, I delivered a presentation about Yosakoi and a performance of the original song by the 18th generation of the Homura-jin, along with footage from the school festival.
They should have brought costumes and Naruko to Hawaii. I'm sorry.

If you are planning to study abroad, I highly recommend that you bring at least one aspect of Japanese culture with you that is relevant to you. From my experience. 

Then ThanksgivingLet's talk about it. November 11rd, Japan's Labor Thanksgiving Day, is celebrated on a grand scale similar to Christmas and New Year's Day.Thanksgiving.
A week before that, my host mother taught me how to learn Hawaiian style.ThanksgivingI heard that it was a party where everyone brought one item, so I decided to go to Don Quijote for a party.abocha(about 900 yen) and served boiled pumpkin and pumpkin dumplings (a local Hokkaido dish).
I also practiced... During the training process, I shared the dishes I cooked with my host family. We received positive reviews, with people saying they liked the taste, which is not found in Hawaii. You did it!

On the day of the event, there will be Mexican food, Turkish food, and M by a Hawaiian person.eyesA sumptuous lunch was held, and acquaintances of the host families visited. It was a wonderful experience. 

ThanksgivingSpeaking of the next day... Yes! Black Fridayis! Authentic Hawaii Black FridayIn the morning, I decided to check out how crowded it would be.I left home at 8 o'clock and around 9:XNUMX.From then on, we attacked Ala Moana Center and Waikiki.
When I told my host family that I was going on a special attack, they said “Hahaha! Crazy girl!"It was more crowded than Ala Moana and Waikiki, which I had seen before, but it was like Hirosaki Park at night when the cherry blossoms were in full bloom. If I had to compare it to something like that, it would be more crowded.

For some reason, I met up with a Hongdae student who goes to another campus and had tea! Long time! 

December is finally here.
Honolulu Marathon, Christmas...Many eventsJanuary tooI hope you can spend happy days.Mahalo!