The Global English Camp Program: an Experience of City, Country, and Community
From the bustling streets of Tokyo to the mountainous region of Hakone, I WAS ABLE TO EXPERIENCE the best of both worlds in two different prefectures during the Global English Camp program.
Retreat Weekend
One of my favorite memories of Japan was our group retreat at Ashinoko Camp Miura in Hakone. We travelled from Tokyo by train, bus, and pirate ship.
With cabins closely neighboring Lake Ashi, my surroundings were nothing short of idyllic. I bonded with many other interns as we roamed the grounds, battled the humidity, and barbequed the night away.
Shines and Gates
I also visited the famous Hakone Shrine and red Torii Gate. Surrounded by a luscious forest, people from all over the world come to visit this famous landmark. If you come at the right time, you might witness a breathtaking view of Mount Fuji in the distance.
While in Tokyo, I visited Harajuku, Shinjuku, and Shibuya, all of which had their own flair and gave me a taste of city life in Japan.
During my third week of teaching, I also stayed in Yokohama, a city approximately 45 minutes south of Tokyo. Here, I visited the Landmark Tower, shopping malls, the ramen museum, Chinatown, and had my first public bath. In all these cities, I shopped, karaoke’ed, and indulged in all the matcha treats and classic konbini food I could find.
Food in Japan
Although my travels consisted of me getting lost at times, I experienced a sense of peace as I navigated the island. In relying on myself as a compass, I learned how capable and open I was to adapting to new environments. Every day was an adventure.
Food is also a big part of experiencing another culture. Thus, I made it my goal to eat as much as I could. From dining at ramen, udon, and sushi houses in Tokyo to trying new delicacies such as soba (chilled noodles paired with a dipping sauce), takoyaki (battered octopus balls), and traditional Japanese breakfast at my homestay, I was exposed to Japan’s rich gastronomy and unparalleled hospitality, or omotenashi.
Omotenashi
Japan identifies as a collectivist culture, meaning it believes in unity and being mindful of others as one goes about their daily life. Thus, many things are intuitively done in a ‘together-like’ fashion. I was a constant recipient of these gestures and deeply admired this philosophy. Being consciously aware of how our actions affect others requires us to be observant of our surroundings.
Taking What I’ve Learned Back Home
After five weeks of what felt like a dream, my memories of Japan have led me to create a tamagoyaki (Japanese omelette) and rice dish topped with furikake (rice seasoning) at home. It was quite the attempt as I did not have the exact kitchenware and ingredients necessary.
I hope to get better in time!
Check out my vlog from this summer!
Thank you!
This past summer would not have the same without the welcoming spirit of Japan and my amazing peers and students. I’m so happy to have experienced the beauty and culture of this country and look forward to exploring more regions in the future.
Thank you, Global English Camp, for memories that will last a lifetime!
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Written by Ellie Kapsalis, Global English Camp 2019 intern, UCLA 2019
Edited by Paige Goetz, Director of Communications