Tohoku University Short Course & Internship Program 2018; Meet our new friends!

After Final Presentation

Start from February, I had a chance to became a buddy for students who come from other countries, one of them was from Sendai, Japan. At first, it was kind of difficult for me to communicate with them because I'm not good at English, and then I found out later it is also because Japanese people tend to appear shy (at first) with foreigner.

All the UI buddies and Tohoku University students, Teksas bridge, Universitas Indonesia.

I have noticed that Japanese people are often anxious to practice foreign languages with native speakers. While they sometimes still spend time with their fellow, they are often very appreciative of foreign people who express an interest in them. So, my first suggestion to anyone looking to make Japanese friends is incredibly simple : share your culture with them. As Japanese culture is very unique, Japanese people are often very excited to try anything related to the foreign culture in which they find themselves.

Visiting the biggest mosque in South East Asia, Istiqlal Mosque, Jakarta. An important part of Indonesian culture for Japanese people is also learning about Islam.

Going to somewhere with Tohoku friends was a great experience, as they were incredibly excited. Every little thing was extremely new to them. And also they enjoyed the time spent together.

After swimming, at Harris Hotel, Bekasi.

On the third weekend, we stayed for a week at Harris hotel located in Bekasi. There are so many things we have to do for our internship at AEON Mall Jakarta Garden City, but we do really enjoyed our time at Harris hotel.

In front of West Sumatra traditional house, Taman Mini Indonesia Indah, Jakarta.

The weather was very hot when we visited Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (Indonesia Miniature Park). Although its very tiring day, it was an unforgetable moment for me. Even I already been there for few times, it's still fascinating me a lot. I think it would have been a great idea to visit Taman Mini for foreigners who have no idea about Indonesia. It's a nice place to get glimpse o the whole country packaged in one spot.

One of students named Shunichi asked when we're going back to Wisma Makara from Margocity, "the name is 'Mini Park', right? but why it so big?" I can't stop laughing when I heard that question. What a great question, I think.

Dunia Fantasi amusement park, Taman Impian Jaya Ancol, Jakarta.

On the last day staying in Indonesia, we went to Dunia Fantasi to spending our time with our Japanese friends for the last time before they're going back to Japan.

I miss my Tohoku University friends, hope I can meet them again somewhere in the future.

Xoxo

Deb:)