Overseas Study Trip

2025/01/10

We were able to see for ourselves that students in Singapore are not only world-leading in math and science, but also in language studies, which we believe are more advanced than in Japan. We realized that there are things that the Japanese education system could improve on by following Singapore's example. We also learned about the environment at the aquarium and on the night safari, and saw many trees around the city and at the airport, which made us feel like the whole country is actively working on solving the climate crisis. Environmental destruction is also a prevalent issue in Japan, so we think it is necessary to raise awareness throughout the country. (A.N, Y.H, M.T)

We went to Italy and Sweden on a school trip. It is now one of my fondest memories. We visited a lot of gorgeous chapels in Italy, and I also went to the amusement park in Sweden.

The official language in Italy is Italian. There, I had an experience where I couldn’t communicate with local people even though I used English. However, by using body language and gestures, I was able to make conversation with them. Through this school trip, I realized that there is no need to be afraid of travelling abroad because of a different language or a different culture. Even if there is a language barrier, everything is going to be okay. I want to be able to be active in the world without giving up on what I want to do abroad, just because I can’t speak the language.　(A.Y)

We went to Dubai and Abu Dhabi in the UAE for five nights and seven days as an overseas study trip. It was my first trip abroad, so I had a lot of new and unforgettable experiences. We visited various places during this trip, and everything was impressive. However, I can’t tell you all of them, so I’d like to talk about three things that I was especially impressed. 

First, our visit to the View at the Palm. This is an observation deck where you can see Palm Jumeirah, an artificial island. The temperature in Dubai can exceed fifty degrees in the summer, and when we went there, it was about forty degrees. Also, because of the strong sunlight, it was very hot and bright. We don’t often wear sunglasses in Japan, but this time everyone was wearing them. I learned how amazing sunglasses are. Palm Jumeirah is known for its palm tree shape, and it’s so unique. I was surprised as it was bigger than I had imagined. I think it would be nice to live in such a place.

Second, our excursion to the desert. It was possible to drive cars called buggies without a license there. I was riding behind a buggy driven by my friend. We were going at a tremendous speed, and I felt like I was going to be shaken off. I was little scared, but I had fun. After that, we did a desert safari tour. We drove in the high and low desert. It was like riding a roller coaster and I really enjoyed it. I was also shocked that the desert was cool. I imagined it to be dry and hot, but it was cooler than the city of Dubai in the evening. I don’t think I will have many chances to go to the desert in the future, so I’m glad I was able to go there. 

Finally, our visit to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Mosques are places where Muslims go to worship. There is strict dress code, and if you don’t meet it, you can’t enter the mosque. So, I put on a dress and a scarf. By doing so, I covered my skin and my hair. The building was white and large. Also, it was spacious inside. It felt like a sacred place.

I had many valuable experiences on this trip in an unfamiliar environment. It was a truly fulfilling week because I could learn the cultural and lifestyle differences between the UAE and Japan. Looking back now makes me want to go again. I was able to have a good time with my friends and teachers, and it has become a precious memory for me. (M.M.)