Isshin Teshima under a traditional Chinese Drum

Isshin Teshima
Maggie L. Walker Governor's School 2007
Richmond, Virginia

Being a Japanese citizen and traveling to many Asian countries, I thought the following would be interesting for any exchange students going overseas to China and Japan. China in particular is becoming a popular destination for U.S. students and for business travelers.

Every good exchange student should always be prepared to face differences in cultures. Depending on whether you're going to another state or another country, culture shock may be one of the hardest things to get used to. Always be prepared to encounter different people. Just because people practice a ritual differently than the way you are used to does not mean that it is necessarily wrong.

Out of all of the countries out there, perhaps the East Asian countries are the hardest for westerners to comprehend. Secluded from western influence until the 19th Century, China and Japan are now two of the world's top economic centers.

Travel Tips: Japan

1. It is common courtesy to bring a gift to any family whose daily practices are interrupted by you. (A host family, teacher, class etc.)
2. It is customary to leave your shoes at the front parlor.
3. Bring a few extra dollars; everything in Japan is expensive.
4. Some Japanese students go to school on Saturdays. It is customary on these days for students themselves to clean the classrooms, no janitors.
5. Rooms are a LOT smaller than those Americans are used to.
6. The transportation system is very advanced. You can go practically anywhere by train or by bus.
7. It might be a good tip (for short term exchanges) to get a two-week "Rail Pass" from JR (Japan Railways). It allows you to get on any JR train at any time as many times as you prefer in a two-week period.
8. Avoid subway rush hour. The subways will be PACKED in major cities like Tokyo.
9. A few handy words for the traveler:
       o-ne-gai-shi-ma-su--please
       e-ta-da-ki-ma-su--customary to say before any meal
       o-ja-ma-shi-ma-su--customary to say when entering a house that is not yours
       do-mo a-ri-ga-to-u--thank you
   

Travel Tips: China
China is COMPLETELY different from Japan--for one it's a developing country.

1. **WATER** never trust or drink tap water. If possible, drink from a bottle or soft drink.
2. Restaurants usually serve peanuts or some sort of appetizer before any meal. BEWARE. These usually are very salty and cause you to drink more; drinks cost much more than food in China. (They sometimes even charge for water.)
3. Make sure you get a Hepatitis A shot before you go. Check the World Health Organization website before visiting ANY foreign country.
4. Watch out for street merchants. They usually sell fake items that break easily. If you don't want anything, say bu-yao (I don't want it) and walk away. Some venders usually have a knack for sticking around.
5. Some useful terms:
       ni-hao--hello
       duo shao qian (pronounced chi-an): how much is it?
       ....zai na-r?--where is...?
       shei shei--thank you
       wo shi mei guo ren: I am an American.
   

For any country, be smart and follow the usual guidelines. Check for any health risks before going. Check international weather to make sure that you pack carefully. Know where you're going and how you're going to get there. Have connections and language liaisons "just in case." Know these, and you can't go wrong.