Japanese exchange student making many welcome discoveries

After being introduced to international travel at a young age by his parents, becoming an exchange student felt like a natural next-step for senior Shota Hori. 

“I went to New Zealand for two weeks when I was in junior high school and decided to study abroad,” he said. 

Hori spoke highly of his experience so far in the States, describing Americans as “more helpful and friendly” than people in his home country of Japan. 

“I joined the cross country and basketball teams in the U.S., and everyone is too nice. To be honest, there is nothing I dislike about [life here]. If I had to say something, it would be that the food in Japanese restaurants in the U.S. is not Japanese food.”

Hori added that he sees American people as more forthcoming with their compliments than Japanese people. 

“Japanese people also praise [one another], but Americans more than that. I thought it was nice that no matter what we do, they always praise us with compliments such as ‘good job.’” 

Additionally, since the driving age is 18 in Japan, he was surprised to learn that he could drive here. Hori said that he “thought it was nice” to be able to drive to school by himself. 

In fact, most of the cultural differences he encountered were welcome ones, and he said he hasn’t struggled with feelings of homesickness or culture shock. However, he has had some difficulty with adjusting to speaking English.

“Language was the biggest problem for me. It’s better now, it’s still terrible though.”
Despite any communication barriers he may face, he added that he’d recommend studying abroad to anyone who may be on the fence about it. 

“There are many wonderful encounters and discoveries to be made, and it is one of the most valuable experiences of your life. There is no reason not to go.”