The Foreign Exchange Program

In this episode, we shared our difficulties in pronouncing certain words in our second languages, English and Japanese. Also, we shared our own experiences and our students' as well. Like what you hear? Want to request a topic for us to discuss? You can send us an email, message us on our Instagram, or leave a voice message for us on Anchor. We hope you enjoy! Email: foreignexchangeprogrampod...

In this episode, we talk about our experiences dealing with regional dialects and accents in our non-native languages. We also delve a little bit into how it feels speaking with an accent when using a foreign language.  Like what you hear? Want to request a topic for us to discuss? You can send us an email, message us on our Instagram, or leave a voice message for us on Anchor. We hope y...

In this episode, we discussed natural disasters in Japan and the U.S. What kind of natural disasters exist in each country and how people prepare for them, such as evacuation ways, drills, and people's awareness. It is possible that your migrated country has natural disasters that you have never experienced or even you do not have any ideas about them. We shared how we can prepare for natural...

In this episode, we shared our experiences regarding safety after we moved to a foreign country. Also, we discussed how our safety awareness has been changed and how we can maintain a good sense of safety awareness. Moving to another country is exciting, but at the same time we need to learn how to stay safe, so we shared some tips living in Japan and the U.S. Like what you hear? Want to requ...

**CONTENT WARNING** gun violence, death In this episode, we have a candid conversation capturing our reactions to recent news of Japan's former prime minister, Shinzo Abe, getting killed on July 8th, 2022. Rather than reflecting on the who and the why, we focus on topics related to guns, security, media coverage, etc.  Some news coverage on this incident: https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific...

In this episode, we have a conversation about different systems in the US and Japan that associate certain personality traits with our star signs (Western zodiac) or our blood types. Just for fun, we share our own astrological signs and blood types and see how the personality assessments align with how we see ourselves! Like what you hear? Want to request a topic for us to discuss? You can send us...

In this episode, we talked about our experience with teachers. Some of them helped our learning and inspired us, but some of them did not, unfortunately. We discussed what made some teachers great and what we learned from them. As language teachers, we shared our insights and what we valued in our teaching as well.  Like what you hear? Want to request a topic for us to discuss? You can s...

In this episode, Akane shared her experiences of learning foreign languages from when she was a child all the way up to the present day. She talks about how her study habits have evolved over time, what things worked and didn't work depending on the language. She also gives some tips to any of you listeners out there who happen to be learning a foreign language too! Like what you hear? Want t...

In this episode, Sadie recounts her experiences of learning foreign languages from when she was a child all the way up to present day. She talks about how her study habits have evolved over time, what things worked and didn't work depending on the language. She also gives some tips to any of you listeners out there who happen to be learning a foreign language too!  Like what you hear? Wa...

In this episode, we cover some popular public holidays that are celebrated in the US and Japan. We go over what they are and how they're celebrated - and as always, share our own impressions and experiences with them. Can you guess which holidays we talk about?  Like what you hear? Want to request a topic for us to discuss? You can send us an email, message us on our Instagram, or leave...

What sound does a doorbell make? Are there any differences between the two languages and cultures? In this episode, we shared onomatopoeia in our languages and compare American English and Japanese. We also asked our husbands' opinions and their perspectives regarding each onomatopoeia corresponding to each situation.   Like what you hear? Want to request a topic for us to discuss? You c...

In this episode, we look at the differences in comedy between the US and Japan. We touch on a few popular examples of how comedy is presented and what format is used, what some of the more common genres are, etc. This list is not exhaustive, though. We merely just skimmed the surface. We also use this episode as a chance to ask each other questions that we have regarding different aspects of humor...

In this episode, we discuss various aspects regarding looking for jobs in the US and Japan. We touch on topics like getting hired right out of college, resumes, interviews, and more. If you're looking to work abroad in the US or Japan, we hope you find some of this information useful!  (P.S. We are NOT hiring managers, so please don't take what we say as gospel. We're just speaking from...

In this episode, it's all about swearing. We go over how we would respond in different situations using swear words in English and Japanese. We also talk about why we swear and why learning swear words may be valuable, yet challenging, as a foreign language learner. We had a lot of fun making this episode and hope you have fun listening to it!  Like what you hear? Want to request a topic for us to...

In this episode, we go over some of the experiences we've had getting our hair cut while living abroad. Things can't really be THAT different, can they? You'll just have to listen to find out! Like what you hear? Want to request a topic for us to discuss? You can email us, message us on our Instagram, or leave a voice message for us on Anchor. We hope you enjoy! Email: foreignexchangeprogrampod@gm...

In this episode, we break down some women's fashion and beauty standards that we've picked up on while living abroad.  Like what you hear? Want to request a topic for us to discuss? You can message us on our Instagram or leave a voice message for us on Anchor. We hope you enjoy! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foreignexchangeprogrampod YouTube video Sadie references: https://www.you...

In this episode, we chat about things that we find delightful, odd, or just plain old different between restaurants in the US and Japan. Like what you hear? Want to request a topic for us to discuss? You can message us on our Instagram or leave a voice message for us on Anchor. We hope you enjoy! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foreignexchangeprogrampod

Happy 1 year Anniversary to the Foreign Exchange Program!! In this episode, we asked several questions to get to know each other more since it is a celebration! We greatly appreciate it if you listen to our talks, share your insights and experiences, and support our podcast. We have answered some funny questions and also some profound questions about how we perceive our lives. We hope you enj...

In this episode, we discuss first name trends (good, bad, and ugly) in the US and Japan. The "Kailey" Challenge: Kailey, Kayley, Kaleigh, Kayleigh, Kaley, Cailey, Kaylee, Kailee, Kaileigh, Kayli Are there any other names you can think of that can be spelled or written in a variety of ways but still sound the same? References:  Japanese Name Ranking: https://st.benesse.ne.jp/ninshin/name/ Engl...

In this episode, we thought it would be fun to talk about what people do with their names after getting married. We go over some of the different options available to those living in the US versus those living in Japan. We also talk about what the value of a name is and how that can tie into greater cultural beliefs. Like what you hear? Want to request a topic for us to discuss? You can...

In this episode, we talk all about what it was like to get married while living abroad. Which parts of the process really surprised us, for better or for worse? We also go into some detail about typical wedding customs and how they differ between the two countries. We hope you enjoy! Average US Wedding Cost Stats: https://www.valuepenguin.com/average-cost-of-wedding Average Japan Wedding Cost...

In this episode, we go over some of the differences we've noticed when it comes to banking and credit while living abroad. What's a token? Why are credit scores a big deal? How do we manage finances in our home countries while overseas? Tune in for answers to all these questions and more!  Like what you hear? Want to request a topic for us to discuss? You can message us on our Instagram or leave a...

This episode is about planes, trains, automobiles and more! Parts of Japan are known for having some of the best public transportation around. Whereas the US is a country designed around cars. With that in mind, we share our impressions and experiences with transportation in both countries.  Like what you hear? Want to request a topic for us to discuss? You can message us on our Instagra...

In this episode, we play a bit of a game. Akane puts Sadie's Japanese skills to the test by quizzing her on several frequently used Japanese abbreviated terms. Some come from English, some are originally Japanese, and some are a bit of a surprise! Like what you hear? Want to request a topic for us to discuss? You can message us on our Instagram or leave a voice message for us on Anchor. We hope yo...

In this episode, we go over a few words that English has adopted from Japanese over time. Do you know all of these words? Which ones do you use? Are there any that we missed that you know about? Feel free to tell us! You can message us on our Instagram or leave a voice message for us on Anchor. We hope you enjoy! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foreignexchangeprogrampod