The Foreign Exchange Program

In this episode, we go over a couple of preconceptions both of us had about the US and Japan before moving abroad. Now that we've both lived overseas for quite some time, we also reflect on if those stereotypes hold up or not. Thanks for listening!  *Here's some information I found about the "Metabo" Law that requires waist measurements for Japanese employees in a certain age range...

In this episode, we talk about the various ways we address people in English and Japanese. We also get into how these titles reflect the relationship with the person you are referring to. Some titles can make you seem closer or more distant with people, so you'll want to be careful what you call somebody if you're learning how to speak English/Japanese! We hope you enjoy. Thanks for listening...

Now that both of us are fully vaccinated, we are able to share our experiences getting the COVID-19 vaccine while living abroad. We discuss how to sign up, what the process of getting the vaccine was like, attitudes towards vaccinations between the two countries, and we even compare our vaccine cards! Thank you all for listening. Be kind and stay safe! Japan vaccination rates source: https://vdata...

In this episode, we're finishing our miniseries on education in Japan and the US. This episode focuses mostly on university. We cover topics such as job hunting as a student, the cost of university, community college, and what graduate school is like. Enjoy! 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....

In this episode, we're continuing our examination of the education systems in Japan and the US. We're talking all things high school this time. From part-time jobs and AP classes to prom and college entrances exams, we've got you covered. We also tackle the big question that's been on everyone's mind: how realistic of a portrayal is Mean Girls the movie? We hope you enjoy! Like what you hear?...

In this episode, we're continuing our 4 part series that takes us through the similarities and differences of education in Japan and the US. Our focus this time is on junior high, or middle school. Here is where we really start to notice cultural values come into play as schools start to shape young students into the adults of the next generation of each respective country. We hope you enjoy!...

In this episode, we're beginning a journey that examines the similarities and differences of education in Japan and the US - starting from elementary school up through university. Enjoy part one of four, where we discuss all things elementary school - from subjects we study, to how our academic performance is evaluated, to what we wear and more!  Like what you hear? Want to request a top...

In this episode, we talk about the various ways courtesy and respect can be expressed in Japanese and English. As you may or may not know, the Japanese language has numerous formalities and levels of politeness that non-native speakers often struggle to wrap their heads around. And while formal language certainly exists in English, it's not always taught explicitly in a school setting to Japa...

In this episode, we discuss the ins and outs of experiencing the COVID-19 pandemic while living in a foreign country. We open up about when we first realized the severity of the situation and how it impacted our lives. We also share what we were impressed by and disappointed in when it comes to the response of the places we live.  We plan to record other episodes in the future that focus...

In this episode, we highlight some key differences in customer service between the US and Japan. Disparities like these also tend to create some reverse culture shock for us when we visit our home countries, so we touch on those experiences as well. We also reflect on how these differences represent bigger cultural trends within the two countries.  Like what you hear? Want to request a t...

In this episode, we share all of our ongoing struggles with numbers. People may not necessarily think learning numbers in a foreign language would be so difficult...in our cases, those people would be wrong. So so wrong. Confusion over numbers is something that still affects the both of us after years of living abroad. Listen to find out why. Like what you hear? Want to request a topic for us...

In this episode, we break down the perceptions and significance of tattoos in the US and Japan and how they've changed over time. We also talk about our own opinions and experiences regarding tattoos. 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.insta...

In this episode, we share several terms that sound similar to words we know in our native language, but mean something completely different in our second language! These little discoveries come up all the time unexpectedly on our language learning journeys. We tried to choose some rather surprising terms to share and we hope you enjoy! Like what you hear? Want to request a topic for us to dis...

In this episode, we break down some of the major differences between American and Japanese homes in terms of layout, appliances, and customs within the home that we've discovered while living abroad. We also touch on why we think said differences are helpful, or sometimes just downright confusing. I don't think either of us ever expected to miss being able to use a garbage disposal or take a comfo...

In this episode, we discuss the same topic as last time, through the opposite perspective. What words or phrases do we find impossible to translate from our second language into our native language? Listen to find out! 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: http...

In this episode, we both go over some phrases that we've found are practically impossible to translate from our native language into our second language. In Akane's case, she shares Japanese phrases that are challenging to say in English. As for Sadie, she shares English phrases that are difficult to say in Japanese. Our choices may surprise you. Additionally, we find ourselves getting into a...

In this episode, we share details about Valentine's Day and how it's celebrated both in the U.S. and Japan. Did you know there are many different types of chocolate you can give and receive on Valentine's Day in Japan? Have you ever heard of Single's Awareness Day or White Day? Be sure to listen to find out more! Like what you hear? Want to request a topic for us to discuss? You can message u...

In this episode, we go over some common filler words in both Japanese and English. We also discuss what their purpose is, which situations are okay and not okay to use them, and how to tackle filler words in the classroom - both from the student and teacher's perspective. Not to mention, we both share a few personal stories of times when we've run into trouble using filler words!  Frequently...

This episode was recorded around the holiday season in 2020. In the spirit of the holidays, we thought it'd be a great opportunity to talk about the differences in gift-giving culture between the US and Japan. In this episode, we give you the run down on giving souvenirs, gifts for Christmas, New Years, weddings, as well as Japanese seasonal oseibo and ochugen. Who knew something seemingly as simp...

In this episode, we shared and discussed some popular and interesting Japanese and English internet slang from native speakers' perspectives. We also explored why and how it’s used and what kind of roles it takes in our everyday life.  If you miss this episode, you’ll have FOMO! Listen to this episode and find out the meaning if you do not know "FOMO" 1. www 2. lol 3. オワコン(owakon) 4. FOMO...