I’ve always dreamt about visiting Japan since I’ve been studying Japanese in my university. I’m keen on Japanese culture as I find it extremely unique and mysterious, in addition it related to my Major. So, this program was great opportunity to implement my dream. It met absolutely all my expectations! We had a huge range of activities, every day we went to some new place and discovered interesting things about Japan. This trip gave me a huge experience and a gamut of unforgettable memories. Moreover, it contributed to my language proficiency and broadened my horizon. I was given a chance to be acquainted not only with Japanese culture but also with wonderful people, who helped me during the whole trip.

The next day after our arrival we were presented orientation program. Our teachers oriented us to life in Japan. Then we were acquainted with Japanese students, it was very interesting to communicate with each other. They showed us the city, accompanied to the AEON, helped to do shopping. We spend great time together. Moreover, communication with Japanese students helped me to improve my language skills.

The 8^th February we visited Kanazawa historical museum, where we were told about city’s traditions, national festivals and holidays. Also, we were shown different historical exhibits. I was amazed with their magnificence. The next place we visited was Kanazawa folklore museum. It was very interesting to learn how Japanese people lived in different epochs and how their life was chanced. We were also shown household items that were used by Japanese people in past. I believe, it was undoubtedly useful experience. It allowed us to absorb to Japanese culture more deeply and facilitated better understanding of it. After visiting museums, we went to Kenrokuen. It is one of the most beautiful parks in Japan. Despite of a huge amount of snow, we were fascinated with tranquility and cleanness of this astonishing place. I was enjoyed walking there. We also were startled with magnificence of Kanazawa castle.

The 10^th February we had the excursion to Gokoyama. This traditional village is acknowledged as world heritage. Tourist from all over the world come here to see Japanese traditional lifestyle. After sightseeing we went to traditional Japanese house, where we stayed for night. We were experienced sleeping on the tatami and eating traditional dishes. It was really unforgettable!

The next day we visited art museum, where enjoyed local masterpieces.

14^th February we had gold leaf decoration experience. We were told about Kanazawa’s traditional craft. It worth to note that Kanazawa takes the first places in the producing Kimpaku items. Then, we decorated plates with gold by ourselves. It was really amazing. After that we went to walk to Higashi Chayagai. It is a traditional part of city, where the old buildings are preserved. We extremely liked it. It was sunny day and everyone was in good mood. We just walked, enjoying views and making photos together. Actually, it is my favorite memory.

In Kanazawa we also visited Nikkiso factory and city’s hospital. It was useful for better learning about peculiarities of Kanazawa. It was quite interesting.

I want to emphasize the importance of Japanese classes for me. They were perfectly organized, it was really interesting to listen our teachers. We discussed cultural peculiarities of Japan, its social problems and many other engaging things. Also, they told us about places we visited more properly for our better understanding. The educational program was really interesting and teachers were very kind. I can say that submitted classes undoubtedly contributed to my Japanese. Another pleasant part of our program was cooking experience. We had a lot of fun during cooking process. We were taught how to cook Japanese candies – wagashi. I liked it very much.

To conclude, I’d like to say that this exchange program brought me only positive impressions. We had extremely interesting and cognitive activity program, visited a huge range of places, get acquainted with Japanese culture. This is undoubtedly valuable experience for me. Thank you very much for such opportunity!