Coming from the other side of the planet and crossing an ocean to temporarily live in Canada was bound to leave a Japanese exchange student experiencing some culture shock.
Sawa Ajimu, 16, arrived in Sundre this January for one year to study at the local high school as well as to experience life in Canada courtesy of the Japanese Foundation for Intercultural Exchange program. She brought with her an open mind as well as a desire to improve her ability to speak English.
Aside from preferring the clarity of the Canadian accent, the high school student said she chose Canada because she also wanted to learn about the country's culture. She agreed that exposing oneself to other places and ways of life helps to improve and grow a better worldview by learning to consider different perspectives.
Among the biggest cultural contrasts from going to an all-girls' school back home was being introduced to the opportunity to freely explore her individuality.
"In Japan, I have to wear the school uniform," she told the Round Up during an interview on a rural property southwest of Sundre in the home of her host parent, Tamara Beecraft.
"In Japan, she can't change her hair colour, can't wear nail polish at school, no makeup, no earrings," said Beecraft, who was also busily preparing a meal for Ajimu as well as her children Wynter, 9, and Quinn, 7.
Since she came to the area, the 16-year-old has become involved in the Sundre High Leadership Club as well as the McDougal Flats Youth Group. Along with Beecraft, Ajimu has additionally participated in weekly Refit exercise sessions and also helped out with minor soccer practices.
Her favourite classes in school are physical education and math, which she considers easy as her curriculum covered the lessons years ago. However, English has been tricky, especially with course material that covers Shakespeare.
"I struggle with that, let alone trying to translate it!" said Beecraft.
When there was still ice at the arena, Ajimu even tried out a pair of skates once to see what it was like.
"She did very well," said Beecraft.
"Yeah, you did, Sawa! You just needed a little bit of help," enthusiastically added Wynter.
And although the snow did not come as much of a surprise, the extremely cold weather conditions this winter that saw temperatures drop below -30 C was a bit of shock.
Another factor that has required some getting accustomed to was the move to rural Canada from the city of Fukuoka, the capital of the Fukuoka Prefecture that is located on the northern shore of Japan's southernmost island, Kyushu. The population is about 1.5 million, a rather stark contrast with just a few thousand people. Going from looking out the window to see a bustling city to instead seeing rolling hills, trees and wildlife took some adjustment.
Another new experience for the exchange student was the opportunity to celebrate Easter.
"We don't have Easter in Japan. I got a lot of candy and chocolate from the Easter Bunny," Ajimu said with a smile and laugh.
Beecraft said the opportunity to host the Japanese student has been "awesome ó she is fantastic. She's so great with the kids. She never complains, even though I wouldn't blame her if she did sometimes!" she said with a chuckle.
Having previously hosted exchange students in the past, Beecraft told the Round Up she would definitely recommend to anyone who's thinking about it to try becoming host parents.
"It's really great, especially if you have young kids. Wynter and Quinn just love her. From the moment she got here, they just adopted her."
