Reflection on VJYE (Vietnam-Japan Youth Exchange) 2016 (10) Mỹ Huyền "My dear friends in Japan"

My dear friends in Japan.

How time flies!!! It is just only a month that we were together but nothing can be out of my mind. Right from the first day we met, I was impressed because I had heard that Japanese people are quite hard to get closer but you were not. You were very enthusiastic that made us, Vietnamese friends, so happy. It was like the motivation for us to want to show you interest things in Saigon immediately. We had some drinks then took part in the City Tour. It was the longest that I have taken but I did not feel tired. We just wanted to show you guys all the famous landmarks in Ho Chi Minh City and told you more stories about our city, our country. Sometimes, we could not understand each other but we tried to make it easier to understand by body languages, by writing, by paiting,… That was very funny, we laughed a lot. We were like brothers and sisters who had not met for a long time. Too many things to share, too many stories to tell, too much feelings in that moment.


The culture day is the day I miss the most. We had plenty of opportunities to learn, to share to each other from Japan and Vietnam. Your Japanese performances were so awesome. We could understand you guys had prepared very hard. We hope that our performances can help you learn more about Vietnamese culture, people and ceremonies. And of course there were some mistakes in the performances but it did not matter. The important thing is what we have got after that.  Looking back all the photos that we took, it’s like the yesterday. All the feelings always stay in our hearts.

I just join in several activities of VJYE2016 because I did not have much time. I was quite sad but I believed that you had the greatest time in Vietnam. My friends, you came back to Japan, some continued the study, some moved to other places to make your dreams come true. I give you guys all the best wishes. Don’t forget us and keep in touch. I hope that when we meet up again, we will have more unforgettable memories together. You are always welcome in Vietnam, my friends. 

I am very grateful to Mr. Seki and Tokyo Keizai University in Japan, Ms. Thuc and Hoa Sen University in Vietnam for giving us opportunities to connect Vietnamese and Japanese friends together and to learn from each other, to improve ourselves to be better, more mature. We wish that the AAEE organization is always growing sustainably and developing broadly not only in Asia but also all over the world. And VJYE is going to be the annual program between 2 schools, between 2 countries.


Me – us - once be friends, forever be friends. I wish you have successes in study, future career and in your life. Of course, taking care yourselves guys.
Miss you so much, remember to keep in touch. 

Love, 
My Huyen.
#hoasenuniversity #tokyokeizaiuniversity #AAEE #VJYE2016 

Reflection on VJYE (Vietnam-Japan Youth Exchange) 2016 (9) Cao Trần Trúc Quỳnh

   

     I have a chance to meet interesting and talented people, I am motivated by them. At first, we were a little bit shy and stepped back from the conversations, from sharing. Through diverse activities such as the City Tour, the Vietnam Cooking class, Sport day, Hutech field trip… we got to know each other, overcame our shyness and we stared the conversation, shared the feeling, what happens in the day… like we are friends, not like a stranger anymore. Each Japanese will be the buddy of each Vietnamese but it does not mean the border. We can talk and be friend with everyone in the program. I can see what they think, how they act in some certain situations and in one way or another learn from them.

     I remember the first day I met them on a coffee shop, everyone introduced about ourselves and we went around SaiGon, visited famous places. In spite of the heat and long walk, we still enjoyed the view, the traditional food and the history of Vietnam. In the cooking class, we learned and made the Vietnam spring roll. The easy way to connect people is through food. I like the Culture day, I have seen many spectacular performances from both Vietnam and Japan. The way they introduced Japan culture was very creative, funny and the performance really catch everyone’s attention. Moreover, we tough them to how to say some sentences in Vietnam and in return we learned some in Japanese. If somebody say the whole sentence in the right way, they have a big triumph. And in the last day at the airport, the tear when we say good bye say it all about the project.

    And to the Hoa Sen team, you guys are the funniest, coolest, the most "talkative" (in positive way) team ever and I am proud to be part of this team.

For me, one of the importance purposes of an exchange program is to learn, understand and respect the differences of a new culture. I want to say thanks to Hoa Sen University, Tokyo Keizai University also AAEE for bringing us together. Thanks Ms. Thuc and Mr. Seki for creating the greatest time for us. Thank you so much.

    The unforgettable memories are taken by my heart, good friendships are built and the lessons are learned. In the end, when I remember it all, it is definitely a treasured memory that will last till the end of my life.

Don't cry because it's over
Smile because it happened.
#vjye2016 #hoasenuniversity #tokyokeizaiuniversity #AAEE

Reflection on VJYE (Vietnam-Japan Youth Exchange) 2016 (8) Huỳnh Nhật Trường

　

　Through the time, we have learnt many things from our friendships, our life also from our experiences. In the casual life, every day is a happy day. We could learn from the university the knowledges, learn something from lectures and friends also we learn a lot in our life. In this September, it has been nice for ourselves to join and become an organizer, a host also a friend of Japanese students from Tokyo Keizai University in Vietnam – Japan Youth Exchange 2016. During this time, I studied not only the way to organize and prepare an education event but also about Japanese cultures through some cultural activities. Vietnam – Japan Youth Exchange 2016 gave me more than I can say. 

　First of all, I learnt about how to communicate with the Japanese and their cultures. In Vietnam, we learnt a lot from Hoa Sen University about cross-communication with many cultures in the world. VJYE has just gave me a chance to practice them. In the very first moment, I’ve felt it hard to become close friend with them because of the culture shock. Thanks to their cooperation, we have been closer and understood each other more. 

　Besides that, VJYE 2016 also gave the big chance for me to become a group leader. I gained more and more experiences for my future career also for myself. I still remember my buddies – Hiroaki Kitano and Yuki Yamada – thanks for letting me know more about Japanese cultures also becoming my close friends. So far so good, I also got for myself new friendships, from Japan also Vietnam. They helped me to have another look about Japanese also had many memorable times together. Through many and many tours, activities also Ta Lai trip, we had a connection together and also gained for ourselves many skills we didn’t practice or learn it before. 

　Everything always has good aspects also bad aspects. During the program time, I knew myself need to be more gentle and patient. My major is Travel Management so I need to be careful and pay more attention for my tourist also for myself. Also I needed to be thoughtful when I built the events. They taught me how to fix that as soon as possible and manage them carefully. Sometimes, it was failed but I tried to fix those problems. Thanks to Ms. Doan Thuc also Mr. Akinori Seki for giving the advices to fix those. The leader role wasn’t easy thing but I was satisfied with this. Maybe I had many mistakes, but they were my challenges which I had to pass. This program was a time for us not only discover the new culture but also experience the new thing like an organizer. 

　Thank to Hoa Sen University, Tokyo Keizai University and Asia Association of Education and Exchange for making the chance for us to do something new. And after the program, I got for myself many new things, new experiences also new friendships. Thanks you so much, my friend. I want to say thank to Mayuka Ananda and Rino Yoshida for cooperating with me. Besides that, I want to say thank to my buddies - Yuki Yamada and Hiroaki Kitano also Hou Yikang, Sho Takeshita, Koushiro Ikeda, Hiroaki Murakami, Yuta Takahashi, Mai Kaneko, Zijie Zeng, Yuto Ishii, Suguru Kidachi for making the good memories together. Thank you so much.

"Best friends are the people in your life that make you laugh louder, smile brighter and live better"

Reflection on VJYE (Vietnam-Japan Youth Exchange) 2016 (7) Nguyễn Thị Kim Gấm

   Hi guys! It was nice meeting you!   

   It was my honor to go in for VJYE (Vietnam-Japan Youth Exchange) program. Already a month since I met you when you have arrived in Viet Nam. Time so fast! Every time I look at our photos, I miss all guys so much. When I joined this program,  I have learned many interesting things about Japan culture and spent many happy time with you guys. To be honest, in the beginning I am too shy and afraid to talk to others using English. I cannot felt confident when I communicating with others. I was worried that I could not complete the work and do not make you feel comfortable in there.  

   Time goes by pass the two weeks makes me more open and very happy to stay with these guys. Because all guys are so kind, so friendly and open with me. When I see you smile, I also feel very happy. Though sometimes we can't 100% express our mind but we use eyes to interchange and use heart to communicate with each other. I really miss the time when we learned about tourism in the classroom, made the Vietnamese cuisine hand have experienced many trips together. I remember when you taught me to speak Japanese. I also taught you a little bit of Vietnamese and you said to me that “Em oi em dep qua!”

    I remember when we ate meals together every day and you love Vietnamese traditional foods especially Pho, pancake, Raw shrimp and vegetables,... In Ta Lai long house, we did a good teamwork to set rubbish box in the local village and made bamboo boat in the lake, we were dancing together, drinking wine and playing games. We have encountered many difficulties but we have been together solved in the best way. We have shared many stories and understand each other more. Especially some of you are so funny. I was laugh a lot. It is a precious memory for me and I think that you too.

   Finally, I want to thank Hoa Sen University has make a conditions for me to join this program and thank  Asia Association of Education and Exchange (AAEE)  for bringing us the best moment in 2016. I also want to say thank you all guys in VJYE. Your guys make me stronger, more open and more confident, I will keep going and welcome you to Viet Nam once in anytime. I wish I could see all guys again. Keep in touch and talk anything to me if you need, my friends.

Once again, thank you for all!

Reflection on VJYE (Vietnam-Japan Youth Exchange) 2016 (6) Trần Thị Kim Trinh (Mymy)

This is the first time I participated in the program, it’s from AAEE and Hoasen University organized. Especially, organizer is Mrs. Doan Thuc and Prof. Seki. At first I didn't know this program, then one of the members invited me to take part in this. Before it started, I thought the program was so bored because it just an activity about exchange between Vietnamese students and Japanese students. But it happened not as in my imagination, it was better than I thought. In the City Tour Day, also the first day we met each other so I was very nervous but I didn't mind that thing, I tried to calm down and got into conversation with everybody. Everyone introduced about him/herself and got acquainted with our buddy. I was so shy, therefore I didn't know how to talk with my buddy, and I hoped he could understand me.

After that we had a Culture Day, toward Vietnamese students we were proud of our items. When we enjoyed the shows of Japanese students. It was interesting and we loved it so much. We prepared thought you would wondering, Further those things made us happy. In sport Activity Day, when everybody enjoyed the games, it made everyone feel comfortable and funny though, both of us were very tired, I knew Japanese students felt joyful and open their mind. In the afternoon, we had a class each other to talk about environment, when the class started just had little Vietnamese students. We didn't know Mrs. Doan Thuc must stand the pressure, we felt guilty to mix the mistake and didn't make less things.

The best day felt wonderful and marvelous is the day when went to Hutech University. I was a shy girl and very few words but when joined in games between Tokyo Keizai University, Hoasen University and some students in Hutech University I felt to need open my heart and I could learn a lot of things. It made me grow up and more convenient than I had ever enjoyed that. I felt I was very talkative with friends. That all memories I wanted you and me to keep in mind. Thanks for Hoasen University to make us have a relationship closer. Thanks for AAEE and Tokyo Keizai to give me a lot of best friend and taught me somethings about Japanese Cultural, language food or the others. I love it very much thus I hoped to see Japanese friends again and I never forgot you.

Reflection on VJYE (Vietnam-Japan Youth Exchange) 2016 (5) Hoàng Ngọc Đan Thanh

   

   Hello everyone, my name is Thanh, I’m a final year student in Hoa Sen University. My major is Management in Restaurant.

   When I first saw the hiring supporter attention of VJYE on Hoa Sen's Facebook, I just thought this could be a good mark for my Job application in the future. I wasn’t really exciting until the program started.

   The first day I met the Japanese members I felt a little bit distance and nervous, because I didn’t know what should I do if we were misunderstanding or had nothing to talk to. Luckily, AAEE had created a lot of chances for both students’ sides to communicate. They are from Tokyo Keizai University and they were so friendly. Each of students had one to two bodies to take care. And my bodies are Mayuka and Kitwe was at the Trung Nguyen café and introduced to each other. Then we went on the city tour by walking.While walking, we talked a lot, we shared about each of our life. It was an interesting time! We visited the Ho Chi Minh post office, Notre Dame Catheral, the War Remnants Museum. We ate lunch at the Heritage. There were so many delicious food that we were too full. What's more, I made friends with all Japanese members, and gave Facebook contacts together.

   The second day was the culture day. Student from both side had to have several variety of traditional performances. So I was in the Vietnamese dance group performing "Gam Hoa". After that was the Japanese performance. And I was very impressed by them. They were really talented. Some of them can play instrument very well, some of them can dance and so on. I felt a little of inferiority. But I overcame it because I was given the task to be the leader of the final dance performance for student from two sides. Due to the language distance, it was difficult to explain how to dance like this or line-up like that. Such a memorized experience ever! It was more difficult than I thought, because I had to explain how to dance like this and line up like that. So I just used all my body language and English. Fortunately, we did it very well.

   The day and the following day, we did a lot of things together such as playing sports and games, studying. We also ate together, hang out and go shopping.

Reflection on VJYE (Vietnam-Japan Youth Exchange) 2016 (4) Đinh Bảo Ngọc

   This was the first time I participate in school’s program, so I was so nervous, but the time I and my friends prepared for VJYE2016 that was great time. I learned more the way to organize the program. Joining VJYE2016, I could get more experiences, it would be a chance to my career in the future. The first day, when our group met Japanese friends, I was so worried because I did not know how to open conversation with them, I scared my English skill that was not good and they could not understand.      However when I met them, my feeling was changed, I felt more confident but I didn’t know why. I just thought, I was the owner, I need to help them. Besides that, Hiroaki Kitano was so enthusiastic to ask me about Vietnamese life, so he helped me easy to talk with him. Although at first, I could hear clearly what he was talking about, but after I tried to hear and he tried to explain more, we could have a good conversation. We talk about the Vietnam food and I was so excited when he told he was so love Vietnamese food. He also wanted to learn Vietnamese, so I was interested to teach him. With me, this first meeting was good. After meeting, we had a city tour, in this tour I would go with one Japanese friend, I was a little bit nervous because this was the first time I took a tour. However I tried to share with my buddy about the daily life in Ho Chi Minh City and everything was better I thought. In the afternoon, we had a welcome lunch together, I was so comfortable to introduce traditional food for them, and taught them how to eat. After the first day, I felt more confident and was expectant the next days. During program, I studied more about Japanese cultures, improve my English skill. 

   Thank for Hoa Sen University, Tokyo Keizai University and AAEE give me the chance to join and get more experience than study at university. We was from strangers to become close friend, we overcome language barriers, culture shock and make more memorable time together.  I am not only make friend with Japanese friends, but also make new friend with Vietnams friends who from other majors. We were the same family, we ate together, worked together. The time when Japanese friend went back to their country, I cried, I didn’t know why because in my mind, I always thought they like my clients, so it is so normally to drop – off clients. 

   However when I said good bye, I could keep calm. I hope they did not leave and I did not know when they became my friends, not clients anymore. Finally, I want to say thank with my buddy, he was the one who help me improve my English and shared more information about Japan’s culture to me. I could forget one time when I told him the next day I must take final exam, but after our tour I thought he would go back to hotel but he returned and he wish me to do the best for the exam, I felt so surprise and thank him too much. I was so happy when he was my buddy and make friend with Japanese friends.

Reflection on VJYE (Vietnam-Japan Youth Exchange) 2016 (3) Nguyễn Thị Nhật Linh

This is the first time that I participated in a student exchange program. At first, I was very nervous. I was thinking a lot about how to communicate with Japanese students and what topic I should talk about to keep the conversation go smoothly. On the first meeting day with the Japanese students, all Vietnamese talked to each other about what they are going to talk, about how nervous they are. But when we met and talked with Japanese members, I was able to catch up on a conversation with them easily and I felt that they are interesting. I have gradually started thinking that we will have good time together. Days after, we spent time together doing sport activities, presentation, having dinner together and going on field trip together. During those time, there were happy memories and also sad memories. I’ve once feel between Japanese students and Vietnamese students have a big distance that we cannot talk and have fun together as the first day we met. But through the field trip I think the distance has been shorten thanks to all the social activities we’ve done.’

In the field trip, I’ve had a chance to experience a country life that I’ve never thought of before. When we arrived at the Longhouse, I was thinking that I wanted to go home immediately because there was dirt and mosquitoes everywhere, how can a person that use to be a city life can manage to live 4 days in this place. But then through all the meals together, all the games we played together, all the activities we’ve done together, my bad thoughts was completely changed and I felt such lucky to able to experience this trip along with all my friends. We had had such good memories together and I will never forget those memories.

Through VJYE program, I’ve become more matured. Before attending this program, I was a shy person and I’ve had to struggle a lot with communication. But after this program, I’ve gained more confidence and I’ve learned how to work as a team with other people. I didn’t know any of Vietnamese members when I joined in, but time past by and now we are best friends. Also with Japanese members, at first, I thought that when the program is over, we will forget about each other. But Japanese members still keep in touch with us and we talk a lot. We plan to meet again someday. I hope that day will be not so far away.

I want to send my best regards to Hoa Sen University because I was very lucky to be Hoa Sen student that I can have opportunities to attend such meaningful programs. And I also want to send my appreciation to Tokyo Keizai University and Asia Association of Education and Exchange for having organized the VJYE program that brought me great memories, experiences and most important is friendship. I hope that in future, I will have opportunity to attend more interesting program like VJYE.

Reflection on VJYE (Vietnam-Japan Youth Exchange) 2016 (1) Võ Phước Minh Triết

 

    I had a wonderful memory. That is the most beautiful memory I will never forget. I felt very lucky to be selected to this program. At the beginning, I was very nervous because this was the first time I made a program for foreign students. However, the thing which attracted me was the Japanese students from Tokyo Keizai University in Vietnam – Japan Youth Exchange 2016 (VJYE 2016). So, this was a good opportunity for me to study and cultural exchange with you.

   For me, VJYE 2016 gave me many experiences and useful things. We learned, worked and supported together in 10 days. Only 10 short days, but we've had the pleasure and sorrow together. But after all, the most important thing is that we had gained the knowledge about life, people and culture of the two countries. In spite of many difficulties we had to face due in language and culture gap, we could understand and maintain a good relationship together. 

   The most impressive thing for me is that you are very talented, each person had individual strengths. In Orientation day, I had been conquered by your performances. Through the performances, I knew more about Japanese culture. The most unforgettable memory for me was a trip to Ta Lai Longhouse. That is a great trip. I did a lot of good work for the society with the Japanese students. There were a lot of hard work in Ta Lai, I used to think we could not complete work because we were accustomed to live in urban, a modern life. But when we arrived in the village of ethnic people in Ta Lai, we had to stay in the jungle, walked on the muddy road and did social activities that mainly use people's physical power. Difficulties were a lot but we had overcome.

  Beside that works, we had good memories together in Ta Lai. The experience that I had in this trip is the ability to group work, assigning work for each member and solving the problems occur at work. In addition, I also learned many useful things from your country. At school, I only learned about the culture of some country through Cross Communication subject. But when I joined in the VJYE 2016 program, I studied more cultural knowledge through communication and your performances. Besides, we organized various activities such as taking lectures about sustainable development goals (SDGs), sports activity, cuisine class and field trips. Through those activities we could learn each other's ways of thinking and cultures.    
   After I had taken part in the VJYE 2016, I got the experience about how to manage a program and communication skills. I would like to thank Ms. Thuc and Mr. Seki (and AAEE) for giving me good advices and necessary sharings for me more resilient when implementing the program. I would like to appreciate Hoa Sen University, Tokyo Keizai University and Asia Association of Education and Exchange (AAEE) for giving me a chance to participate in this program. Thank you very much. I want to say special thanks to Mai Kaneko, my lovely buddy. Maybe I cannot talk with you much but I always remember the first day we met. Thanks you Yuto Ishii, the swimming talent and first Japanese friend talked with me. Mayuka Anada, a strong girl with Snow White face. Besides that, I want to say thank you to Hiroaki Kitano, a great Taiko player also Hou Yikang, Yuki Yamada, Hiroaki Murakami, Koushiro Ikeda, Zijie Zeng, Suguru Kidachi, Sho Takeshita, Yuta Takahashi and Rino Yoshida. Thank you very much. “Friendship is not limited”, Cinderella from Vietnam. 

Reflection on VJYE (Vietnam-Japan Youth Exchange) 2016 (2) Huyền Tôn Nữ Như Ý

   Time passes so quickly. It has been a month since you came to Vietnam. When I remembered the moment that you stayed here, I had many emotions with excitement but scare.
   Now, I have also such a mixed mood. Although the program has ended, when I wake up in the morning, I hope to go to school early to welcome you here and participate in many social activities with you again. I used to be so scared that I couldn’t adapt your new culture quickly and became your good friends. Until now, I have never forgotten that moment.
   I am not a member in VJYE program for the first days.  After you had visited my family and we together made the salad, cooked curry and beef noodle, I became a member of this program thanks to Ms. Thuc’s introduction. I was really happy that you praised my mother for cooking well. I was moved and delighted when you thanked my mom and told me if you came back to Vietnam, you would visit my family and enjoyed my mother’s delicious dishes once again.
   It has been a week since we participated in VJYE. It is not the long period of time but I consider the program as my second family - the family consists of nearly twenty Japanese and Vietnamese students. In only a week, you helped me more mature, more confident and stronger.
At first, I had many things to worry such as I didn’t know what to say with you as well as I could understand what you said to me. However, when I met you for the first time, I was really surprised to see the friendly and warm atmosphere from you - friends from Tokyo Keizai University. My anxiety was no longer. My friends and I learned many things about Japanese culture through your introduction. Now, we can speak a little Japanese and understand much about your culture.
   Since I participated in program, I have been more confident and active. I was no longer shy. I learned many useful things such as how to arrange my sandals and other good habits.
I will never forget experiences that I had with you. For me, VJYE2016 brought me a wonderful trip. I did many useful things for my society that I never thought about it before. I feel very happy to know you who help me learn many things. In spite of having many difficulties in languages and culture, we can understand each other and maintain a good friendship. This trip is so meaningful to me. I hope we will have many useful trips like that in the future. Thank to Hoa Sen University, Tokyo Keizai University and Asia Association of Education and Exchange for making the chance for us to do something new.
   Once again, I would like thank you so much, especially Mr. Seki and Ms. Thuc for all things that you did with me and my friends. I couldn’t find any words to express my gratitude to you.

VJYE 2016 Videoclip.

Thank you #VJYE2016 so much for helping me to get the opportunity to meet and be friend with these wonderful people :) 2 weeks is not a very long time,but long enough for us to create a strong bond in our friendship.I believe that all of the memories,the experiences that we had together will not fade away in our mind.
Thank you for everything !
また会いましょう。

Congratulations, Mr. Aashish KC for being the "Radio Jockey of the ayear 2016" at Kantipur Music Awards!

On behalf of Prof. Akinori Seki, the president of AAEE, Sharad Sharma, the AAEE regional coordinator in Nepal was able to meet and congratulate Mr. Aashish KC for being the "Radio Jockey of the a year 2016" at Kantipur Music Awards, the most honorable award in Nepal. 
Aashish, was a media supporter of the AAEE Mero Sathi Project last year and in February.

VJEP(Vietnam-Japan Exchange Project Aug. 2016) THROWBACK (7) - FAREWELL

VJEP(Vietnam-Japan Exchange Project Aug. 2016) THROWBACK (7) - FAREWELL
"Thinking about wake up tomorrow and come back to my daily routine, I guess i'll miss you guys and our memories a lot. As strangers from the beginning, we went through many things together and now it's very hard to say goodbye" - One participant shared.

We had a small farewell party before the Japanese participants went back to their country. It was such an emotional night not only because it was the last night we spent together, but also because of some surprise that we have never expected. None of the Japanese students knew that they had had a buddy - a person who has secretly taken care of them ever since the journey began. And now they would have to guess who theirs buddy was ;)

The were laughter, there were tears, but most of all, it was indeed a great night. While watching video clips about the whole journey, we realized how far we have gone and how much we have changed in 2 weeks. Not only the relationship and the atmosphere between us changed day by day, but the changes also came within ourselves.

"I feel like there is no border, no gender differences, no gap between developing and developed countries, just one group of young people become friends. This program told me such a thing so strongly. And I appreciate this experience from the bottom of my heart." - One participant shared

The saddest part must be when we got to the airport and even though all of us knew that it was time to be apart, but we really don't want to let go of each other hands. We all wished that this moment could stay forever. Every journey has to come to an end, but as long as the memories lives in the heart, true friend will never part. 

<3

DAILY REPORT OF VJYE2016 (Vietnam-Japan Youth Exchange) ［Day 1］September 4, 2016

DAILY REPORT OF VJYE2016 (Vietnam-Japan Youth Exchange)

-VJYE is an annual student exchange program which started in 2013.

［Day 1］September 4, 2016
*DISCOVERING HOCHIMINH CITY and FIRST VIETNAMESE CUISINE*
We started making unforgettable memories. At Trung Nguyen coffee shop, first we introduced ourselves and talked each other for a while. After that, we made our buddies who will be the parter during this program.
The next activity was taking a walk for discovering Ho Chi Minh City. Exploring the history of the city, the ancient Notre Dame Cathedral, the oldest post office, and we visited the war museum. Also, we went to the book street as well and took many pictures together. We had a lots of fun!
Thanks to the friendliness of both Vietnamese and Japanese members we became friends so fast. We talked about our hobbies, life styles, cultures and the countries. We were talkative like friends who haven’t met each other for a long time. The atmosphere was like we are a large family.
At 12p.m, we went to Viet Heritage restaurant – the restaurant of Vietnamese traditional cuisine – to have big lunch. The first surprise for us was the most popular dish in Vietnam, ‘Pho’. It was really delicious. Besides, we also had “banh beo” – steamed rice cakes and “banh xeo” – Vietnamese pancakes – having with salads and fish sauce. We could not forget the taste of chicken with warm rice and those were the dishes you must try in Saigon. Surprise to surprise, the secret birthday cake was for one of the Japanese members was held with many blessing wishes big birthday cake.
Although it was difficult to understand each other sometimes (because of the language) but we overcame it and having fruitful time making last-long memories together. After the trip, we came back to the hotel and prepared for the next day. We are sure that exciting things await us to the new discovery.

Reflection of NJEP (Nepal-Japan Exchange Project 2016) (7)

Reflection of NJEP (Nepal-Japan Exchange Project 2016) (7)
<Memories of the last day>

Upon coming back to Kathmandu, all of us were a bit sad as we knew our time of togetherness was about to end. For the last day of program, we went to Botanical Garden. Lost between the natural beauty, greenery and peace we were enjoying our dry picnic. We talked about several topics, took lots and lots of selfies. Oh Yes! The surprise Japanese dance that Nepalese participants performed gave a really big smile on the faces of everyone. After spending a beautiful day at Botanical Garden we came back to hotel and got busy for respective shopping.

The last dinner together was filled with joy. That night we weren’t in mood for emotional and sad conversation so we were simply living the moment and laughing till our stomach hurts. By the time we were back to hotel it was already near to 10:00pm but no one was really in mood for sleeping. Till very late we were having conversations and also we were writing messages to each other on the message card.

Nobody was willing to think about the following day where we would return to our regular lives. We were living by the lines “Save best for the last” at that moment.

VJEP(Vietnam-Japan Exchange Project Aug. 2016) THROWBACK (5) TEAMBUILDING IN CU LAN VILLAGE

VJEP(Vietnam-Japan Exchange Project Aug. 2016) THROWBACK (5) TEAMBUILDING IN CU LAN VILLAGE

Leaving Thai Phien, we were once again surrounded with the magnificent nature in Cu Lan Village. The highlight of the day was the teambuilding game when we were divided into 5 teams: Dai Mon, Sun stars, Mero Sathi, Survivors and Pretty Girls. With the slogan: “Who will be the last one standing?”, everyone was very excited and aiming at the first prize ( first prize came with a surprise award! ;) )

At the end of the day, everyone was tired and covered in dirt because of the game, but there was a big smile on their faces because whether winning or losing, each team had had an amazing time together :)

“The most interesting challenge was climbing the combination of traps in the “12 warriors” game, but the most tiring one must be climbing the “Oh my god” hill. The coordinators, who called themselves angels were so evil, they made us to go through all these things :P. But together, we won! Now we are going to enjoy our first prize!” – One team shared.

Because it rained that night, so we just sat in circles and shared our emotions and then got some sleep in Vietnamese Traditional Houses. The weather was cold, but we felt warm when we slept together and knew we would always have each other’s backs.

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Here is an album that all the participants have joined hands to create. You can have a look at it here: http://tinyurl.com/vjep2016

VJEP(Vietnam-Japan Exchange Project Aug. 2016) THROWBACK (4)-HOMESTAYING

VJEP(Vietnam-Japan Exchange Project Aug. 2016) THROWBACK (4)-HOMESTAYING

“Homestaying was a quite peaceful and interesting experience for me. The people there were very friendly and hospitable. Although we had some problems with the language barrier, we still have fun and meaningful moments that night. We sang songs about our hometowns and shared our life stories.” – One participant shared

We stayed at Thai Phien Flowers Village, one of the biggest flower village in Da Lat, and experienced something we had never did before! The village is not only colorful of flower in the daytime but also sparkling of yellow lights at night, the scene was so breathtaking that we had to take a moment to admire it. This was the first time we had ever been so close to nature like this.

The local people were also very nice to invite us to have dinner and join the campfire with them. The dinner was delicious, that was the first time the Japanese participants experience Vietnamese traditional meals when they sat in a big circle on the mats .The people in Thai Phien also even prepared tents and sleeping bags for us to sleep. No doubt that they had taken very good care of us.

“At night, everyone seemed to be a part of a family. The feeling of this moment would stayed in my heart forever.”
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Here is an album that all the participants have joined hands to create. You can have a look at it here: http://tinyurl.com/vjep2016