Community Outreach Activities Interview: Laimonas VILPISAUSKAS, University of Central Lancashire, UK

Discovering Community Outreach Opportunities

Laimonas VILPISAUSKAS is a short-term exchange student from the UK, currently at AIU for the Fall 2024 – Spring 2025 semesters. He discovered the Division of Community Outreach during our induction week. He is majoring in Japanese language and culture with a background in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) and is seeking authentic experiences that would deepen his understanding of Japan’s cultural and educational dynamics.

His goals are to experience Japanese culture first-hand, understand how schools operate, and interact with charming Japanese children. “The kids here are adorable and so different from those in other countries,” he remarked with a smile.

Embracing School Exchange Activities

His participation in school exchange activities has been both delightful and insightful. He visited local kindergartens, elementary and middle schools interacting with students who, despite their initial shyness, were eager to communicate in
English.

“The younger students are more active, while middle schoolers tend to be shy,” he observed. Helping students with Japanese when needed bridged communication gaps, fostering mutual understanding. He especially cherished moments giving a high five to students and watching their English presentations about Tohoku’s attractions. He found their efforts “lovely and inspiring.”

One experience that stood out was a middle school poster presentation. “The students tried their best, and their greetings before the session were so uniquely Japanese,” he noted. These small yet profound cultural details enriched his appreciation of Japan’s school environment.

Beyond the Classroom

His engagement wasn’t confined to school visits. He participated in cultural activities like rice harvesting and sweet potato digging, where he connected with farmers and the elderly. These hands-on experiences offered insights into rural Japan’s lifestyle, which he described as friendly and unpretentious.

Reflecting on the Impact

His impressions of Community Outreach Activities haven’t changed much since his initial expectations—they’ve only deepened. He emphasized the joy of connecting through physical gestures, like high fives, and admired students’ efforts in their interactions. “School activities on normal days can be a little rigid with students sitting most of the time. I think it’s important to make it engaging and fun when we visit for interactive classes,” he suggested. He also expressed interest in seeing more cultural exchanges outside the classroom, such as farming activities or casual chats with people his age in Akita City.

Recommending the Experience

He highly recommends joining community outreach activities for those with limited time in Japan. “Traveling is great, but experiencing local schools and harvests shows another side of Japan,” he said enthusiastically. His story encapsulates the essence of cultural exchange: discovering new perspectives, fostering connections, and building mutual understanding. Whether sharing a high five or digging up sweet potatoes, every interaction leaves an indelible mark.

To anyone at AIU seeking to broaden their horizons, the Division of Community Outreach offers a unique window into Japan’s cultural and social life. Don’t miss the chance to immerse yourself in these enriching experiences!

Interview and article by Mika UMEMURA and Momoka NAKAYAMA Student Supporters of the Community Outreach Activities Akita International University