DomingoYu.com

So, what do you want to do upon graduation?

I want to study international affairs, which deals with international conflict and refugee programs. I want to help developing countries. I'm not 100% sure in which area, but I find education interesting. My goal is to attend Kobe University.

Why there?

They have great professors who are helpful and they push you. Plus, they're competitive and have an active Rotary club. I'll be getting an apartment, but it's very expensive and I'll need to get a part time job.

What does a typical school day look like?

At 8:30 we start and we finish at 3 PM. On Monday and Thursday we finish at 4 PM. Some students to clubs, but not all of them.

Are you inolved with clubs?

No. After I came back from Australia (New Castle). I had to catch up. I was there for a year as part of an exchange program. When I returned I was behind all of my classmates.

What were some of the biggest differences between Australia and Japan?

In Japan we have everything in one class. The teachers move to different rooms, not the students. In Australia the kids move. At my school in Australia, we had to wear uniforms. The Australian school was too easy, especially in math. There we could use calculators.

No math classes in Japan allow calculators?

No.

Not even in calculus?

Nope

How long is your summer vaction?

In Japan you get three weeks or less off for summer. You still need to study and do work so it's not really a holiday. How long do you get off in the U.S.?

10 Weeks.

Wow! I want to go there.

What would you ask students from the U.S.?

Would they have any interest in visiting Japan?

How do you feel about school uniforms?

I don't mind. Sometimes teachers say that our skirts are too short and every morning a teacher stands in front of the school checking the uniforms.

Are students sent home if they're out of dress code?

No, they're scolded.

Do the students listen?

Yes.

What's the uniform?

At our school, white shoes and socks, the girls wear navy skirts, we can't dye hair, and we wear white shirts. Girls aren't allowed to wear pants and students can't wear accessories. I really enjoyed Austraila because students could express themselves more. But like I said, I wasn't satisfied with classes. Most of the students were too lazy and were not prepared. They had too much freedom.

What do you think are some of the biggest problems for students?

One thing is cell phones. Everyone uses one. They're useful, but they're a distraction, especially with texting....