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| What is the Showa Friendship Circle? |
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| The Showa Friendship Circle (SFC) matches pairs or triads of Showa students with community volunteers (Circle Volunteers) for intercultural exchange, conversational exchange and recreational activities. Circle Volunteers often invite students to go sightseeing in the Boston area, and do fun, interesting activities together. Some Circle Volunteers open their homes to Showa students for meals, just relaxing, or for overnight visits. By sharing your own unique culture with Japanese students, you can expand your global perspective, and form meaningful friendships. |
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| How do I benefit? |
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- You will gain a deeper understanding of cultural differences, appreciate your own culture by sharing it, learn about Japan from a Japanese woman's perspective, and have fun!
- You are welcome to use campus facilities with the students, such as the cafeteria, pool, exercise rooms, recreational rooms, and tennis courts.
- You are invited to Cross-cultural Learning Seminars, tea ceremonies, festivals, concerts, and other events.
- If you are studying Japanese, being a Circle Volunteer will strengthen your Japanese conversational skills.
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| How many students will I meet? |
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| We generally match two students with each Volunteer, so that the students are comfortable and can share their experience with their student partner. However, there is also the option to host three students. |
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| What should we do together? |
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| Students want to experience "real" American life, so most of what you do in your daily life will be new and interesting for them. Some suggestions recommended by veteran Circle Volunteers are: |
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- Share photos, which often leads to talking about differences in American and Japanese lifestyles.
- Cook a meal at your home, with the students helping you shop for and prepare the food.
- Visit friends or relatives, especially for special celebrations such as birthdays and holidays.
- Play sports and do outdoor activities, attend local school or professional sporting events.
- Play card games together such as Uno, or play board games using English, such as Scrabble.
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| How can I get started as a Circle Volunteer? |
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| First, contact the Coordinator by phone or email. Before new Circle Volunteers are matched with Showa students, they are asked to participate in a SFC Orientation, led by the Coordinator. This orientation provides an opportunity for you to visit Showa for a student-led campus tour and a discussion with the Coordinator. It is also designed to clarify expectations, and to explain the administrative and intercultural aspects of SFC. You will receive more details about the program guidelines. These operational guidelines attempt to balance the spontaneous, independent nature of Americans and American culture, with the more conservative, protective nature of Japanese people. After you are matched with Showa students, the Coordinator continues to provide support to ensure that everyone has a successful experience. |
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| For more information about the Showa Friendship Circle, please contact Community Outreach Coordinator at 617.522.0080, x5514 or enaumann@showaboston.edu. |
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