By Kristopher M, Teen Summer Language Camp Japan-Kyoto Summer 2025
Every year, Greenheart Travel awards scholarships for First Time Travelers who haven’t had the chance to go abroad before. Greenheart Travel knows the power of travel and we really believe that the world would be a better place if everyone had more chances to interact with people from different ways of life than their own.
Here is a report from Kristopher, a First Time Traveler scholarship recipient, who spent two weeks in Kyoto this summer with Greenheart’s Teen Summer Language Camp in Japan…. Take it away, Kristopher!
If you are reading this, you must be considering taking a trip to a foreign country as an exchange student. Let me be the one to tell you how great an idea it is! Leaving your home country can be quite worrisome, but don’t worry, the best is yet to come. The plane rides are always stressful, but I always felt better once I finally sat down on the plane. You’ll be fine, and don’t worry, Greenheart is very flexible and will help you every step of the way.
Packing
When it comes to packing, it can get quite challenging and really stressful, but all you need to do is relax and create lists. To pack like a minimalist, I would suggest only packing clothing for a week and a half, considering you will do your laundry there and buy some clothing in your host country. Make sure there is plenty of room for the clothing you can bring back and room for souvenirs!
Talk to your host family. Ask them what they enjoy and what they find interesting, so you will know what to bring them. Make sure to bring a small host family gift from your country to show your appreciation.
Trust the Crowd
One mistake I made at the airport was not following the crowd. You can for an amount of time, but don’t expect that you’re going to the same location as them. When I got to Japan, I expected it to be exactly like what you see online, which can either be really good or sometimes bad. Don’t always believe what you see on the internet! Japan was better than I could’ve ever imagined, and it’s all thanks to my host family and the great people at Greenheart, who I have to thank for my amazing time.
When you arrive in your foreign country, you’ll want to buy everything! I mean, who wouldn’t? But you have to remember and think to yourself, could I buy this in my home country? If that answer is yes, then consider whether it’s a necessity or not, because you are working with limited luggage space. You can’t bring everything home with you. Remember that not everything must be purchased immediately and make responsible decisions with your money.
Embrace the Culture
Always be aware of your surroundings. Make sure to be kind to the local people because you don’t want to build a stereotype of rude foreigners. Be the reason someone changes their mind about foreigners! Be very open to the culture and people around you. Allow yourself to be influenced by them and their practices and remain true to yourself. They will love you and everything you have to offer them as long as you act naturally. Be sure to share a bit of your own culture as well! Show them any of your practices and cook for them! Tell them about things that happen in your home country. They would love to hear about it!
Thanks for sharing your experience as a First Time Traveler, Kristopher!
Are you ready to take the leap abroad like Kristopher? Click on these links to learn more about Greenheart’s Teen Summer Language programs and scholarship opportunities.
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