Japanese student finds nonstop English speaking, homesickness

After having a conversation with her, anyone might think she had been speaking English for quite awhile.

But Saki Ogasawara, a freshman Japanese international student, has only been in the United States for three weeks.

Ogasawara is studying English and international affairs.

She moved to Lincoln from Owariasahi, Japan, on Aug. 17.

Last year, UNL had 46 undergraduate students from Japan.

Daily Nebraskan: Is this your first time in the United States?

Saki Ogasawara: Yes, it's my first time in any foreign country. I have never been abroad.

DN: Why come to Lincoln?

SO: My home university has a transfer program with Lincoln. I prefer countryside rather than urban scenery. I thought I should choose a safer and comfortable place to live.

DN: How are people treating you so far?

SO: I am really glad because the people around here are really kind. I was surprised that many people hold doors to let you in. In Japan, we don't have that kind of culture.

DN: What is the biggest difference you've noticed between American college social life and Japanese college social life?

SO: In my case, I go to university from my home, and most of my friends go from home, too. So living with other people in the university is the biggest difference. Students here seem more independent than Japanese students.

DN: What are classes like here compared to Japan?

SO: They are completely different. In Japan, they lecture using the board. Some people fall asleep, some people listen, some are on their cell phone. Here, there is communication between the teacher and students. Students here look more enthusiastic about studying.

DN: Did you learn English before you came here?

SO: Yes. My major was studying English as a language. I was in the department of learning English. Right now, I'm taking basic English. I'm interested in international affairs, so I'm taking an international relations class, cause of war and peace, principles of mass media.

DN: What is your favorite thing to eat in America?

SO: I'm trying not to gain weight, so I choose my food carefully. But my favorite thing in America is plain bagels.

DN: Are there any stereotypes you guys have about Americans or America in general?

SO: When I was in Japan, I had stereotypes that western people don't pay much attention to Asian people. In the U.S., I know there are many kinds of races, but it's a white-dominated society. I thought they are ignorant about Asian people in geography, politics and social meaning.

DN: Have you found any of them to be true?

SO: Now I feel that they were only stereotypes. I still have some kind of hesitation to speak to white people. I have been creating this barrier.

DN: Are there any stereotypes that you think Americans have about Japan or Japanese people?

SO: Whenever I see movies produced in America, the Asian guy is always small, has glasses and has a camera hanging around their neck. It seems like Japanese, Koreans and Chinese seem to blend together. American people tend to include these three races into "Asian people." They cannot distinguish the difference.

DN: What do you miss most about home?

SO: I miss my parents, friends and just the people surrounding me. And I miss eating sushi!

MichelleRieger@dailynebraskan.com