Participating in the student exchange program with Yokohama Science Frontier High School (YSFH) was an eye-opening, once-in-a-lifetime experience. I was in a world of advanced learning and vibrant cultural exchange, an experience I’ll carry with me throughout my life.

One of the most memorable aspects of my exchange was the academic environment at YSFH. Walking into their school felt like stepping into a top-tier university lab. Their equipment blew me away: A full wind tunnel, something only the most elite universities own, captivated me as I watched how tweaking the motor altered airflow readings. I have never felt this close to aerodynamic engineering. The computer lab was equally impressive. It featured components like CD drives, floppy disks, and even a fully disassembled computer, which is perfect for someone like me who enjoys disassembling and reassembling computers for fun.

Classes like chemistry presented new challenges, blending Japanese terminology with concepts such as steam pressure and familiar concepts like osmosis. In physics, the teacher used interactive digital textbooks to animate and explain abstract concepts, such as Kepler’s laws. In math classes, including Math II and Math Tokuron, I was encouraged to rethink calculus applications, solving problems that felt both familiar and refreshingly different. Public Studies class sparked culture exchanges and meaningful discussions–I learned the history of the world’s and Japan’s political schools of thought. In Home Economics, I teamed up with classmates to cook pasta, laughing over our different cooking styles. Classical Japanese opened a window into ancient texts, and Health Education prompted deep discussions on topics such as marriage. A special stress management lecture after school stood out, offering practical life skills that apply to every student in the world.

The social aspect of the exchange was equally enriching. My homeroom teacher organized games like charades and kendama challenge for me and the class, helping me bond and blend in with my classmates. I will never forget the thrill of winning the kendama challenge on my third try, which allowed the class to skip classroom cleaning for one day and earn cheers from my classmates. This connection deepens when I visited the after-school clubs. I explored various clubs, from the Light Music Club, where students practiced instruments individually, to the Robotics Club, where we discussed autonomous LEGO robots and how they’re different from VEX robots. The Natural Science Club even allowed me to conduct a simple experiment for comparing bacterial levels before and after handwashing. I was also fortunate enough to be invited to the tea ceremony club, where I experienced the whole tea-making process, from folding the fukusa to brushing the matcha with a chasen in a traditional Japanese-style room. That was a wonderful and unique cultural experience, and these activities not only showcased the students’ diverse interests but also helped me form meaningful connections.

My time at YSFH was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience that broadened my academic understanding, enriched my cultural knowledge, and formed enduring bonds. I’m incredibly grateful for this opportunity that made my summer truly unforgettable.