HSD GO! いきましょう: HSD US

By: Tanvi Palavalas

Life-changing. I can't recall a word I've heard as frequently as this one in the span of just ten days, and ironically, that experience alone could be described as life-changing. If you were to inquire about the High School Diplomat program's impact from a counselor, program manager, or former participant, you can bet this word is the response you'd receive. 

Towards the end of July, twenty American students, from various parts of the country, gathered on the grounds of the University of Virginia, nervous, excited, and completely unaware of the connections that would form over the next ten days. Arriving at UVA before our Japanese counterparts, we had our HSD US orientation. During this time, we exhausted all possible fun facts about ourselves, learned about the packed and exciting itinerary, and created posters to greet our roommates! Our roommates, who had arrived in the United States a few days earlier, were touring the nation's capital before making the drive down to Charlottesville. As many of the pairs engaged in conversations over social media or email prior to the start of the program, witnessing the bus finally arrive was an exhilarating moment that made us realize this experience was going to be incredible

Since HSD's primary focus is cultural exchange, particularly between American and Japanese students, the relationships among students played a pivotal role in this program. Before arriving, each American student was matched, based on shared interests, with a Japanese student with whom they shared a room on the UVA campus. However, we quickly realized that our relationships extended far beyond merely sharing a room. We spent every moment together, from talking about our favorite music and snacks to engaging in deep conversations about international policy while walking to our next activity.

To aid our learning, all participants took part in Language and Culture classes during the program, which allowed students to learn more about the language of the other place and various themes of culture ranging from school life to pop culture. Not only were classes engaging and enriching, they allowed students to share what they had learned and put certain vocabulary into practice with their roommate. Winston Crane (‘25), who is learning Japanese, was part of the seminar language classes, where students would “actively share opinions and talk about political issues.” Not only did this class allow him to “push himself to use [his] language skills in various ways to convey [his] thoughts,” but it allowed him to further bond with his roommate as they were able to talk about each other’s perspectives on various political issues all over the world. 

Following our classes, each day had a theme, where participants would dress up accordingly and take part in various activities. For Halloween Day, roommates wore matching costumes, played spooky games, and finished the night off with a Halloween-themed film. Crane mentioned that his favorite day was the Fourth of July Day. That was the evening he realized how comfortable the participants had gotten, as “[we’d] only known each other for four days and here [we’d] had unreplicable experiences with these people from all over the country and all over the world.” Sonia Chornodolsky (‘25) shared that her favorite day was the Japanese festival, Bunka No Hi. The Japanese students were able to share the “most beautiful and intricate long-standing traditions of their culture” like the sea shanty Soran Bushi and its accompanying dance as well as various types of martial arts. 

As we approached the closing ceremony, with all forty students now engaged in their own inside jokes and nicknames, we all thought back on who we were before and what we will be leaving HSD US with. We realized that the High School Diplomat program had not only positively transformed our mindsets but also forged lasting friendships and unforgettable memories. As we departed with a profound sense of gratitude, newfound perspectives, and some new Japanese words, I can't help but reflect on the counselors recounting their own experiences, which they described as life-changing. Now, I join them, as there truly is no better way to capture the essence of such a unique and enriching experience.

Americano, Nihongono, Kazoku: HSD Japan

By Sophia Pareti

As a result of the pandemic, my HSD US experience was over Zoom. While the chance to connect even virtually was amazing, nothing could compare to the impact of the in-person bonds I experienced at HSD Japan. The goals of HSD Japan are simple yet profound; as articulated by US Director Daniel Soper, “HSD boils down to building understanding - within ourselves and with the world around us.”

After an overnight orientation in DC, we embarked on the 14-hour journey to Tokyo. Over the next five days, we had the chance to explore Japan and experience its culture during the tour section of the program. We saw cutting-edge modernity through visiting the TeamLabs headquarters and an Akihabara shopping center, while making matcha in Uji and carving edo-kiriko glass work in Asakusa gave us a glimpse into traditional culture. The tour also provided opportunities for deep reflection on the complex history of our countries’ relations as we visited the Peace Memorial Museum in Hiroshima and the US Embassy in Tokyo.

The exchange section in Kyoto was the heart of the program. As stated by program manager Andrew Amadeo, HSD’s mission is “to foster life-long connections” while creating an environment “where we could learn to grow, explore, and reflect on ourselves,” which is exactly what the exchange provides. It was here that we met the Japanese students we’d build lasting bonds with over the next ten days.

Each day of exchange had a theme; on American Day, we presented US holidays to Japanese students through activities such as Easter egg hunts and hand-turkey making. On Japanese Day, everyone got dressed up in yukata (casual summer kimonos) and presented the traditional Japanese art they’d learned over the past week— I was a part of the calligraphy group, while other groups included origami, karate, and tea ceremony. My favorite day was Kyoto Day, when we had the chance to see the historic temples Kinkaku-ji and Kiyomizu-dera. Participant Carson Wang (‘23) said his favorite day was Diplomat Day— “I got to discuss with Japanese students about social issues affecting both Japan and the U.S. and the difference in how our societies approach these challenges.” I think we could all agree on our least favorite day: Farewell Day. As we pried ourselves from our last embraces with our roommates, we said “mata ne” and promised we’d see each other again soon.

Two months after returning to the US, HSD continues to influence every aspect of my life. I’m sure that impact will be just as strong both two years and two decades from now. As a result of HSD, I’ve gained lifelong friendships while becoming a more reflective thinker, confident leader, and global citizen. どうもありがとう、高校生外交官!