The Last session with Prof. Gally and his daughter Sara

Over a period of 5 sessions, we learnt some basic Japanese words related to food/Lunch like Itadakimasu - before having food
Gochisosama-deshita- after having food ( just a polite expression to thank the host)
Oiishi - Delicious (Hope we get many oportunities to use this word in Japan - we all are very eager to taste Japanese food!)

On the day of last session, Miss Sara Gally daughter of Professor Gally, also joined us and shared her experiences in Japan. According to both of them, things with special anime characters on them would be cool gifts to buy for our friends and traditional paper fans and lacquerware would be great souveniers to buy for our parents while returning back from Japan.

After having lunch, we had a small discussion with Sara madam, who gave us important tips and ideas for our Japan visit. (Credits for nice pic go to Dorothy)

Learning to eat with chopsticks

We were fortunate to have amongst us Prof. Tom Gally from Tokyo University to teach us to eat with chopsticks. I believe this to be our first step towards learning Japanese culture. We had around five practice sessions with Sir Gally through which we learnt to eat rice, noodles, veggies and chicken with chopsticks.

On 13th August when we had our first session, many of us found it really difficult to eat with chopsticks. So to encourage us, Sir Gally had brought special prizes from Tokyo of which Aishwarya got one for the "BEST FASTEST PICK" i.e. for picking up food from the bowl quickly with chopsticks, whereas I (Ambika) and Ninoshka got prizes for trying hard to grasp the "correct technique" of eating! (There is a specific style of holding the chopsticks which gives you a perfect grip forever, which I realised when we completed all the sessions). Others like Anushka, Saurabhi etc got prizes for their great efforts.

Now, after completing 5 ssessions held on 13th, 17th, 21st, 23rd and 24th August respectively, all 10 of us have acquired the necessary skills of eating with chopsticks required to sustain ourselves in Japan.

Here are some glimpses of of our sessions:

 

The Process of selection for the programme

A notice was put up on the college website inviting applications of students interested in being a part of the exchange programme with Waseda University. The applicants were also asked to attach an essay on the topic “Why I wish to go to Japan?”
Out of numerous students who applied, only 10 students were selected. In addition to this, 5 students were kept on waiting list for future consideration. While selecting, preference was given to those students who had never been a part of any other exchange programme.

Introducing students involved in the exchange programme

Hello everyone!!

This is Ambika Kamat, who is going to share most of the updates about the exchange programme with you all. I am presently studying in S.Y.B.A. I am planning to major in English Literature. Apart from academics, my other interests include reading; writing - essays, short stories, poems etc; performing in concerts of Indian Classical Music (Vocal); drawing and painting; learning new languages; clicking snaps with my nikon camera (not a professional photographer only clicks when truly inspired); cooking (when vacation is going on or on festive occasions) etc.
I have been reading and watching lots of great things about the Japanese culture. I think, there can be no other golden opportunity like this exchange programme to experience them for yourself. I wish to get a glimpse of Japan’s natural and cultural beauty through this programme. You can contact me on avk001@chowgules.ac.in

The other students who are going to be an integral part of the exchange programme are :

Hi. I am Dorothy Susanna Furtado. Currently I am pursuing my final year in Zoology with an honors’. I love the field of Biology and intend to do my Masters in Zoology and work my way up in the research field.

Apart from academics I love sketching, trekking, surfing the net, listening to music, reading, traveling and making new friends. As I am highly interested in experiencing new cultures and ideas, being part of this exchange program would be a learning experience I would cherish for life.

I am looking forward to this trip to Japan and all the fun we shall have there. Here’s to a memorable trip…..Cheers! You can contact me on dsf004@chowgules.ac.in

Hey, I am Rachel Analise Coelho do Amaral, presently studying in S.Y.B.A. My subject combination is English, Economics, Psychology I am interested in dancing, acting, writing poetry, Adventurous sports, experiencing and trying out new things! You can contact me on rac002@chowgules.ac.in

Hello, this is Aishwarya Madhurambalathil. I am studying in S.Y.B.A. My subject combination is Psychology, Economics and Sociology. My interests include singing, dancing, reading books and listening music. You can contact me on abm001@gmail.com

Hi, I am Saurabhi Prasad Budkule. I am majoring in Biotechnology. My interests include travelling, playing games such as volleyball, TT, kho kho, etc You can contact me on spb001@chowgules.ac.in

Hey, I am Valerie Jessica Rebello, studying in majoring in Biotechnology.  My interests include Art, Dance, Music and Culture. You can contact me on vjr002@chowgules.ac.in.

Hello, this is Ninoshka Henrietta Rodrigues majoring in Biotechnology. My interests include playing the violin, singing, travelling and exploring new places, dancing, tasting variety of food stuff and much more. You can contact me on nhr001@chowgules.ac.in

              Hello, I am Soniya Uday Dessai, majoring in Zoology. My interests are reading, listening to music and dancing (Indian classical). You can contact me on sud001@chowgules.ac.in.

Hey guys. This is Roohi Khan.
I am from S.Y B.A.
My subject combination is English, Economics and Geography. I am planning to major in Economics.
I love reading novels, listening to music, singing (though I am bad at it :P).
I am trained a bit for India classical dance. i love dancing,,
oh most important i am a chatterbox.
I can't keep my mouth shut. not even for a minute :P
You can contact me on rsk001@chowgules.ac.in

Hello everyone, I am Kimberly Pereira, presently studying in S.Y.B.A. My subject combinations are Psychology, English and History. I love dancing, singing, travelling and also reading. :) I am a funloving person. :D...!!! I love making friends and interacting with people, Talking is something that i do BEST. ;) :D I am looking forward  to this Exchange Programme with the Japanese students excited to meet alot new people and i am sure that i will have a lovely time . See you all soon.  :D :D :D...!!!!!

You can contact me on:  kpe001@chowgules.ac.in :D...!!!

Exchange programme with Waseda University, Tokyo

This blog aims at updating the readers about the Exchange Programme between Smt. Parvatibai Chowgule College and Waseda University.