
By Ali Syarief
Hippo Family Club offers one of its flagship programs called the Year Long Program, a long-term initiative that provides students with the opportunity to study abroad outside Japan. This program is not only a valuable experience for the participants but also for the families who host them. I had the privilege of being part of this incredible journey and would like to share my reflections and personal insights.
As a host family, welcoming a foreign student into daily life is not just about providing a place to stay but also about creating a space for mutual learning. In my case, I had the opportunity to host Yu-Kun, a participant from Japan, who lived with my family for eight months. During this time, I witnessed how he adapted to a new environment, absorbed different customs and values, and enriched his perspective on the world.
One fascinating aspect is observing how Year Long Program alumni grow after returning to their home countries. They return as more mature individuals, full of insight, and are highly regarded by their friends and communities. I see them as small heroes who bring back stories and cross-cultural experiences. Their English, especially those who studied in Australia or the United States, carries a strong influence from local dialects. This highlights the depth of their immersion in the culture of their host country.
However, beyond language, this experience provides a broader understanding of how cultural differences should not be a source of division. Through Yu-Kun’s presentations, I learned how he could articulate the cultural contrasts he experienced with remarkable clarity. There were moments when certain customs or values might be judged as right or wrong. Yet, over time, the realization that diversity is an inevitability became more deeply ingrained. Cultural differences are not meant to be judged but explored and appreciated.
Being a host family in the Year Long Program opened my eyes to the significance of building bridges between cultures. It is not merely about learning to understand others but also about embracing new perspectives. In the end, we are all part of a vast world, rich with cultural treasures. Embracing differences does not just enrich oneself but also contributes to creating a more inclusive world that values diversity.