Calendar

Calendar Scedule

  • Snow Camp in Iiyama-Shi: A Celebration of Joy and Japanese Resilience

    By: Ali Syarief This year’s Snow Camp in Iiyama-Shi unfolded in its usual festive spirit. Participants reveled in the winter wonderland, engaging in various activities with sheer delight. The event proceeded seamlessly, a testament to meticulous planning and the unwavering discipline that defines Japanese culture. Yet, the challenge posed by extreme weather conditions made this year’s gathering particularly remarkable. The first day commenced with the familiar excitement of Snow Camp. Majestic snowdrifts provided the perfect backdrop for skiing, snowboarding, and igloo-building. Everything followed a structured, orderly rhythm—precisely as planned. However, a surprise arrived on the second day when temperatures soared to an unseasonable 25 degrees Celsius. The sight was surreal: people dressed in light clothing amidst towering melting snow. Such an abrupt shift in temperature presented an unforeseen challenge, especially for those who had meticulously prepared their winter gear under the assumption of consistently cold conditions. Nevertheless, the event carried on without significant alterations. This unwavering commitment to the original plan is a reflection of the Japanese ethos, where thorough preparation is paramount, and adaptation occurs within the framework of an established structure. The following day, yet another twist in the weather unfolded. The skies turned overcast, and rain began …

  • Shaping the Future Through Cultural Experiences in Japan

    By: Ali Syarief Today, students from Victory School embark on a new adventure as they begin their homestay with host families in various cities across Japan. This journey is not just about experiencing snow for the first time but also about stepping into a new way of life—one that is structured, disciplined, and presents the challenge of overcoming language barriers. This experience will serve as a valuable foundation in shaping their character and preparing them for a better future. Understanding Japanese Culture: Discipline and Order Japan is known for its culture that upholds discipline, hard work, and respect for others. Students living with host families will learn how Japanese society efficiently manages time, maintains cleanliness, and respects social harmony. Habits such as waking up early, following schedules diligently, and speaking with politeness will become part of their daily routine, shaping their character in the process. As Confucius once said, “The strength of a person is not measured by their success, but by how they rise after failure.” Overcoming Language Barriers and Social Adaptation One of the biggest challenges students will face is the language barrier. However, within this difficulty lies a great opportunity for growth. Being in an environment where …

  • Cross-Cultural Mission 2025: Expanding Global Perspectives in Japan

    By: Ali Syarief A total of 19 participants, consisting of both adults and students, will embark on this year’s Cross-Cultural Mission. They are scheduled to arrive in Japan via Haneda Airport in mid-March 2025. This program aims to deepen cross-cultural understanding through a series of educational activities and firsthand experiences in various regions of Japan. Upon arrival, participants will take part in a study tour to several areas to learn about Japanese culture, history, and technology. Additionally, they will stay with Japanese host families to experience daily life in the local community. During their stay, participants will engage in various cultural activities, such as tea ceremonies, calligraphy, and traditional Japanese practices. This experience offers them the opportunity not only to hear and see but also to truly feel and understand Japanese culture from a local perspective. The highlight of this program is the journey to Nagano, where participants will join the Snow Camp. This event will bring them together with participants from various countries, providing a valuable international exchange experience. Snow Camp is not only an opportunity to enjoy Japan’s winter beauty but also a platform to build global networks and share insights with young people from diverse backgrounds. The …

  • Cross-Cultural Experience Indonesia-Japan: Do’s and Don’ts

    By: Ali Syarief Every year and this year is on March 2025, a group from Indonesia participate in a cross-cultural experience in Japan with Japanese families and communities through homestay and snow camp. To ensure a harmonious and respectful interaction, it is crucial for both parties to understand each other’s social etiquette, customs, and values. Below are some do’s and don’ts for both Indonesians in Japan and Japanese people interacting with Indonesians. Do’s and Don’ts for Indonesians in Japan Do’s: Bowing as a Greeting Bowing is a primary form of showing respect in Japan. It is appropriate when meeting someone, expressing gratitude, or apologizing. Maintaining Order and Cleanliness Japan highly values cleanliness and order. Always dispose of trash properly, avoid eating while walking, and keep noise levels low in public places, especially in public transportation. Respecting Queuing Culture Japanese people strictly adhere to queuing etiquette in stations, shops, and public places. Always follow the queue and avoid cutting in line. Removing Shoes When Required When visiting a Japanese home, temples, or specific places, make sure to remove your shoes before entering. Indoor slippers are usually provided. Using Both Hands When Giving or Receiving Something Accepting or handing over items, business …

  • Mengapa Cross-Culture?

    Perjalanan ke luar negeri sering kali hanya dianggap sebagai pengalaman wisata semata. Banyak orang mengunjungi Jepang untuk melihat Gunung Fuji yang megah, menikmati keindahan bunga sakura yang bermekaran, atau menyaksikan pertunjukan Kabuki di Shinjuku. Semua itu bisa diatur dengan mudah melalui agen perjalanan. Namun, apakah pengalaman itu cukup untuk memahami esensi sebenarnya dari Jepang? Jawabannya tidak. Sebab, lebih dari sekadar pemandangan yang indah dan budaya yang eksotis, Jepang memiliki sesuatu yang lebih dalam: keindahan hati, keramahan, dan kerendahan hati masyarakatnya. Inilah yang membuat banyak orang ingin kembali dan kembali lagi ke Jepang. Pengalaman ini tidak dapat diperoleh hanya dengan berkeliling tempat-tempat wisata, tetapi harus dirasakan secara langsung melalui interaksi yang tulus dengan masyarakat Jepang. Inilah alasan mengapa Cross-Culture Institute hadir. Lebih dari sekadar membawa wisatawan melihat atraksi terkenal, kami membuka pintu menuju pemahaman yang lebih dalam tentang budaya Jepang. Melalui pendekatan yang mengedepankan keakraban dan suasana hati yang terbuka, kami menghapus batasan bahasa, menghilangkan kesalahpahaman budaya, dan menciptakan hubungan yang lebih erat antarindividu. Ketika seseorang benar-benar memahami suatu budaya, mereka tidak lagi melihatnya sebagai sesuatu yang asing atau berbeda. Mereka merasakan kehangatan persahabatan yang melampaui perbedaan. Dengan cara ini, pengalaman di Jepang tidak hanya menjadi kenangan indah, tetapi juga menjadi …

  • The Multilingual Snow Camp

    People from all over the world will come and stay together at Minshukus (Japanese guest houses) with a group of about 25 other participants. Each group will act as a “family” during the program. Come and enjoy Naganos beautiful nature surrounded by the warmth of friends! The Multilingual Snow CampThis is a LEX / Hippo transnational exchange program!This is not just a nature camp. It is a chance to meet people withdifferent backgrounds (culture, language, etc.) and discover how funit is to understand each other through exciting winter activities and LEX / Hippo multilingual activities in an area known for the heaviest snowfall in Japan!

  • PERSIAPKAN KITA KE ACARA SNOW CAMP

  • Hippo Asian Project : Multi-Lingual Youth Nature Camp

    To Promote multilingual friendship in asia, the Hippo Asian Project was launched with two youth camps under its wing. The Asian multilingual youth camp in sianghai and the Asian multilingual nature camp in Thailand are geared toward secondary school students and youth from china, Thailand, Korea, Japan and all over Asia. Each year, participant enjoy making new friends form different countries and sharing their languages, all while taking parts in a variety of outdoor activities. These youth get to enjoy the beauty of nature while gaining a broader perspective of the world and developing  new friendship.

  • World Internship Project (WIP)

    The WIP is an exciting opportunity providing adults of all ages with a life-changing exchange experience in another country. WIP interns spend 1-12 months volunteering with LEX in Japan, Korea, the US, or Mexico, or with our various partner organizations in up to 40 different countries around the world. Interns will have the opportunity to live with a host family and absorb the rhythms of daily life. The program is open to qualified adults, ages 18 and up.

  • Multilingual Snow & Nature Camp

    The Snow and Nature Camps, held annually in Japan in March and August respectively, provide the perfect chance to enjoy Hippo’s multilingual activities in the beauty of nature. The Snov Camp takes participants to tho snowy landscape of Nagani Prefecture in March, where participants get to play in a winte wonderland before retreating to traditional minshuku, traditions Japanese inns, at night. The Nature Camp, also held in Naganc is awash in flora and fauna and lull of exciting outdoor activities Open to people around the world, these camps are a trti multilingual, multicultural experience!

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