Yuma Yasumoto, Japan

What motivated you to become an exchange student?

I have learned English since when I was 11 and I got interested in foreign countries. Also, both of my parents can speak English and use it for their work so I wish I could be.

Did you have any fears about coming to the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Of course I had (fears) but the ambition to study abroad was even bigger then. I had made an effort for this year for a long time so I had no choice to give up (on the exchange program).

How do the safety measures for COVID-19 in your home country compare to here?

Honestly, numbers of patients are completely different. Although, I go to school on a train every day in my city so I feel safer here compared with that.

What are some activities that you do with your host family?

My host family is not like an active family but many people including their friends try to take somewhere so I have done kayaking at first time and been to someplace.

Have you been able to tour Austin or the surrounding areas?

Yes. I’ve been downtown, (Inner Space Caverns) and hiking some places in Austin.

How is your educational experience in the United States different than what your classmates back home are doing?

I think math is definitely easier here. What I am learning here is what I have done more than a year ago. In Japan, my classmates are in their third semester of junior year and this semester is called the 0th semester of senior year so many students start hard-studying for examinations of universities.

What kind of activities do you do back in your home country?

I play soccer 6 days a week in my country as a club activity.

Do you miss anything about your home country?

I miss food. Actually, I can get sushi or some famous Japanese dishes because there is literally sushiya in HEB. However, I can’t eat what Japanese usually eat.

What is your favorite food you have eaten here?

Buffalo burger. There is a burger shop which is run by a Native American close to my house. My host father sometimes buys it for me. It tastes more wild than beef.