You can read about students' TaB experiences and what they learned from their trips!
Theme: Disability and Ableism |
Sakura Adachi, ASP'16
First, of course, we can study about volunteering and topics on each trip. I didn’t know anything about disability, and this was the first time for me to volunteer in America, but I think I could study a lot about topic this. I met mentally handicapped people why were speaking normally and were more cheerful than us. Therefore, I got energy from them.
Secondly, we can live with American people for a week. It took nine hours by car to go to California with nine American students and five ASP students, and we stayed like a share house. We did part of the roles each days, so a member cooked dinner and cleaned the room. At night, we expressed our opinion impression. These was really good experience for me, because the spring program has a lot of Willamette students. I could mak Finally, I could get a listening skill which is pronunciation of native English speaker. We stayed with members all days. I wasn’t bored because American people often speak many topics. We went to many place where were college, foster home and communication center. I couldn’t understand all conversation, but I could learn slang wards for disability and used by American people. In conclusion, I learned many things, and it was memorable trip in my life. |
Theme: Environmental Preservation |
Kazuhiro Konno, ASP'16
I was able to learn a lot things by this program. 日本はボランティア活動があまり盛んではありません、それに対してアメリカはボランティア活動がとても盛んです。そのためボランティアに参加する良い機会だと思います。頑張ってください。
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Haruna Sakuma, ASP'16 I took part in the spring TaB trip about environmental preservation. I participated in various volunteer projects during the time. For example, repairing a forest trail, learning the ecosystem of Portland, and cleaning up trash. It was hard to understand and express my opinion, but I tried to listen hard and ask questions again and again. I wrote down my opinion about the volunteering before every reflection time (discussion time in English) at night. I learned a lot of English and also about environmental protection and experienced American life with Willamette students every day. If you challenge this and never give up, this is one way you can lead a full spring break. It was a great experience for me.
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Erika Suzuki, ASP'16
I participated on a Take a Break trip and I could learn about various things in this program, so First, I learned about volunteering with my group members. I joined proper volunteering for the first time, so it was interesting for me. I made the rail road in the forest, learned about Native Americans, saw nature and picked up garbage in this trip. In addition, I hiked in forest to make rail road. It was the hardest thing for me but I could feel nature and I could learn important things about volunteering. In addition, I could make friends with Willamette students. When I was confused about volunteering, Willamette students helped us in the trip. They were so kind to us, so it was very good opportunity for me to talk with Willamette students. Furthermore, I stayed in a church and I did camping. I could know American style which is breakfast, dinner and so on. Also, this was the first time to camping for me, so I could know about new things. Finally, it was an important experience for me. I could learn about various new things. I will never forget this experience. Thank you. |
Theme: Food Justice |
Kaito Ando, ASP'16
I recommend future ASP students think about applying for a TaB trip. I could get a lot of valuable experiences which
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Theme: Youth Homelessness |
Taichi Kobayashi, ASP'16
I learned many things fr
I participated on the trip about youth homelessness. I was so surprised because it is different between America and Japan. In America, there are many organizations to help homeless people. However, the organization needs more resources, such as shelter space and food, because many homeless people live on the road or some place. They always receive allowance from the organization. An allowance means things like a sleeping bag, clothes, food, or medicine. Therefore, the homeless population needs organizations. I think I cannot experience this volunteer program in Japan. I could learn about social issues and could make new Willamette student friends. It was an unforgettable experience for me. |
Taku Sato, ASP'16
I joined a Tab trip which is "youth homelessness." I could learn about American social |