Page 1 of 2 , Go to Page 2 Christine Lay (Clay) Clay from the US (Harvard '97). She took part in our option 2 program (language & part-time internship at a golf range). "My month studying Japanese in Okinawa through [English Teachers in Okinawa] was a memorable experience. I made a lot of great friends and was able to enjoy almost everything Okinawa has to offer—food, culture, history, beautiful scenery—all while improving my Japanese language skills."

Crystal McCormick Crystal from the US (Auburn University '07). She took part in our option 1 program (language only). "The study abroad program was the perfect opportunity for me to further my academic career and the experience was invaluable. It gave me the opportunity to explore my heritage, meet family members for the first time, and make lifelong friends. The classes are challenging but rewarding, the teachers are incredibly supportive, and Okinawa itself was the most beautiful place to study. To learn the Japanese language and to experience all that Okinawa has to offer not only led to my academic advancement but was also a truly meaningful journey."

Melissa Pilkington Melissa from Australia (Australia National University '08). She took part in our option 2 program (language & part-time internship at a Japanese elementary school). "My name is Melissa Pilkington and I'm a 22 year old Anthropology and Linguistics graduate from Australia. In May 2008 I undertook a two week Okinawa Study and Internship Program. For a brief time I was able to experience the wonderful, relaxed and multicultural atmosphere of Japan's southern tropical islands. During my stay I studied Japanese four hours a day, five days a week, while also interning at a local primary school three afternoons a week helping to teach English and broaden the student's knowledge of Australia. I was grateful for the opportunity to build upon my reading, writing and speaking skills, while also actively contributing to and participating in Okinawan society through the internship. It was a fantastic experience interning at a primary school where the students were so enthusiastic to find out about my country and practice their English with me. During my stay I was also able to see a lot of the Okinawan main island and learn about the varied and controversial past of a very interesting and different part of Japan. From being asked if everyone in Australia had blue eyes to making my very own Ryukyu glass cup, my time participating in the Okinawa Study and Internship Program was a very enjoyable one."

Maha Al-Mojel Maha from Saudi Arabia (King Saud University '07). She took part in our option 2 program (language & part-time internship at a Japanese elementary school). "The program did cover all it promised and more; in terms of the Japanese language, the school with which they collaborated with, was more than adequate, friendly, professional with the aim of making the student live in Japanese. The Sightseeing part was more than interesting, for got the chance to witness Okinawa's version of the Japanese culture, the island had plenty to offer and the program provided the means to do so, Mike Holland was as friendly as he was kind, enjoyed his company while he took me everywhere in addition to taking me along introducing me to various experiences. Internship, though did not get a chance to practice decent Japanese, as mine was assisting the English teacher in an elementary school, hence practicing more of kids' language, but got first hand observation on how everything works and the joy of doing so by communicating with kids. All in all I truly enjoyed my one month in Okinawa, recommend it for all."

Valena Rapez Valena from the US (Leeward Community College in Hawaii '08). She took part in our Option 3 program (full-time internship at a hotel). "I think this program is amazing!!! During the summer of 2007 my stay in Okinawa was a life changing and the best experience of my life. While interning at the hotels in Okinawa, I felt I had learnt about the Okinawan culture as well as learning Japanese more that I could ever in a classroom environment. I got the opportunity to work with Japanese who spoke no english. It was a daily challenge to work in a Japanese working environment with limited amount of english being used. It something which I am glad I had experience because I learned more in the four weeks than I did in 4 years. Met friends in Okinawa who I know will be my life time friends. If you want have a life changing experience and meet some of nicest people in the world, I will say this program will be the best option for you!"  Page 1 of 2 , Go to Page 2