The Salem-Ota Cultural Exchange is pleased to announce that Isabel Bennett, a graduating senior at Salem High School has been awarded this year’s Scholarship award. She will be using this scholarship as he attends the Boston University this fall.
She, and the other applicants for the award, were asked to write an essay about their involvement with the exchange; how it affected their life; and how it will influence their future.
Her award-winning essay:
Over the past two years, my family and I have been involved in the Ota Exchange Program. We first heard about the program through friends who had previously hosted students. They told us about their amazing experiences and encouraged us to consider hosting ourselves. After discussing it as a family, we decided it would be a great opportunity to learn about Japanese culture and gain a new perspective.
In October 2023, we hosted our first exchange student, Mion. At first, my family was pretty nervous, hoping that the communication barrier and cultural differences wouldn’t negatively affect her experience. But as soon as she arrived, we knew everything would be okay. Mion was outgoing and friendly, which helped ease any awkwardness caused by the language difference. We showed her around Salem and gave her a glimpse of our daily lives. She loved every aspect of American culture—especially burgers.
While we were busy giving her a new experience, we didn’t realize how much we were learning from her in return. She introduced us to Japanese food and games, sharing her traditions and way of life. We had conversations about cultural values, school life in Japan, and even small customs that differed from ours. These exchanges sparked curiosity in me and made me realize how much there is to learn about the world beyond my immediate surroundings.
After that wonderful experience, we knew we wanted to host again. Later in 2024, we welcomed our second exchange student. This time, with more confidence and experience, we were able to provide an even better experience for our guest. Once again, we immersed ourselves in her culture and learned even more about life in Japan. It became clear that each student brought their own unique perspective and personality, which helped us gain a broader understanding of what life is like in different parts of Japan.
This experience inspired my sister and me to see Japanese culture firsthand. In August 2024, we traveled to Japan and stayed with a host family for about a week, and then had three days to explore different areas of the country as a group. We were terrified at first because of the huge difference and how much we stood out walking around the city. We learned quickly that there was no need to be worried. Everyone we encountered was nothing but friendly. No matter what, they made sure to accommodate and take care of us, allowing us to truly experience their life and culture.
Overall, this experience has changed me in ways I didn’t expect. It made me more open-minded, more curious about the world, and more appreciative of different perspectives. I’ve learned how important it is to step out of your comfort zone, because that’s where the most meaningful growth happens. Traveling to Japan gave me a deeper respect for cultural differences and helped me see the value of connecting with people from other backgrounds. I’ve developed a stronger sense of global awareness, and I’m more confident in unfamiliar situations.
Looking ahead, this program has influenced what I want for my future. I’m now considering studying international relations or cultural anthropology in college. I’d love to participate in a study abroad program and maybe even work in a field where I can help bridge cultural gaps—perhaps in diplomacy, education, or global outreach. I’ve realized that the world is so much bigger than I imagined, and I want to continue exploring it and learning from it.
Most importantly, this experience taught me that even though people come from very different places, we have more in common than we think. Hosting students and being hosted in Japan reminded me of the power of kindness, empathy, and curiosity. These values will continue to guide me, no matter where life takes me.