The Foreign Exchange Program

Episode 121:

20 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode,Like what you hear? Want to request a topic for us to discuss? You can send us an email, message us on our Instagram, or leave a comme...

Episode 120:

06 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode,Like what you hear? Want to request a topic for us to discuss? You can send us an email, message us on our Instagram, or leave a comme...

Episode 119:

22 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode,Like what you hear? Want to request a topic for us to discuss? You can send us an email, message us on our Instagram, or leave a comme...

Episode 118:

08 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode,Like what you hear? Want to request a topic for us to discuss? You can send us an email, message us on our Instagram, or leave a comme...

Episode 117: An Announcement

23 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Sadie announces that the podcast will be going on a temporary break. Thank you for your support!Like what you hear? Want to request a...

Episode 116: Going to the Doctor

09 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Akane and Sadie discuss the process of going to the doctor in the US and Japan and what some of the key differences are between how t...

Episode 115: Baby Shower

26 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Akane tells Sadie all about her experience having a baby shower in the US! There's no such custom in Japan, so this was a very new an...

Episode 114: When in Rome Do as the Romans Do

12 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Whether it's just for a short trip overseas or a more long-term stay, we think that following the old adage "when in Rome..." can prove beneficial to ...

Episode 113: Guess English Idioms

28 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Sadie quizzes Akane on if she knows English idioms that are used in the U.S. Also, Sadie chose the idioms from a certain theme. See i...

Episode 112: Health Insurance / Medical System

14 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Akane and Sadie break down how the vastly different health insurance systems work in the US and Japan. They also share some of the ex...

Episode 111: Things Visitors Notice that Residents Don’t in Japan

31 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Akane and Sadie discuss things that may stand out to tourists visiting Japan, but ultimately seem inconsequential, or may even go com...

Episode 110: Holiday Related Stuff Part 2

17 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we continue our conversation about major holidays in our countries. In part one, Akane shared all about Japanese New Year, or Shogats...

Episode 109: Holiday Related Stuff Part 1

03 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In part 1 of this two-part episode, Akane breaks down the traditions and details of Japanese New Year. From how to decorate, to what to eat, and what ...

Episode 108: Guess the "English" Phrases

17 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Akane quizzes Sadie's listening skills with some phrases that are 100% in Japanese, but sound like they could be English. This wa...

Episode 107: Board Games

03 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Previously, we discussed recess games and video games. To continue the games saga, in this episode, Akane and Sadie take turns introducing and reminis...

Episode 106: Katakana Words

20 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Akane and Sadie finally dedicate an episode to katakana words, or loan words from other languages that are borrowed into Japanese. We...

Episode 105: Driving School Experience

06 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Sadie and Akane talk through what attending driving school and driving in general can be like in Japan. If you're interested in doing...

Episode 104: Generations

23 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Akane and Sadie discuss what the different generations are in their respective countries and how these various generations are catego...

Episode 103: Internet Slang Part 2

09 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we revisit our first episode topic "Intenet Slang" and explore it as a 2024 version. How many of them do you know? Do you use them in...

Episode 102: Beverages

25 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we talk about a topic that is honestly quite surprising we've never really touched on until now: beverages! Akane talks about some Am...

Episode 101: Shortened Katakana Phrases

11 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Akane quizzed Sadie on shortened Katakana words which are originally from English. In Japanese, there are many shortened words that a...

Episode 100: 100th Episode Special

28 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this milestone of an episode, we take some time to reflect and reminisce about what this podcast has meant to us and what some of our favorite mome...

Episode 99: Scary Stories

14 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we shared scary stories from our culture or our childhood memories. Many of them we shared are scary stories for kids, so we unexpect...

Episode 98: Japanese Band Names That Use English

30 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Akane and Sadie talk about various Japanese bands that chose to show off some of their creativity by using English in their names in ...

Episode 97: Tokyo Disney Parks

16 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Inspired by a trip Sadie took, in this episode we chat all about the ins and outs of the world-famous Tokyo Disney! Like what you hear? Want to reque...

Episode 96: Our Favorite Japanese Stores

02 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we gush all about our favorite Japanese stores, what makes them special, when we typically visit, and what sorts of goods can be foun...

Episode 95: Tourist Manners

19 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discussed one of the recent social issues in Japan, over tourism. It is delightful many foreign tourists are interested in Japan a...

Episode 94: Video Games

05 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Sadie takes us through the highlights of her life-long love of video games. She touches on what some of her favorite games were and h...

Episode 93: Giving Compliments

22 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we shared our experiences and observations regarding receiving and giving compliments in the U.S. and Japan. Although you try to be n...

Episode 92: Graduation Ceremonies

08 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we talk all about the differences in graduation ceremonies in the US and Japan. From what we wear to what we do, we look back on our ...

Episode 91: Recess Games

24 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we shared what we enjoyed games during recess or after school in our childhood. We realized there are cultural ties in some of the ga...

Episode 90: Mnemonic Part 2

10 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Akane shared some mnemonics from her experience growing up in Japan. As a result, the mnemonics are strongly tied to Japanese culture...

Episode 89: Mnemonics Part 1

27 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In part one of this two-part episode, Sadie shares some mnemonics that she either learned in school or picked up as she was growing up in the US. We t...

Episode 88: Personal Pronouns and Identity

13 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we talk about how the language of personal pronouns has shifted in recent years, both in English and Japanese. We also share how thos...

Episode 87: Different Communication Styles

29 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we talk about how the way we communicate changes based on the language we're using. We discuss some real world examples, personal...

Episode 86: What Does it Mean to be Japanese?

15 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we try our hand at tackling a very tricky question: What does it mean to be Japanese? We were inspired to discuss this topic because ...

Episode 85: Living with Parents as an Adult

01 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we talk about how we feel American and Japanese societies view living at home with your parents as an adult and how those views may h...

Episode 84: Breakfast

18 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode,  we touch on some differences we've noticed between Japanese and American style breakfast. Let us know what do you eat for break...

Episode 83: Attitudes About Animals

04 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we touched on some differences we've noticed between Japan and the US regarding attitudes toward animals. How people in both coun...

Episode 82: Common Mistakes Learners Make

19 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Seeing as we both have experience teaching our native languages to non-native speakers, we thought it could be interesting to talk through some freque...

Episode 81: Ryokan / Japanese Inns

05 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we talk all about Japanese inns! We go over the typical facilities, amenities, service, and even wardrobe you can expect to encounter...

Episode 80: Language Interference

22 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Sadie tells Akane about an experience she had while traveling overseas when attempting to communicate using a language other than Eng...

Episode 79: Untranslatable Words Part 3

08 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we revisit an old but good topic. Both of us collected some more words that we find difficult to translate into either English or Jap...

Episode 78: Honne and Tatemae

25 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we finally talk about a crucial aspect of Japanese culture, honne-tatemae. Have you ever had a conversation with someone, but couldn...

Episode 77: Education and AI

11 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discussed our opinions on using AI in educational settings. Technologies and AI are very useful and help our lives significantly; ...

Episode 76: Folklore

27 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we share and discuss a few examples of Japanese and American folklore that have been told and retold over the years. Like what you ...

Episode 75: Useful Textbooks and Learning Materials (Part 2)

13 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In part one of this two-part series, Akane introduces a few materials she has found to be helpful in her learning English as a foreign/second language...

Episode 74: Useful Textbooks and Learning Materials (Part 1)

30 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In part one of this two-part series, Sadie introduces a few materials she has found to be helpful in her quest to learn Japanese. If you're someon...

Episode 73: Superstitions

16 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we shared Japanese and American superstitions. We have heard of some superstitions, but actually, they are not universal. They are ve...

Episode 72: Street Smarts

02 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we have a discussion about street smarts. Some pertain to safety related things, some are more focused on general helpful things to k...

Episode 71: Idioms

18 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we finally discuss idioms! The both of us chose a few different idioms to share and discuss. Learning idioms can give you some insigh...

Episode 70: Trains and Station Experiences

04 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discuss how different it can be riding a train or going through a train station in the US versus in Japan. What's the process ...

Episode 69: Airport Experiences

21 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we talk through some of the biggest differences we've noticed between US and Japanese airports. If you plan on traveling to eithe...

Episode 68: Fan Culture and Oshikatsu

07 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we break down what being a fan means in Japan. We go over some useful terminology, what sorts of activities fans do to support the pe...

Episode 67: Pokemon Names

24 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we play a little guessing game with names of Pokemon! (Only from the OG 150, though!) Turns out, the English and Japanese version of ...

Episode 66: Brand Name Over Actual Product Name in the U.S. and Japan

10 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In the episode, we discussed some commonly used products that we refer to only by their brand name and guessed actual names—for example, bandaids. M...

Episode 65: Remnants of US Military Bases in JP

26 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In the episode, Sadie discusses some different places in Japan that were once used as US military bases. There's a lot of interesting history in J...

Episode 64: Language Points of Interest

12 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In the episode, we share and discuss some key points and features related to our second languages that we find interesting. Like what you hear? Want ...

Episode 63: Hotly Debated Topics

29 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In the episode, we both picked some silly topics to discuss that people tend to have...somewhat strong opinions about in both Japan and the US. Like...

Episode 62: Food and Diet

15 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we chat about some food options, such as vegetarian, gluten-free, lactose-free, KETO, and Kosher foods in the U.S. and Japan. Someti...

Episode 61: Movie Titles in English and Japanese

01 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we compare several movie titles in English and Japanese and discuss why we think they're different, how they might change the im...

Episode 60: Going to Dentist

17 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we touch on some differences we've noticed between visiting Dentists in Japan and the US. Both of us did not expect there to be ...

Episode 59: 5 Must-Have Items for Living in Japan and the U.S.

03 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we take you through what we consider to be 5 items we think would be extremely useful to have if you plan to spend time in the US or ...

Episode 58: Reverse Cultural Shock (Part 2)

20 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Akane recounts her impressions and memories from her recent trip to Japan.  After living abroad for a while, visiting one's...

Episode 57: Reverse Cultural Shock (Part 1)

06 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

After living abroad for a while, visiting one's home country can feel kind of peculiar. You become aware of things that you never really used to notic...

Episode 56: Old Versus New

20 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Sadie and Akane discuss how the Japanese language has changed over the years. Modern Japanese has swapped out a lot of formerly ...

Episode 55: Going to the Optometrist

06 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we touch on some differences we've noticed between visiting Optometrists in Japan and the US. Both of us did not expect there to...

Episode 54: How We Deal With Being Homesick

23 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Living abroad is a wonderful and enriching experience, but there will always be certain little things that we miss about our home countries. In this e...

Episode 53: The Moments We Grew Accustomed to Living Abroad

09 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we look back and reflect on some of the moments during our time living abroad that made us feel like we've really gotten used to...

Episode 52: Religion

26 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we shared our religion-related experiences and insights in the U.S. and Japan as a foreigner. We compared and contrasted how peo...

Episode 51: Puns

12 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we test each other's abilities to understand puns in another language by sharing some hand-picked jokes off the internet. We als...

Episode 50: Parenting

28 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we are sharing things that stood out to us regarding parenting in the US and Japan. Neither of us is a parent, so we’re not sp...

Episode 49: How the Second Language Affects the First Language

14 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we decided to go back to our Linguistics roots and perform a little research experiment on ourselves. We observed our speech (in...

Episode 48: Often Misspelled Words in English and in Japanese

31 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discuss often misspelled words both in English and Japanese. Some certain misspelling errors are more common for native speak...

Episode 47: Drinking Culture

17 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we touch on some differences we've noticed between drinking cultures in Japan and the US. We covered lots of ground - from getting dr...

Episode 46: Pronunciation

03 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we shared our difficulties in pronouncing certain words in our second languages, English and Japanese. Also, we shared our own e...

Episode 45: Regional Accents and Dialects

19 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we talk about our experiences dealing with regional dialects and accents in our non-native languages. We also delve a little bit...

Episode 43: Natural Disasters

22 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discussed natural disasters in Japan and the U.S. What kind of natural disasters exist in each country and how people prepare...

Episode 42: Safety

08 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we shared our experiences regarding safety after we moved to a foreign country. Also, we discussed how our safety awareness has ...

Episode 41: Abe's Assassination

25 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

**CONTENT WARNING** gun violence, death In this episode, we have a candid conversation capturing our reactions to recent news of Japan's former prime...

Episode 40: Western Zodiac and Blood Type Personality System

11 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we have a conversation about different systems in the US and Japan that associate certain personality traits with our star signs (Wes...

Episode 39: Best and Worst Teachers

27 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we talked about our experience with teachers. Some of them helped our learning and inspired us, but some of them did not, unfort...

Episode 38: Language Learning Journey (Part 2)

13 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Akane shared her experiences of learning foreign languages from when she was a child all the way up to the present day. She talk...

Episode 37: Language Learning Journey (Part 1)

30 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Sadie recounts her experiences of learning foreign languages from when she was a child all the way up to present day. She talks ...

Episode 36: Public Holidays

16 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we cover some popular public holidays that are celebrated in the US and Japan. We go over what they are and how they're celebrat...

Episode 35: The Great Onomatopoeia Experiment

02 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

What sound does a doorbell make? Are there any differences between the two languages and cultures? In this episode, we shared onomatopoeia in our...

Episode 34: Comedy and Humor

18 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we look at the differences in comedy between the US and Japan. We touch on a few popular examples of how comedy is presented and what...

Episode 33: Job Hunting

04 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discuss various aspects regarding looking for jobs in the US and Japan. We touch on topics like getting hired right out of co...

Episode 32: Swear Words

21 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, it's all about swearing. We go over how we would respond in different situations using swear words in English and Japanese. We also t...

Episode 31: Getting a Hair Cut

07 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we go over some of the experiences we've had getting our hair cut while living abroad. Things can't really be THAT different, can the...

Episode 30: Fashion and Beauty Standards

21 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we break down some women's fashion and beauty standards that we've picked up on while living abroad.  Like what you hear? W...

Episode 29: Restaurants

07 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we chat about things that we find delightful, odd, or just plain old different between restaurants in the US and Japan. Like wha...

Episode 28: Getting Know Us More [One Year Anniversary Special Episode]

24 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Happy 1 year Anniversary to the Foreign Exchange Program!! In this episode, we asked several questions to get to know each other more since it is...

Episode 27: First Names

10 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discuss first name trends (good, bad, and ugly) in the US and Japan. The "Kailey" Challenge: Kailey, Kayley, Kaleigh, Kayleigh, K...

Episode 26: To Change Your Name, or Not To Change Your Name

27 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we thought it would be fun to talk about what people do with their names after getting married. We go over some of the different...

Episode 25: Weddings

13 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we talk all about what it was like to get married while living abroad. Which parts of the process really surprised us, for bette...

Episode 24: Banking and Credit Cards

29 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we go over some of the differences we've noticed when it comes to banking and credit while living abroad. What's a token? Why are cr...

Episode 23: Transportation

15 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This episode is about planes, trains, automobiles and more! Parts of Japan are known for having some of the best public transportation around. Wh...

Episode 22: Japanese Abbreviations

01 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we play a bit of a game. Akane puts Sadie's Japanese skills to the test by quizzing her on several frequently used Japanese abbreviat...

Episode 21: English Words of Japanese Origin

18 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we go over a few words that English has adopted from Japanese over time. Do you know all of these words? Which ones do you use? Are t...