The Foreign Exchange Program
Episodes
Episode 20: Stereotypes
04 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we go over a couple of preconceptions both of us had about the US and Japan before moving abroad. Now that we've both lived...
Episode 19: How to Address People
20 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we talk about the various ways we address people in English and Japanese. We also get into how these titles reflect the relation...
Episode 18: Getting Vaccinated While Living Abroad
06 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Now that both of us are fully vaccinated, we are able to share our experiences getting the COVID-19 vaccine while living abroad. We discuss how to sig...
Episode 17: Education System (Part 4: Post-Secondary School)
23 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we're finishing our miniseries on education in Japan and the US. This episode focuses mostly on university. We cover topics such as ...
Episode 16: Education system (Part 3: High School)
09 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we're continuing our examination of the education systems in Japan and the US. We're talking all things high school this time. F...
Episode 15: Education System (Part 2: Middle School)
26 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we're continuing our 4 part series that takes us through the similarities and differences of education in Japan and the US. Our ...
Episode 14: Education System (Part 1: Elementary School)
12 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we're beginning a journey that examines the similarities and differences of education in Japan and the US - starting from elemen...
Episode 13: Politeness in English and Japanese
28 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we talk about the various ways courtesy and respect can be expressed in Japanese and English. As you may or may not know, the Ja...
Episode 12: Living in a Foreign Country During a Global Pandemic
14 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we discuss the ins and outs of experiencing the COVID-19 pandemic while living in a foreign country. We open up about when we fi...
Episode 11: Customer Service
31 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we highlight some key differences in customer service between the US and Japan. Disparities like these also tend to create some ...
Episode 10: The Struggle with Numbers
17 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we share all of our ongoing struggles with numbers. People may not necessarily think learning numbers in a foreign language woul...
Episode 9: Tattoos
03 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we break down the perceptions and significance of tattoos in the US and Japan and how they've changed over time. We also ta...
Episode 8: Same Words Different Meanings
19 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we share several terms that sound similar to words we know in our native language, but mean something completely different in ou...
Episode 7: Homes
05 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we break down some of the major differences between American and Japanese homes in terms of layout, appliances, and customs within th...
Episode 6: Untranslatable Words and Phrases (Part 2)
22 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we discuss the same topic as last time, through the opposite perspective. What words or phrases do we find impossible to transla...
Episode 5: Untranslatable Words and Phrases (Part 1)
08 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we both go over some phrases that we've found are practically impossible to translate from our native language into our second l...
Episode 4: Valentine's Day
22 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we share details about Valentine's Day and how it's celebrated both in the U.S. and Japan. Did you know there are many different...
Episode 3: Filler Words
08 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we go over some common filler words in both Japanese and English. We also discuss what their purpose is, which situations are okay an...
Episode 2: Gift Giving
25 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This episode was recorded around the holiday season in 2020. In the spirit of the holidays, we thought it'd be a great opportunity to talk about the d...
Episode 1: Internet Slang
07 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we shared and discussed some popular and interesting Japanese and English internet slang from native speakers' perspectives. We also ...