The Foreign Exchange Program

In this episode, we share all of our ongoing struggles with numbers. People may not necessarily think learning numbers in a foreign language would be so difficult...in our cases, those people would be wrong. So so wrong. Confusion over numbers is something that still affects the both of us after years of living abroad. Listen to find out why.

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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 talk about our own opinions and experiences regarding tattoos.

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In this episode, we share several terms that sound similar to words we know in our native language, but mean something completely different in our second language! These little discoveries come up all the time unexpectedly on our language learning journeys. We tried to choose some rather surprising terms to share and we hope you enjoy!

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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foreignexchangeprogrampod

In this episode, we discuss the same topic as last time, through the opposite perspective. What words or phrases do we find impossible to translate from our second language into our native language? Listen to find out!

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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 language. In Akane's case, she shares Japanese phrases that are challenging to say in English. As for Sadie, she shares English phrases that are difficult to say in Japanese. Our choices may surprise you. Additionally, we find ourselves getting into a deeper conversation about how language and culture are entwined.

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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 types of chocolate you can give and receive on Valentine's Day in Japan? Have you ever heard of Single's Awareness Day or White Day? Be sure to listen to find out more!

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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 and not okay to use them, and how to tackle filler words in the classroom - both from the student and teacher's perspective. Not to mention, we both share a few personal stories of times when we've run into trouble using filler words! 

Frequently used filler words in Engilsh: 

Ummm, uhhh, well, so, I mean, let me see...

Frequently used filler words in Japanese:

ええと(eeto)、なんか(nanka)、たしかに(tashikani)、なるほど(naruhodo)…

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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 differences in gift-giving culture between the US and Japan. In this episode, we give you the run down on giving souvenirs, gifts for Christmas, New Years, weddings, as well as Japanese seasonal oseibo and ochugen. Who knew something seemingly as simple as giving gifts could lead to moments of culture shock and confusion among the both of us!

**When we're discussing amounts of money, ¥1,000 (sen yen) ~ $10 and ¥10,000 (ichi man yen) ~ $100.**

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In this episode, we shared and discussed some popular and interesting Japanese and English internet slang from native speakers' perspectives. We also explored why and how it’s used and what kind of roles it takes in our everyday life.  If you miss this episode, you’ll have FOMO! Listen to this episode and find out the meaning if you do not know "FOMO" 1. www 2. lol 3. オワコン(owakon) 4. FOMO 5. MJK 6. sus

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