Exchange student carries on family tradition

Yuki Watanabe is easy to pick out of a crowd—his height, flashy aviator sunglasses and exuberantly expressive communication style mark him right away. An exchange student from Japan studying at Western with the Asia University America Program, Yuki has enjoyed learning English and observing American culture, which has been, as he says using his favorite word, “dynamite!” But Yuki is not the first of his family to study at Western, and his family’s history with WWU has motivated him to make the most of his five-month exchange.

Yuki’s father, Norihito, was encouraged by his father, a former professor at Asia University in Tokyo, to study abroad, so in 1983 Norihito came to Western as an Asia University freshman on an exchange program. He lived in Nash Hall and studied hard to learn English—so hard that he often didn’t have time to go to dinner, so his friends would take him bread and bananas from the dining hall. He later told his son, Yuki, stories about living in Bellingham—about Lake Padden Park, the roller skating rink downtown, and trying to say “hot dog” in English—which inspired Yuki, when he entered Asia University, to come to Western with AUAP.

His father agreed to pay for Yuki’s AUAP exchange, but on one condition: Yuki must study hard and learn about American culture.

“When you come back to Japan, you should tell me about American culture. What changed at Western? You should tell me,” his father instructed him. “Do your best.”

If Yuki doesn’t make the most of his time, he’ll have to pay his father back. So far, Yuki is confident he’ll fulfill his father’s directive: He demonstrated Japanese swordplay at Japan Night, he was an emcee at the AUAP’s Talent Showcase, and he participates in several AUAP clubs.

Yuki is enthusiastic about studying abroad: It’s a good idea for Americans to travel as well, he confirms, but before they visit Japan, they should study Japanese culture.

“Japanese culture is very very respectful and polite,” he says. “American people are always energetic. That’s good. But it’s a little bit awkward. You should learn Japanese traditions and respect for spirits.”

Back in Japan, Yuki plans to become a policeman like his father. His younger brother, Takeshi, will continue the Watanabe family tradition; he is also planning to attend Asia University and, later, AUAP at Western.

Yuki and the other 24 AUAP students returned to Japan on July 17. In September, 32 sophomores studying International Relations at Asia University will arrive at Western for their AUAP experience.

The Asia University America Program was founded in 1988 and welcomes students twice a year for a five-month language learning exchange at Western, Central Washington University and Eastern Washington University. For more information on the program or how to get involved as a roommate, Campus Friend, or classroom volunteer, please contact Rachael Satake at rachael.satake@wwu.edu or (360) 650-2129.