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This summer, eight students and one teacher chaperone embarked on a life-changing journey to Japan as part of the Daikin Cultural Experience Japan 2024 (DCEJ) program. The group spent seven days immersed in Japanese culture, visiting Daikin facilities, touring famous historical sites, attending an international high school, and getting to know their Japanese host families. Among the students who participated were Daniel Tabares, a senior at Decatur High School, and Gisela Garcia, a senior at Austin High School.

A Gift of Appreciation

The Daikin Cultural Experience in Japan is a special program offered to upcoming seniors from Decatur, Hartselle, Morgan County, and Lawrence County Schools. This program is provided as a token of appreciation from Daikin America to the local community for its ongoing support. The 2024 cohort included two students from Decatur City Schools, three students from Morgan County Schools, one student from Hartselle City Schools, and two students and one chaperone from Lawrence County Schools.

Selection of participants for this prestigious program was a rigorous process. Interview panels convened at the Superintendents' offices, where student and chaperone finalists were chosen based on their essays and interviews. These panels ensured that the students selected would represent their schools and communities with distinction.

To make the experience as seamless as possible, Daikin generously provided several key components of the trip at no cost to the participants. This included round-trip airline fare, meals in Japan, hotel lodging, transportation within Japan (including trains, buses, and taxis), and international travel insurance. This comprehensive support allowed the students and chaperones to fully immerse themselves in the cultural experience without the burden of financial concerns.

An Unforgettable Opportunity

The students took in several aspects of Japanese culture and society. For Daniel, the cleanliness of the streets, the kindness of strangers, and the social order maintained in Japan were among the most impressive features. "It was very different visiting Japan," he said. "I was shocked at all the differences between the U.S. and Japan. I was a little nervous, but once I got there, I fell in love with the place."

Gisela, on the other hand, was captivated by the food, the architecture, and the various traditions she encountered. She was especially fond of a dish featuring octopus and enjoyed exploring the Golden Pavilion in Kyoto. "The trip to Japan taught me to be more open-minded and learn to make connections," she reflected. "I'm usually to myself. I opened up more over there."

Describing Japan and Its People

Both Daniel and Gisela were deeply moved by the warmth and hospitality of the Japanese people. Daniel shared, "Everyone had a different host family. My host family was a young couple, 26 years old. They have no children. I love them. The wife spoke English. They were amazing. I had a great time with them. They showed me around and helped me navigate the language barrier and cultural customs. I hope to go back and visit them again." Gisela also had a positive experience with her host family, describing them as "really cool" and likening the experience to "hanging out with friends."

Gisela summed up her impression of Japan and its people by highlighting their kindness and hospitality: "The people are super kind. The hospitality really stuck out to me. The Japanese people go out of their way to make you feel welcome."

Lessons Learned
The DCEJ program was more than just a cultural exchange; it was an opportunity for personal growth. Daniel learned the importance of making new connections with people from different backgrounds. "I centered my essay around making new connections with people because that's really what I value," he said. "I think it's very important, especially while I'm young, to make connections with different people around the world because it helps you become a more open-minded and better person."

Gisela, who was initially surprised to be chosen for the program, discovered the value of cherishing unique experiences. "By participating in the DCEJ program, I learned to cherish experiences more because I realize that these types of opportunities don't happen often," she said. She also noted that the trip helped her gain self-confidence and allowed her to enjoy a new adventure.

A Life-Changing Experience

Justina Willingham, Benefits and Compensation Manager at Decatur's Daikin America facility, emphasized the impact of the program on the students. "To be able to work with the students from the beginning where they are super nervous and don't know what to expect, to watch the growth from day one until they return home and share all their experiences is phenomenal," she said. "That's the part I enjoy the most about the program, being able to be part of the journey with the students and watch them gain confidence in themselves."

The DCEJ program, which was rebranded from the former Home Stay Program due to changes brought about by COVID-19, continues to provide students with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to broaden their horizons, while allowing students to learn about Daikin Industries and everything that the company has to offer. As Gisela put it, "This year's upcoming seniors need to apply. These opportunities don't come along very often. If you are interested, at least do the essay and see what happens."

For Daniel, the experience has left a lasting impression: "I want to say thank you to Daikin for making this a reality. It was truly life-changing. This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity." His advice to future participants? "Sign up for the trip even if you don't think you have a chance. It's worth it. I love Japan, and I plan to go back again."

Life After High School

After graduation, Daniel plans to attend either the University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) or the University of Alabama to study electrical engineering, while Gisela is considering a career as a radiologic technologist. Both students are sure to carry the lessons they learned in Japan with them as they move forward in their lives.

To learn more about the Daikin Cultural Experience Japan program please visit: https://ab4.us/CulturalExchange

**Photos courtesy: Daikin America**