Recent Graduates Return From Japan
Jayla Big Talk with members of her host family in Japan.
Wolf Point High School 2026 graduates Elliauna Ryan and Jayla Big Talk are back home after spending nearly a month in Japan as part of an educational experience offered through CIEE Global Navigator.
“A month in Japan was not long enough, but I met the most amazing host family and they were so welcoming and kind. I met so many great, new friends from all over; Chicago, parts of California and Texas,” Ryan said. “I am excited to stay in touch with them and hoping we can plan to go back together next summer to study abroad. My absolute best memory of Japan was getting to rent and dress up in kimonos for the day to experience the Asakusa Senso-ji Temple. We spent several hours touring and experiencing some of the deepest culture of Japan.
Big Talk said one of her favorite memories was walking around in large populated areas. “It was interesting to see different parts of Japanese culture,” Big Talk said.
One memorable item to view was a statue of the dog Hachiko. The
Ryan
Elliauna Ryan takes part in a ceremony during the educational experience in Japan.
(Photo submitted)
Big Talk
dog was known for waiting for almost 10 years for his owner’s return after his owner’s death.
Ryan says her favorite attractions included Shibuya for the best shopping, Tokyo Disney Sea, the Meiji Shrine and the Mahjong Tile Wall.
The girls attended school together where they learned how to ask for basic directions and other language skills.
“I learned so much about the Japanese culture in a month. I was so amazed at how little the Japanese kids are when they are taught to take the train or bus to school all alone with millions of people,” Ryan said. “They are so independent. My favorite thing to learn was
(Photo submitted)
how to write in Katakana and how the scripts have no spaces between words.”
The ability to ask for directions came in handy when they traveled on the extremely busy trains in Japan.
“I asked a lot,” Big Talk admitted. She said that Ryan adjusted to those situations better. “She’s more knowledgeable with train stations because she was in Boston before.”
Big Talk said she connected with her host family well and they are remaining in contact through internet messaging.
As far as food, the girls tried to adjust to the heavy seafood diet. Big Talk admitted that she still ate at McDonald’s and found pizza. One of her favorite Japanese dishes consisted of ketchup, BBQ sauce and octopus.
Ryan said the coffees were tasty and she loved the wagyu beef steak. She also liked the egg salad sandwiches from 7-Eleven.
Big Talk said she learned the importance of quiet time in the Japanese culture. During those moments, she usually concentrated on her studies.
“I have more interest in the Japanese history now,” Big Talk said. “Its language is very complicated.”
Big Talk encourages other students to consider the educational experience. “It’s good for people who are more inclined to have a more quiet personality,” she said. “When you’re alone, it can get lonely.”
Ryan added, “The CIEE Program is such a wonderful way to learn and experience life in different countries! There’s many options, Mexico, France and Italy with so many different opportunities. I encourage all juniors and seniors to sign up and go see the world. I would like to thank everyone in our community who helped make this trip a reality. Without all of the amazing support I would have never experienced the amazing things I did.”
