By Amanda McGregor
SALEM — During a year overseas, Ray De Leon learned the Japanese art of fencing called kendo, while Rosa Alvarado acted for the first time, speaking and singing in French for a school performance.
Ray and Rosa, both 17, spent their junior year in Japan and France, respectively, on the Rotary Youth Exchange through the Rotary Club of Salem.
They each stayed with multiple host families, learned the languages, attended local high schools and experienced the scope of culture before returning over the summer. Ray and Rosa are both from the Dominican Republic; Ray moved to the United States just four years ago, so he is new to the English language, as well.
Now seniors at Salem High School, the pair paused outside school on a recent afternoon to reflect on their international sojourns — and to impart a joint piece of advice to students contemplating a similar experience.
"You can't be sad because you're not at home," Rosa said. "You have to be committed and really enjoy it. You should do it."
"Yes, do it!" Ray said.
Q&A with Rosa Alvarado
Where did you live?
Fougeres, in the Brittany region of (northwest) France.
Why did you choose to do it?
I wanted to travel in general. ... My family has a really tight budget, but I really just wanted the experience.
Were you homesick?
It really hit me my first night in France, when I went downstairs and I didn't know the people. I'm used to my mom being there when I come downstairs. Trying to explain that to them in French was so hard, and it made me cry.
French family life?
They are more family-oriented than Americans. They take everything slower, but in a very structured way.
How many host families did you have?
Three.
What was it like to learn French?
I would go to sleep at 10 or 11 every night (it was so exhausting). After three months, they said I had to stop sleeping in class. That's when I woke up. After three months, I could understand French.
New experiences?
I joined different clubs, even theater, which I've never done before. By the end of May, we made a cabaret-type-thing. It was super fun. I danced and sang. When I sang French songs, the others said, 'I didn't even know that song!'
French high school?
Some days I had classes from 8 (a.m.) to 6 (p.m.), but other days I was there 8 (a.m.) to noon. The teachers aren't on top of you, like at Salem High School. You need to do your work, but no one pushes you to do it. It's challenging.
Favorite foods in France?
Raclette, which is cheese with potatoes, and crepes.
What do you miss?
My friends.
Important reflections?
Thank you, Rotary!
Q&A with Ray De Leon
Where did you live?
Koshigaya. It's a big city in the upper part of Tokyo.
Why Japan?
It was my first choice actually, because it's so different.
How many host families did you have?
Six.
What was it like in those households?
Three had regular beds; three had futons that you throw on the floor. I was nervous about that, but they are actually very comfortable.
Did you learn Japanese?
I had to learn it. None of my host families spoke English.
Was it hard?
In the beginning it was very hard, but you have to be committed to it. When you make friends, they teach you a lot. Plus, I took night classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Japanese high school?
It's different. We stayed in one room and the teachers came to us. We had to stand up before they came in and say, 'Hello, how are you?' Academically, I think it was hard. I was taking calculus and they did it mentally, without calculators. I said, 'Oh, I can't do this.'
New experiences?
They were pushing me to do something after school because Japanese kids stay at school till 7 or 8 (p.m.) for activities, so I asked my school counselor and I tried kendo.
What's kendo?
Japanese fencing. You need to wear a robe and you have a bamboo sword, with a metal helmet on your head, gloves and a plastic belly (shield) and you hit each other. You get points for hitting different parts. It was very hard to get used to, but it was very fun actually.
Favorite foods in Japan?
I loved everything. Shabu-shabu is raw meat, very thin, that you drag through hot water. You drink Japanese green tea in the morning, afternoon and at night. ... Sashimi is just raw fish that you eat. I never had raw fish before.
What do you miss?
My host families. They were so nice to me. They call me here every week and I write them letters.
