Hailing all the way from Nagoya, Japan is Manami Ishikawa, who is one of the many exchange students that come to study at New Mexico State University. Ishikawa has studied at the university since last August and has gone on many travels within country, including Albuquerque, New York, and many others. While travel is definitely on the top of the to-do list for many exchange students, the culture at NMSU is one of kind and often times, exchange students and NMSU students form a strong bond, during the student’s time at the university. During her time at NMSU, Ishikawa has gone on to form many bonds with the students at the university and learned a few differences between Japan and the U.S. Read on below to learn more about Ishikawa.
Name: Manami Ishikawa
Age: 21
Year: Junior in Japan
Hometown: Nagoya, Japan
What inspired you to come do your study abroad at NSMU?
I wanted to take some HRTM classes. There are also a few Japanese people in here and also I like the ambassador system.
What do you miss the most from home?
My friends and family.
What are some differences you have noticed between the U.S. and Japan?
I think personality and culture. For example, when I meet my friends, many people hug me here, but in Japan, we just say “Hi” and wave our hand. Also, people here don’t care about age, but in Japan, if I talk with older people, I have to use polite words even if that person is one older than me. People who live in here are so friendly.
What is one of your favorite cities and/or states that you have visited during your time here?
New York.
Describe yourself in three words:
Smiley, ambitious and hardworking
If you could switch lives with anyone, who would it be and why?
I would like to switch lives with a singer for a day because the job is really great and interesting.
Kpop or Jpop?
Jpop
Favorite Color:
Pink and purple
Favorite Food:
America: burritos, Japan: Ramen
Favorite place in Las Cruces, NM:
Old Mesilla
Favorite Song:
Perfect by One Direction