Travel & Learn, LLC

Multi-City Tour Reviews

In May 2007, seven Japanese professional and educators participated in the pilot multi-city study tour to New York City, Philadelphia and Honolulu to visit intergenerational programs, share their Japanese experiences and learn from American educators and practitioners:

“As an educator of professionals and teachers in early childhood education and childcare, I would like to introduce all what I learned from study tour participation.”

“There is the presence of volunteers at all intergenerational programs we observed. Those volunteers have developed good partnerships and relationships with the staff members and with younger groups.”

“Students could learn the real history from the senior volunteers. Students seemed to recognize the importance of learning history when thinking about and live the future.”

“It was impressive to learn about DOROT (www.dorot.org) having established solid organizational foundation with enough financial strength, while providing a variety of programs.”

“It seemed very unique of DOROT to emphasize the cultural identity and value of Jewish community from Japanese points of view.”

“The intergenerational practices and the evaluation have played roles to generate benefits on society and on economy, not only for the benefits for individuals.”

“Millennium Art Academy (www.bxmaa.org) has very clear outcomes by hearing life experiences of students who felt benefits from sharing life history of older volunteers. E.g. “We could learn that we overcome ups and down of life from listening to life stories of older volunteers.” “Learned how to adopt life change and events.” “Learned being patient and self-control.” “Engagement with older volunteer could make me revisit relationship with my own grandparents.”

Teaching English in Japan Reviews

“Volunteering at OEP is a chance of a lifetime. The staff has really done their homework from the airport, to taxiing to the apartment (beautiful and practical location and amenities), bus/subway passes, cell phone, and friendly & hospitable teachers, staff, and board members... You feel safe and supported.

Mentoring the children in English was challenging for each child opens up first in their own language... But, non-verbal communication is "Key". ... This is the challenge of making a difference interculturally, intergenerationally, and person to person. This is a chance of stepping out of your comfort zone and having a great time.” Naomi Pang

“When I brought up the topic of my impending retirement from my work, my friends and colleagues warned me that I would be totally bored . They couldn't be more wrong ! Thru the Retired Senior's Program of Oahu I was introduced to a whole new world of volunteering and from there, like a ripple in a pond - introduced to the Hawaii Intergenerational Network - another window into volunteerism. This time it was to Yokohama,Japan to teach conversational English to Japanese preschoolers. It was love at first sight with the children , the people and the country.

It is a once in a lifetime experience,which has continued to grow . I am very thankful for Mae Mendelson,and Janet Morse for paving the way and making this program possible for us.. I have not stopped talking about it to friends or anybody who would care to listen... What a great example to refute the myth that once you are out of the work force your life is over. To the contrary-your adventure has just begun. Imagine doing the things that you love to do that you never got the chance to do before.” Dixie Dumaran

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