It was during my third year in University (3 years ago) that I participated in the Hippo Homestay Program. At that time, I had no idea whatsoever about Hippo Family Club or homestay programs. Both ideas were totally new to me. However, as I wanted to experience Japanese life-style, I decided to give it a shot. Together with students from NTU, I embarked on a journey that I will never forget.
　I enjoyed my 2 weeks homestay in Japan tremendously. After returning to Singapore, I continued to keep in contact with both my Tokyo and Asahikawa host family.
　Last year, my company sent me to Japan for on the job training. Naturally, I had the intention to participate in Hippo activities. Basically, I enjoyed Hippo activities twice a week. From then, I began to learn more and more about Hippo activities. There are many things that I like about Hippo Family Club, but there are basically three things that make Hippo so attractive to me.

FRIENDSHIP
　Through Hippo, I have made friends from various parts of the world.(For example, Russia, Korea,Pakistan and New Zealand) Needless to say, I have many friends from Japan too. It is the friendship that makes Hippo so fun and exciting! I feel that Hippo Family Club has also, in its own way, closed the gap between people of different nationalities.

NATURAL ACQUISITIONS OF LANGUAGE
　I did not believe that by listening to CDs, you could acquire language. I tried that in Singapore with normal Japanese lesson CDs, but it did not show results. However, since participating in Hippo activities for seven months, I realized that CDs alone are not sufficient. You need the environment too!
　Hippo Family Club has successfully created the environment to acquire language. Without me knowing, bits of Korean, French and even Russian were implanted in me. I was really surprised when Russian came out of my mouth. Language is a means for　communication. Instead of learning it, let's have fun discovering it!

HOMESTAY PROGRAMS
　I like homestay programs. That's when you discover the most and needless to say, enjoy the most. You do not only make friends, but also make friends that last a lifetime.