The four exchange students who came to study in Kyoto last February have safely returned to their own countries. From the Tohoku earthquake and the tsunami in March, many districts all over Japan were affected and many victims still suffer physically and mentally. The AFS intercultural program, organized a plan for the exchange students to extend their arrivals to half a month than usual. This year was a very different year compared to all the other years, because many of the foreign students canceled their exchange programs, or weren't even allowed to come to Japan. With many support from the host family, school friends, teachers, and the AFS volunteers, many of the exchange students who came were able to have a great time in Japan with the limited amount of time they had. All of the students went back to their native countries with tears in their eyes and joy in all their faces. In November, the AFS organized a study program to think about the earthquake and peace in the world. We also observed an exhibition of the Great Hanshin Earthquake to see how fast Japan was able to recover from a huge disaster. Because the exchange students have experienced and understood the differences between Japan and what was heard in their native countries, I hope they will share their experiences in Japan but also spread the words about the present conditions of Japan.

  During the middle of March 2012, the new exchange students arrived in Kyoto. In February, the seniors have graduated and we had an orientation for the new volunteers who are interested in our AFS club. We hope to devote greatly on creating an international exchange program for as many people as possible. I want to take this opportunity to say thank you for supporting the AFS to successfully finishing the year without any problems.