Anna Baré

Education:
KU Leuven           Japanese Studies                Master Degree
Kyoto University   Graduate School of Letters  Student Exchange
 
Work Experience:
Neuhaus Store Clerk (Student Job)                        4 months    Brussels
Maiko Show Interpretation (Volunteer)                   6 months    Kyoto
Local and Organic Foods Store Clerk (Student Job)  3 years       Linkebeek
Youth Movement Organisation Leader (Volunteer)    2 years      Brussels
 

Hello, Bonjour, Hallo!

My name is Anna Bare, and I come from Belgium. Belgium does not have its own language, instead we have three official languages: French, Dutch and German, that are spoken in different regions of the country. My native language is French, but since I lived in Flanders (the Dutch-speaking region), my school education from kindergarten until university was in Dutch. Additionally, German is the language I speak with my father, so I am able to speak all three languages of Belgium.

As I was exposed to the different languages and cultures of Belgium from a young age, I also grew an interest in cross-cultural exchange. After graduating high school, I decided to go to Taiwan on a homestay exchange programme to broaden my horizons. There, I learned basic chinese and experienced a non-european culture for the first time.

I also had a deep interest in Japanese culture and the Japanese language, so I majored in Japanese Studies at university and had the opportunity to study at Kyoto University for one year as part of my master's degree. Working here in Niseko will be my first official job and also my first time working in Japan, so I hope to learn a lot and gain experience while exchanging with Niseko residents.
 

I was raised in a small town called Ruisbroek, located just outside of Brussels, Belgium's capital. It is a sub-urban residential area, so there are no tourist attractions, but we do have a canal passing through the town which offers a nice place for a stroll.

Belgium is mostly known for chocolate, beer or waffles, but there are actually so many more Belgian things that have travelled the world. For example, the Smurfs. These little blue creatures are now in popular movies, but they were first seen in a Belgian comic book. Also, if you have been to a jazz concert before, you certainly have heard someone play the saxophone. This instrument is called like that because it was invented by a Belgian called Adolphe Sax.

Since I lived next to Brussels it is the city I know best in Belgium. Brussels is often called "the capital of Europe" because of the many European Union Institutions located within the city. Additionaly, when walking around Brussels or other Belgian cities you will also see beautiful Art-Nouveau style buildings. Every two years you can also admire a flower carpet in the middle of the Grand-Place. It is certainly worth the visit!