To combat this, the Personal Services Center here has an extensive cultural program, offering many services to Status of Forces Agreement personnel and their families. Included in the program are a variety of free Japanese language and cultural classes that take place throughout the year.

"All classes are free to service members, spouses and dependents," said Tim Gillin, the PSC's Operational Readiness Support program manager. "The program gives them a chance to learn something about the culture they can only get by actually interacting with it."

All Marines receive a cultural class during their orientation when they arrive in Okinawa. But for those who want to continue their cultural learning, the PSC offers basic and survival Japanese language, calligraphy, craft and cooking classes.

"Getting involved in the community is important for getting the most out of the island," said, language class attendee Lance Cpl. Kenneth Miller with the Facilities Engineer section of Headquarters and Service Battalion, Marine Corps Base. "The only way to do that is to learn a little about the culture."

Cultural tours from the PSC are also a way to get to know Okinawa.

Some of the tours allow participants to shop at local grocery stores and also try local foods that are available on base at the commissary, explained Atsuko Kinjo, the PSC's intercultural coordinator. Walking tours of the area around many of the camps are also available.

"The tours give families a chance to become familiar with the communities around the bases," said Kinjo.

All the services are free of charge except for the cooking classes. Cooking classes require a small fee to pay for class materials.

More information on the cultural program is available at http://www.mccsokinawa.com. The PSC also puts out a monthly bulletin with information on its programs and a schedule.