Osaka, Japan to Elk Grove, California
The Elk Grove School District hosted 30 students and 3 chaperones in Northern California from March 12-26, 2011. They all participated in a very productive program that included language, culture, and traditional art classes as well as outings and varied activities with their host families. They attended daily classes at the schools, where they learned American history, English language, and participated in various other activities. During the weekends they had the opportunity to visit the sites of northern California, including San Francisco and Sacramento, where they had an official reception at the State Capitol and toured the California Museum for History, Women and the Arts.
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Comments and feedback from participants:
The reception was wonderful. Students, teachers, and the International Relations department gave amazing and heartfelt speeches and I think the students really understood how vital this program is. An ambassador from the Japanese embassy in San Francisco described how he was part of a similar program when he was in high school and how profound an effect it had on his life, and i think students really got to see the program's importance through his speech.
Ms. Hamilton, teacher
The whole trip was a very eye-opening experience for me. Although I couldn't speak to the Japanese students as well as I wanted to, there was still a lot of communication going on and I enjoyed that. I can tell the exchange students enjoyed themselves too because they seemed like they had a great time during the trip. What I enjoyed most was the idea of meeting new people from across the world. To meet people from a different country, a different lifestyle, and a different background definitely made the trip worthwhile. Since I have a couple experiences with Japanese related things (anime, manga, etc.), there was a lot to talk about with my new friends so the conversations were never dull. I also added a couple of them on Facebook so we can still talk. Thanks to the trip, I've made new friends and also learned a few things about Japanese students. I will always remember this trip because it gave me new friends and a new insight on Japan.
Dat, student
California Japan Scholars Program
1020 N Street, Suite 516 · Sacramento, California 95814
(916) 651-1515 · FAX (916) 323-7827
Email · California/Japan Scholars Program