Program Reflections

"I had a great time in Japan. The things I have experienced here I will never forget. This program was very well organized and I will never forget my time there. Everyone was so nice, honest and kind. This program influenced me to work internationally, instead of living a normal plain life in America."

Kevin, Student, Franklin High School 

"I feel I am very lucky to have had the chance to experience living with a host family and having such a close relationship with people from another country. Being completely surrounded by Japanese culture taught me a lot and it has improved my Japanese a lot."

Stephanie, Student, Franklin High School

"My preconceptions and opinions regarding Japan were, quite often, turned upside down. I got to see beautiful landscapes, buildings, all while bing fully immersed in the every day life of a Japanese Family. I wish more people have the the opportunity to experience this wonderful culture."

Cory, Student, Elk Grove High School 

 

2007: Inbound and Outbound Programs

Martinez, California to Shizuoka, Japan

During the summer of 2007 ten students and two chaperones from Martinez visited Shizuoka, Japan, and were hosted by several schools in the southern region of the prefecture.  During their stay they enjoyed the opportunity to experience home hospitality, learning the local customs, foods and making new special friends in the process.  During their stay in Japan, they were exposed to day trips to Mt. Fuji, language and art classes, calligraphy, bamboo cutting, local dances, temples, shrines and many other facets of the Japanese culture. 

Osaka, Japan to Elk Grove, California

The Elk Grove School District hosted 30 students from July 22-August 4, 2007. They all participated in a very productive program that included language, culture, and traditional art classes as well as outings to San Francisco, the State Capitol, Old Sacramento 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 went on day trips to various places, including San Francisco and Sacramento, where they had an official reception at the State Capitol.

Program Reflections

" The Japanese students aren't that much different than U.S. students. Humor, laughter can be shared internationally. This program helps close the gap between eastern and western cultures. It also helps me learn the language in a more hands-on way. Because textbook language learning isn't the whole experience."

Enya, Student, Elk Grove

"I sort of had this anime stereotype (image) of Japanese people. After this program though, I found out they weren't like the people in anime. I'm sure a lot of people have a stereotypical view of Japan and I hope this program changed that."

Brandon, Student, Elk Grove

 

2006: Inbound and Outbound Programs

Shizuoka, Japan to Martinez, California

During the summer of 2006 fourteen students and two chaperones from Shizuoka, Japan visited Martinez, and were hosted by the Martinez High School. During their stay they enjoyed the opportunity to experience home hospitality, learning the local customs, foods and making new special friends in the process. They attended daily classes at the schools, where they learned American history, English language, and participated in various other activities. During the weekends they went on day trips to various places, including San Francisco, Sacramento and their stay included official visits to the State Capitol and the Consulate General of Japan in San Francisco.

"Hosting exchange students from Japan has been a great joy for me and my family. This is actually the third time I have hosted and every time I am amazed by the wonderful people and great friendships that can be fostered despite the language barrier and short time span. Learning to mesh with people of a different culture has caused me to grow as a person in a way. that is both profound and rewarding, and I hope that it is the same for those who stay with me. I feel honored and overjoyed that the program has continued and I hope to see it continue for a long time to come, I know that I will continue to host as long as this program runs."

Ryan, Student, Martinez High School

"This two-week stay in Los Angels was a fantastic experience and I made many good memories. I felt a little nervous about home-staying before I left Japan, but my host family was very nice and I had a good time with them. I really appreciate it. Living in the U.S. made me realize that people in different countries think differently. I will study English and visit the U.S. again."

Shizuka, Japanese Student

Shizuoka, Japan to Palos Verdes, California

During the summer of 2006 eight students and two chaperones visited Palos Verdes, and were hosted by the Palos Verdes High School. They had the opportunity to partake in home hospitality, experiencing first hand what the local customs, foods, culture and rituals were. Their schedule included trips to Los Angeles, San Diego, a TV station, Disneyland and Sea World.

"Before going to Palos Verdes, I was very nervous because this was my first time to do a home-stay. But I had a good time while experiencing the differences between the U.S. and Japan. I hope that I can keep the friendships I made through this exchange program for a long time."

Kaoruko Omura, Student, Shizuoka, Japan

"The California-Japan exchange program has been an invaluable and enriching experience for all of us from Palos Verdes High School. Our students will cherish this unforgettable experience for a long time."

Mr. Anu Sood, Parent/Chaperone, Palos Verdes High School

Elk Grove, California to Osaka, Japan

Osaka students welcomed their friends from Elk Grove to their hometown for two weeks. 30 students and 3 chaperones from Elk Grove had the opportunity to experience the Japanese lifestyle, while staying with host families. The students attended classes at several different high schools, studying the Japanese language, history, government, calligraphy, martial arts, origami, traditional dances and many other activities. Organized cultural outings included visits to the Osaka Castle, Kyoto, Kobe and to other local venues.

"This trip opened my eyes to a world outside my own. I found that the only way you can experience that is first hand. I have been immersed in Japan’s education, social life, delicious foods, public transportation, history, castles, etc. which ultimately transformed me into a true Japanese."

Koichi, Student, Laguna Creek High School

"From start to finish, we were immersed in the Japanese lifestyle. The trip gave me a whole new perspective and showed me that even though our lives are different and we are 3900 miles apart, we are not so different after all."

Joshua, Student, Franklin High School

 

2005: Inbound and Outbound Programs

Martinez, California to Shizuoka, Japan

During the summer of 2005 sixteen students and two chaperones visited Shizuoka, and where hosted by Mishimakita High School and Yoshiwara High School. During their stay they enjoyed the opportunity to experience home hospitality, learning the local customs, foods and making new special friends in the process. They attended daily classes at the schools, where they learned Japanese calligraphy, karate, archery and participated in various other activities. During the weekends they went on day trips to various places, including Tokyo and Kyoto, with their host families.

"Through this trip, Japan has become my second home.  I have grown deep connections with the people I have met and lasting relationships with my new friends and family.  I will never forget the wonderful people I have encountered or the valuable lessons I have learned."

Ryan, Student, Martinez High School

"It was a great learning experience for all ages.  There are not only cultural experiences, but social and living experiences.  I loved living with a different family.  The people in Japan were so nice to me." 

Samantha, Student, Martinez High School

Palos Verdes, California to Shizuoka, Japan

During the summer of 2005 eight students and two chaperones visited Shizuoka, alongside the Martinez group, and where hosted by the Nichidai-Mishima High School. They also had the opportunity to experience home hospitality, experiencing firsthand what the local customs, foods, culture and rituals were. Their daily school schedule included activities like Japanese calligraphy, martial arts, a day trip to Tokyo, a visit to an attraction park with roller coasters, a stay at a beautiful Japanese lodge and other fun activities.

"At first things were difficult especially with the language barrier but after a short introduction period our true personalities began to show. I began to feel so comfortable that it was as if they had become my family.  Living in another culture enabled me to realize how much life can change just across the ocean. I leave this trip sad but glad. I’m glad to have experienced something that has truly changed my life yet sad to leave my new friends and family." 

Robert, student, Palos Verdes High School

"Many of the customs and polite phrases I had learned helped me throughout my day. And occasionally I would surprise my host family because I knew something they thought I did not know.  Observing and living with my host family helped my communication skills and socialize which for me is very hard.  I hope I will be able to see my host family again since I’ve gotten so close to both them and their friends."

Arianna, student, Palos Verdes High School

Osaka, Japan to Elk Grove, California:

Elk Grove High School students welcomed their friends from Japan to their hometown for two weeks. Students and chaperones from Osaka had the opportunity to experience the California lifestyle, while staying with host families, the students attended classes at Sheldon High, studying the English language, and California’s history and government. Organized cultural activities included visits to San Francisco, the Japanese Consular residence, the California State Capitol and the State Railroad Museum, among many other activities.

"The program is a great tool in integrating cultures and helping everyone involved succeed in expanding their range of knowledge.  In addition, it has also helped me to establish many new friendships which I hope will last throughout my lifetime.  As long as the program continues to thrive, the students are being offered a true opportunity of a lifetime." 

David, Student, Elk Grove Unified School District

"Before my visit to America I was worried about feeling homesick and that I would not enjoy staying with a host family.  However, my family was very nice and I made many new good friends, now I do not want to go back home.  I understand English much better now and I have learned many new things about California."

Tomoyo, Student, Senri High School, Osaka, Japan

2004: Inbound and Outbound Programs

Shizuoka, Japan to Martinez, California

After traveling to Japan in 2003, Alhambra High School students welcomed their friends from Japan to their hometown of Martinez for two weeks. From June 24 to August 6, 2004, 21 students and 5 chaperones from Shinzuoka had the opportunity to experience the California lifestyle. While staying with host families, the students attended classes at Alhambra High, studying the English language, California's history and government. Organized cultural activities included visits to San Francisco, the Univesoty of California Berkeley, the California State Capitol, the State Railroad Museum, and a trip to an Oakland A's baseball game.

Elk Grove, California to Osaka, Japan

 

2003: Martinez, California to Shizuoka, Japan

From June 14-28, 2003, 21 students and 4 chaperones from Alhambra High School, Marticez Unified School District, spent two weeks in Shizuoka, Japan. While attending Japanese high school, students studied Japanese language and history through a variety of excursions, club activities and organized sight seeing to Umpy Park and Mt. Fuji.

 

2002: Inbound and Outbound Programs

Osaka, Japan to Elk Grove, California

The Osaka to Elk Grove Program took place from June 19-August 2, 2002. Thirty students and five chaperones from Osaka spent two weeks studying the cultural aspects of Northern California. The students, while attending summer school sessions at Laguna Creek High School and Elk Grove High School also stayed with American host families and participated in many educational, historical and cultural activities in the San Francisco and Sacramento area. The students from Osaka had the opportunity to experience rich diversity in the expanding Elk Grove area.

Fremont, California to Saitama, Japan

From July 13-27, 2002, fifteen students and three chaperones from the Fremont Unified School District enjoyed two weeks in Saitama, Japan. The students attended classes at the respected Wako International High School and experienced Japanese culture through excursions meant to deepen their knowledge of the Japanese language and history. The students traveled to Saitama City, Nikko and the Saitama New Urban Center in Saitama City. They also had the privilege of meeting the Governor of Saitama, the Honorable Yoshihiko Tsuchiya and his senior staff. The students from Fremont learned more about Japanese culture by participating in many cultural events, such as the traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony.

Shizuoka, Japan to Martinez, California

From July 20-August 2, 2002, thirty-four students and three chaperones from Shizouka spent two weeks in Martinez, where they were welcomed into the homes of Alhambra High School students and their families. The students of Martinez served as an example of what life is like at home and at school for a typical American student. The students from Shizouka received the distinct privilege of being honored in a Capitol Reception during which they had the pleasure to meet the Honorable Gray Davis, Governor of California. Shizouka’s scholars’ interaction with California’s democratic system gave them a unique opportunity to further their knowledge of America’s government, language and history.

 

2001: Inbound and Outbound Programs

Elk Grove, California to Osaka, Japan

The Elk Grove to Osaka Program took place from June 15 -30, 2001. Twenty-seven students and 3 chaperones will spend two weeks studying the cultural aspects of the Kansai region. Participants are selected from Elk Grove's five high schools and over 25,000 students on the basis of academic performance and demonstrated interest in expanding their knowledge of Japanese culture, society, and language.

While participating on this trip students from Osaka and California took part in a lecture and discussion commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the Treaty of Peace with Japan. Students from over nine Osaka Prefectural senior high schools and participants from past exchanges were able to take part in the lecture, with over 200 participants in total. This international forum was supported by the California Branch of the Rotary International.

Saitama, Japan to Fremont, California

On July 21st through August 3rd, 2001, 30 students and three chaperones from Wako Kokusaibu in Saitama came to Fremont, California. The Japanese students attended half day classes from July 23rd through 27th, 2001 at Ohlone Junior College where they studied among other things, the "History of Elvis and Rock-n-Roll."  Students chosen to host their Japanese counterparts participated in the 2002 exchange.

Martinez, California to Shizuoka, Japan

From June 16-30, 34 students from Martinez, Chico, Yuba City Unified School Districts, and the Christian Brothers High Schools will spent two weeks in Shizuoka, Japan to learn about Japanese language and culture. Twenty eight students from Alhambra High School in the Martinez Unified School District along with a limited number of students from throughout Northern California were selected to participate in the first year of this program. The California Department of General Services helped with the recruitment of the students throughout California.

 

2000: Osaka, Japan to Elk Grove, California

The 2000 program consisted of 30 students and five chaperones from the Osaka Prefecture. For two weeks, these students stayed with host families in Elk Grove, California, attended summer school, and embarked on educational activities in the San Francisco and Sacramento area. This program confirmed that the District to Prefectural model is the basis for future success.

 

1999: Elk Grove, California to Osaka, Japan

Thirty students were selected to represent Elk Grove in the June 1999 program. During their two weeks in Osaka, participants attended classes at one of seventeen host schools and stayed with Japanese host families. All of the participants were enrolled in the Japanese language curriculum at their respective high schools. This program also allotted a considerable amount of free time that the student was to spend with his host family learning about Japanese family life.

In 1999, we developed what we believe will be the on-going model. CIRF has since identified school districts interested in participation, found prefectures in Japan willing to serve as hosts, and provided local training and financial assistance to students based upon need. Implementation of the Program became the responsibility of local California school districts and their Japanese counterparts.

 

1998 Program

In 1998, the program conducted its first bilateral exchange. The Foundation designated a coordinator to oversee selection of California participants. Then in June and July, two separate groups of high school students had the opportunity to visit three prefectures in Japan: Chiba, Iwate, and Aomori. Each group was afforded an experience to explore various sites in Tokyo before departing to their host prefecture. While in the prefectures, both the students and chaperones were provided with the opportunity to spend time with families and participate in local activities.

The second program involved the incorporation of a number of organizations – civic, governmental, educational and social – to welcome 100 high school students from Osaka Prefecture, Japan. Host families were arranged for the 100 students and 6 teacher chaperones for a two-week period in the Elk Grove area where they experienced their first hot and dry Sacramento summer, while participating in the many activities which had been organized for them. Some of the activities included a trip to Yosemite, a tour of the State Capitol and day trips to San Francisco and they Stanford/Santa Clara, and regularly attended summer school classes.

 

1997 Program

The first class of California-Japan Scholars, previously referred to as the California-Osaka Scholars Program, was organized with the assistance of the California Department of Education. California high school junior and seniors were chosen to participate on the basis of academic achievement and previous interest in Japanese society and culture. 

One hundred California high school students spent three weeks in Japan studying Japanese culture, customs, language and history, and had the unique opportunity to live with host families in Osaka and interact with students like themselves. During their stay, the students visited the Toshiba Science Museum, Tokyo Tower, National Diet, Osaka Castle, and the Osaka Peace Museum.