2007 Program

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

I miss Japan. I miss the masses of students walking or biking to school. I miss the vending machines and convenient stores on every corner. I miss the happy cartoons on every poster or billboard. I miss the amazing food, and having tea with every meal. One day, after I've learned to speak Japanese, I plan to return. I'm so thankful that I was given this opportunity. My two weeks in Japan was the best experience of my life! I hope other students are given the same opportunity, and I can't wait to host a Japanese student.

Aricia, Student, Martinez High School

I felt American students express their ideas clearly.  And they are making their choices based on what they believe.  Everything was first experience for me, and I didn't know what to do at first, but I learned a lot of things over this program. I learned many things which I can't lean in Japan.  At the end, I felt I want to stay longer in the U.S.

This was my first travel abroad.  Sometime I was culture shocked over few things, but at the same time I had a great time with host families and friends.  They were very nice.   I didn't like studying English before, but now I want to become fluent in English. This two week experience has become a lasting memory.

 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
 


 

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