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Japanese Christian school visits GCA for 5th cultural exchange
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Posted on Oct 28 2011
By Clarissa V. David
Reporter
Reporter
Eighty students from Yokosuka Gakuin High School, a Christian private school in Kanagawa Prefecture in Japan, arrived on island for a cultural exchange program with students of Grace Christian Academy.
The visiting students, accompanied by four teachers and a tour coordinator from JTB Yokosuka Office, arrived on Saipan on Tuesday to promote camaraderie between the two schools and as part of the efforts of Yokosuka Gakuin High School to enhance English communication among its students.
Tour coordinator Masato Katakura said the group, composed of students 16 to 17 years old, did various marine activities during their stay on island, including parasailing, diving, banana boat rides, and snorkeling on Mañagaha Island.
Japanese language and art teacher Keisuke Koide said this is the fifth year of the cultural exchange program for the two Christian schools. “It’s a good chance for Japanese students to communicate in English,” he added.
The visitors went to Grace Christian Academy on Navy Hill yesterday for the highlight of their visit, which is to bond with local students in numerous activities such as indoor games, basketball, volleyball, and a cooking activity.
GCA principal Marsha Owens said the students also sat in English, Math, and other classes.
“It’s a great experience for our students. They not only learn about the students in Japan but they also are able to show them a little bit about our school and our island and it’s just a good time of friendship and fellowship,” Owens told Saipan Tribune.
The group is scheduled to fly back to Japan today.
