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4 students, mayor’s staff join home-stay program in Japan
Four students and one Saipan Mayor’s Office staff are now in Japan for a home-stay program that enables CNMI students to experience Japanese culture.
The four students and Mayor’s Office executive assistant Yuki Kishimoto arrived in Itoda, Japan, last Friday. The Mayor’s Office declined to disclose the names of the four students.
The students will stay with their host families until Thursday, May 14.
Activities during the six-day program will start at 8am, with the students visiting museums, elementary schools, a zoo, factories, shopping, and bonding time with their host families.
A farewell party will be held for them on Wednesday.
As part of Mayor David M. Apatang’s and the municipality’s goal of sustaining strong ties with Japan and Korea, the student cultural exchange program remains important in promoting and sustaining a healthy link to Saipan’s biggest tourism markets.
In an earlier statement made at the Legislature for the office’s budget hearing, Apatang said that official representation is highly recommended and they need additional funds to sustain the strong ties with these two nations.
“Saipan receives students from Japan and Korea. These students visit Saipan for a period of five to seven days at a time. Their experience touring the island and time spent with host families here is the best marketing tool in exposing and promoting Saipan as a friendly tourist destination,” he said.
Sanpo-En, KSKK, Itoda, Noboribetsu, and other exchange programs visit Saipan every year.
Saipan Tribune learned that many students from Japan who continue to avail of the home-stay program have come here more than three times.
“We must continue the program by hosting students visiting from Japan and Korea in the same manner both sister cities treat students from Saipan when they visit their wonderful cities,” he said.
Apatang also recommended funding for renting vehicles that will be used for off-island guests upon their visit, specifically for the student exchange program and its chaperones and teachers.
