11 MHS students take part in cultural exchange
- The 11 Marianas High School students who participated in a cultural exchange and ski program with Seisa Gakuen High School in Japan and their chaperones have their picture taken at the Francisco C. Ada-Saipan International Airport before their departure. (Contributed Photo)
- The Marianas High School students have their picture taken with their hosts upon arriving in Japan. (Contributed Photo)
- The MHS Group poses for a picture at the Naeba Ski Field. (Contributed Photo)
Eleven Marianas High School students completed a successful cultural exchange and ski program with its sister school, Seisa Gakuen High School, in Japan.
Student participants in the one-week program, which lasted from Jan. 21 to Jan. 28, were Jonsie Benavente, Leah Benavente, Julia Espino, Jayda Mendoza, Michelle Polig, Negahr Rastguiiy, Ariane Reyes, Jose Carreon, Dalton Dancoe, Ethan Kwon, and Fritz Manzano.
During the program, students learned about the importance of multicultural awareness, experienced a snapshot of the Japanese educational system, and built lifelong friendships with their Japanese exchange partners.
Some of the activities during the cultural exchange program included learning how to make traditional Japanese paper, playing Taiko drums, participating in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony, dressing in traditional Japanese wear, and building an appreciation of Japanese arts and craft.
In addition to the valuable cultural exchange activities, students were also given an opportunity to learn how to ski at the beautiful Mount Naeba Ski Resort.
This year’s program marks the 31st anniversary of the partnership between Marianas High School and Seisa Gakuen High School.
The Participate and Learn Program aims to celebrate the diversity of cultures and build friendship among student from both schools.
The program participants would like to thank the following individuals, organizations, and agencies for their valuable support and contribution toward this year’s program: Marianas High School administration, Seisa Gakuen High School administration, Education Commissioner, Board of Education leaders and members, Marianas Visitors Authority, D&Q Wholesale, Monica Crisostomo, Benavente & Sons Corp., Luis P. and Maria S. Crisostomo, APC Co., Ltd., and ITS Corp. (PR)