Students off to Japan for exchange program

Twenty students from various schools on Saipan will head off to Japan this afternoon to take part in a cultural exchange program headed by the Saipan Mayor’s Office and the KSSK-International Students Association of Japan.

According to the Saipan Mayor’s Office, the students will board Japan Airlines at 3:50pm en route to Tokyo, where they will spend the next seven days promoting the local culture and way of life of the people of the Commonwealth, as well as learn about the various lifestyles and cultures of Japan.

The students from Saipan Southern High School, Marianas High School, Chacha Oceanview Junior High School, San Vicente Elementary School, and Mt. Carmel School will be accompanied by three chaperones, including Mayor’s Office staff David Rosario.

Like the 22 International Students Association of Japan students that spent about a week on Saipan last July, the Saipan students would be hosted by participating families during their stay in Tokyo.

Rosario said the students are also scheduled to visit various government agencies, schools, and Disneyland, among others. One night will also be spent strictly for interacting with Japanese students and will feature singing and dancing.

The trip marks the 25th anniversary of the program, which began in 1979.

Aside from travel expense and pocket money, all other expenses, including lodging, food, and transportation, would be covered by the host families and organizers.

Earlier, Saipan Mayor Juan B. Tudela said the program serves as way to “promote culture and friendship.”

“This program has been ongoing for the past 25 years, and it’s a big success,” he said. “Students from both Japan and Saipan get the chance to interact and build relationships, share culture, and have a great time together.”

Last July 22, 22 Japanese students, accompanied by chaperone Maya Honda, toured Saipan’s sights and sounds. They visited the Office of the Governor, shopped at various outlets, and spent a day at Managaha Island.

A non-profit organization, the KSSK was founded in 1973 to develop and enhance activities for international companionship between the youth of Japan and other nations.

The exchange program is just one of the three programs coordinated by the Saipan Mayor’s Office. Another exchange also deals with Japanese students while the other occurs in December with students from Korea.