On March 6th, McClatchy welcomed five foreign exchange students from their sister school in Japan, Nitta Seiun. For two weeks, the students saw many new sights in America and interacted with the students as they roamed the halls.
Under the supervision of Japanese teacher Mr. Fisher, the students gave presentations to classes and interacted with the students in the Japanese classes during fun activities or helping around in the classroom. This was the first time since the outbreak of COVID-19 that McClatchy has been able to receive foreign exchange students from Japan.
The students, Kouta, Fumiya, Kaito, Mimi, and Reina were under homestay with students at McClatchy during their time here. The students enjoyed their time in America, trying different foods and seeing new sights, as well as going on a trip to San Francisco’s Japantown with the Japanese ¾ class.
During their stay, the students reported seeing many surprising things that they do not see regularly in Japan. One major difference that Mimi, Kouta, Fumiya, and Reina pointed out was the ability to be on your phone and eat during class. “The school is very free,” Reina describes in her observation of the school. However, seeing such a difference made their visit more entertaining and added to what made their trip fun.
In America, the students ate many different foods that are not commonly found in Japan. All of the students found the hamburger to be their most favorite food during their trip. Additionally, Reina thought many of the American foods were delicious, such as the sandwiches, sweets, fruits, and coffee. America has “rubbed off” on the students as they learn different slang and mannerisms, such as “fire” and “lit” to share laughs with the students at McClatchy.
On their last day, the Japanese students were given their farewells from the Japanese classes and were shown a slideshow presentation of their time in America. It was an extremely emotional day for the students as they said their goodbyes to the classes before taking an airplane home to Japan on Saturday, March 18th. Giving a farewell message on the intercom to all of the students in McClatchy, the Japanese students shared their gratitude and goodbyes.
With COVID-19 seeming to be under more control, borders have begun to open up internationally, allowing the long awaited upcoming trip to Japan for CKM’s Japanese ¾ class. Mr. Fisher organizes the trips and presentations for the Japanese students, supervising and helping the students ease into McClatchy, allowing them to have an amazing and fun two weeks in America.