They traveled halfway around the world to be here ? and for the next two weeks, 11 Japanese exchange students will be learning about American life here in Clarkston.
As part of a cultural exchange program between CHS and Chiba Higashi High School in Chiba, Japan, the Japanese students flew into Michigan early on Feb. 25 to start their two week visit to America.
When the students arrived at CHS, they were greeted by their host families.
All CHS students who are part of host families have studied Japanese and are participating in the exchange as the first part of two exchange trips. Later this year, the CHS students will reverse roles and travel to Japan to stay with the families of the students they are currently assisting.
The Japanese visitors will attend school along with their hosts during the day, and in the evening they will socialize and play games like whirley ball, bowling and laser tag.
‘We’re going to take them around to different places and give them a taste of American life,? said Robyn Bernard, a junior at CHS.
Bernard, 16, said she started talking with Marie Nishiyama, the student she was partnered with, through e-mail prior to her arrival.
‘She’s really into music, so I’m going to take her to a few concerts,? Bernard said.
For some students, the program is a rare chance to learn more about a culture they really enjoy.
‘It’s been my dream to go to Japan and live there,? said sophomore Catherine Fick. ‘I’m an art student, so I really got interested in Manga and Anime… and then I just discovered that I loved the culture, so I plan to live there when I’m older.?
Fick, 15, said her older sister participated in the program last year and their visitor became an adoptive older sister to her. Fick said Yayaka Nukumi, the student that is staying with her, contacted her through e-mail before the trip and said she really wanted to visit the mall.
‘They love to shop and American malls are so much different,? Fick said.
The program happens annually at CHS through Japanese teacher Barbara Rice’s class. Rice said participating students learn a lot more about Japanese culture and language through direct contact.
Rice said there’s always a little culture shock for the Japanese students when they arrive, but the American students experience the same thing when their turn to travel comes.
However, both Rice and her students indicate the exchange was something they anxiously looked forward to.
‘It’s probably the highlight of the whole school year,? Rice said.