Santa Monica - Kizugawa Student Exchange Programme

 

Since 1999, the former Kizu town and now Kizugawa city has sent almost 150 junior-high school students to Santa Monica in California to experience American culture. The aim of this programme is to give the next generation of Kizugawa’s children an opportunity to contribute towards a more international society and also to deepen the friendship between the cities of Santa Monica and Kizugawa.

 

After arriving in Santa Monica, participants visit the city hall, the Santa Monica Playhouse theater, attend lessons at a local middle school and take part in a four day, three night homestay programme with and American family.

 

Previous participants have found the experience to be tremendously worthwhile and though provoking. The experience of staying with a host family, learning about American culture, history and lifestyles first hand is particularly cherished by former participants.

 

We are looking forward to watching the programme continue to grow in the future!

 

Participant’s Stories:

 

“After taking part in this trip, travelling abroad and staying at UCLA, my dream is to one day work for an overseas company. I’m going to try my best to achieve this goal!”

 

“Thanks to this experience, I really want to live in America! In the future I want to work to create bonds between Japan and America, and do a job which makes a difference to people.”

 

Photos

 

Kizugawa Students at Santa Monica City Hall
Kizugawa Students at Santa Monica City Hall

 

Visiting the Japanese American History Museum
Visiting the Japanese American National Museum

 

Having fun at the beach
Fun in the California sun!

 

At a Dodgers Baseball Game
Watching a Dodgers Major League Baseball game