TOMODACHI NAJAS Grassroots Exchange Program – San Antonio and Kumamoto
This program is a short-term exchange initiative for high school students from San Antonio, Texas, and Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Prefecture, which share a sister-city relationship. Through homestays, school visits, and cultural exchanges, the program fosters mutual understanding and aims to develop the next generation of leaders who will serve as a bridge between the U.S. and Japan.
TOMODACHI NAJAS Grassroots Exchange Program San Antonio-KumamotoーAmerican Students Experience Cultural Exchanges in Kumamoto
From July 5 to 13, 2018, six students from San Antonio, Texas area high schools and their chaperone, journeyed to Kumamoto, Japan, the sister city of San Antonio. Their nine-day trip was implemented by the National Association of Japan-America Societies as part of the TOMODACHI NAJAS Grassroots Exchange Program.
The students had an opportunity to stay with local Japanese host families for the first few days of their trip. As they immersed themselves in Japanese language and culture, the students reached a new understanding about their host country.
The students also had an opportunity to visit and attend classes at a local high school. In addition to observing English, math, Japanese history, and chemistry classes, the students also participated in after school club activities such as calligraphy and a tea ceremony lessons.
