Sixteen students and three staff members from Izumo High School, Japan visited America, hosted by the Santa Clara Sister Cities Organization, from January 23^rd to January 28^th. Izumo (Japan), Santa Clara (USA), Coimba (Portugal), and Limerick (Ireland) join hands as sister cities that often host exchange programs and cultural immersion experiences. Sister Cities’ members and Wilcox families teamed up to host Izumo students during their stay. Throughout the week they visited well-known places around the area, such as Santa Clara University, Mission Community College, the Apple campus, NASA’s Ames Research Center, and Santa Clara City Hall.

“Coming to America will be a once in a lifetime experience for many of them,” said Kathy Watanabe, the Sister Cities of Santa Clara Organization president, at the welcome dinner. I had the pleasure of hosting two lovely girls Rioka Kishimoto and Misato Matsumoto. They are second-year students, which is equivalent to juniors in American high schools. Mrs. Watanabe’s words struck my heart. It reminded me throughout their stay to give them the best taste of America as I possibly could.

On Monday, January 25^th, Izumo students shadowed Wilcox students throughout the school day. Matsumoto shadowed me all day, while Kishimoto shadowed sophomore Anna Nguyen. They were able to experience a typical day in the life of American high school students. I gave Matsumoto a tour of the Wilcox campus, and I was able to show her most of the aspects of our campus in about ten minutes. She mentioned that, “Wilcox is pretty big compared to our high school in Japan.” Throughout the day, Izumo and Wilcox students were able to notice similarities and differences between their everyday lives as teenagers. For example, when Matsumoto and I visited Mr. Hedlund’s class, she commented that she loved how American teachers and students seem to have fun relationships where they could joke around with one another. In Japan, “that isn’t as normal to see” in classroom settings. In addition, she said that their textbooks are thinner (they are lucky), and they “wear uniforms to school every day.”

Izumo students gave presentations on various topics to Wilcox’s Japanese classes throughout the day. During SSR, Izumo and Wilcox students piled into Tamaki Sensei’s classroom to listen to Japanese students give a presentation about how “Japanese people can improve their English-speaking skills”—told in English. A thought-provoking question and answer session occurred after about students’ own experiences and ways they learn English or Japanese. Though it was challenging to interact with a language barrier, it presented a great opportunity to strengthen speaking and understanding skills and learn about both cultures. Nonetheless, their English is amazing. In order to truly learn and become fluent in a language, students must practice it daily and travel to a country where the language is often spoken. At the end of the day, a party was thrown in Nagai Sensei’s classroom. American and Japanese students were able to mingle, play games, and try delicious snacks from each other’s countries.

After Izumo students came home from their activities throughout the week, host families further provided a taste of everyday American life for their students. They visited places like Westfield Mall and Santana Row, Target and grocery stores. A free day occurred on Sunday, January 24^th, where families could take their Izumo students wherever they wanted, such as San Francisco. But the most special memories were created at home. Everyday activities such as eating meals, relaxing on the sofa, and watching television sprouted meaningful conversations. In my case, Matsumoto, Kishimoto, and I sat on the futon in my family room, drank tea, and talked about music, books, and things we were passionate about. That truly bonded us together.

Taking part in the host program was an amazing experience. By the end of their stay, they were not merely students and teachers from Izumo, Japan. They were family—forever brothers and sisters to us Santa Clara citizens. Personally, Kishimoto and Matsumoto became my precious sisters by the end of their stay. The good bye was bittersweet; tears, hugs, and last words of “please keep in touch!” and “I love you!” were shared. It is certain that being immersed in the sights, sounds, smells, and sensations of other countries is truly a blessing. Traveling and exchange programs, such as the Sister Cities Izumo host program, are gems of opportunity that every student should consider applying for. Arigatou (thank you), Izumo High School and Santa Clara Sister Cities for this unforgettable experience!