Press Office -
PR#86–2010, September 30, 2010 |
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Youth Exchange Programs bring Japanese Junior High
School Students to the Philippines
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On September 13, 2010, the Embassy of Japan welcomed the delegation of twenty-six junior high school students (fourteen to fifteen years old) and three teachers from Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture in Japan. Director Tomoko Dodo of the Japan Information and Culture Center gave a briefing on the Philippines-Japan relations in various fields. She also shared some of her experiences living in the Philippines and gave them information on Philippine society and politics.
From September 13 to 22, the delegation attended classes in local high schools such as Philippine Science High School (Quezon City), Claret High School (Quezon City), Emilio Aguinaldo International School (Manila), Emilio Aguinaldo College (Cavite-High School Department) and Our Lady of Pilar Montessori (Las Pinas). They also made a study tour in Manila City, Anilao in Batangas and Corregidor. Another highlight was the homestay program with Filipino families which made it possible for the Japanese students to experience Filipino way of life and family values.
During the farewell dinner hosted by Philippine Federation of Japan Alumni (PHILFEJA), the students expressed their gratitude and shared some of their memorable experiences in the Philippines. The students told the audience that despite some difficulties related to the language barrier, they managed to communicate with Filipino people and truly appreciated the wonderful interactions. They also said the most interesting experience they had in the Philippines was riding the jeepney and tricycle as these do not exist in Japan. One student went on to express her wishes to return to the Philippines as a flight attendant. PHILFEJA president Jose Luis Reyes shared with the participants and others involved that everybody was pleased with the fruitful outcome of the program. He expressed his intention to continue supporting the exchange program in the years to come, as this kind of exchange program deepens mutual understanding and camaraderie between Japan and the Philippines.
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