35th Sister City High School Exchange Program in Michigan

This summer, Okaya City held its 35th Sister City High School Exchange Program, sending seven high school students to visit Mount Pleasant, Michigan. From July 28 to August 10, the students stayed with host families and experienced daily life in the United States while using English and learning about American culture firsthand.

During their stay, the International Relations Committee (IRC) in Mount Pleasant organized a variety of fun and memorable activities, giving the students opportunities to experience the local community and the unique culture of Michigan. They also spent time with local high school students and their host families, building friendships and further strengthening the connection between our two sister cities.

For the students, living abroad and communicating in English was a new and sometimes challenging experience. However, each student embraced the opportunity, stepped outside their comfort zone, and gained many valuable experiences and unforgettable memories.

We hope that this experience will inspire the students to continue their interest in international exchange and become an important step toward their future.