Japanese Study Exchange Program 2005
During our stay in Kyoto, we were warmly welcomed and given a tremendous amount of support both by Horikawa and the host families. In addition, Horikawa's student government was deeply involved in the program this year, making our trip even more student oriented, fun and valuable. Because of their efforts, our students were given many unique first hand learning opportunities. We visited many beautiful temples, shrines and one of the oldest incense companies in Japan to learn about the traditional art form, and spent time in a traditional Kyoto house. In addition, we visited the Nishijin textile company to learn how to weave, as well as many other activities. We also spent a day in Nara, the ancient capital of Japan, with all our host families, as well as some Horikawa students and teachers. We explored Nara by doing a scavenger hunt and having a picnic under the beautiful cherry blossoms. We were very fortunate to visit Japan during the beautiful spring season.
BLA students attended Horikawa HS with their host brothers and sisters every day and learned about day-to-day life in Japan. They joined some classes at Horikawa, including calligraphy, homemaking, gym, English, and even history and physics, which were conducted entirely in Japanese. Our students also joined various after-school activities, including Kendo. During school hours, they mingled together with Horikawa students, chatting in the hallways and cafeteria and making friends. We were also warmly received by representatives of the City of Kyoto, Boston's oldest sister city, and were invited to visit city officials. We deeply appreciate all the support given by the people of Kyoto to make our trip successful and memorable. Our students made many efforts to become part of their Japanese families and host culture, and I received many compliments about them from the host families.
Through this program, BLA students gained a deeper understanding and knowledge of Japan, made many new friends, and came home with wonderful memories.
