Back for its 35th year, Miami Palmetto Senior High’s Japanese Foreign Exchange Student Program exemplifies its commitment to creating an inclusive and culturally aware environment for all — even those who are a 25-hour plane ride away in the sister city of Kagoshima, Japan.
The process was nothing simple, as 160 prospective applicants had to take an English test, have their transcripts reviewed multiple times and go through an interview process. Out of those applicants, eight students had the opportunity to travel to Japan’s sister city. Gulliver Prep hosted five students, and MPSH hosted three — Mana Kagihara, Yuki Yamashita and Mei Sugiyaki.
Students in either of Avello Meiko’s classes, Japanese language courses or Painting 1, signed up to host the Kagoshima students in their homes for the one week they spent in Miami, Fla.. Among those volunteers, juniors Jazmine Reyes and Evelyn de Vera, along with senior Isabella Garcia-Chuquil, got the chance to become host families. During this week, the exchange students grew in their sense of cultural awareness by learning more about Western culture through South Florida’s most iconic city.
The Kagoshima students immersed themselves in the American school system with the help of their host students, taking part in all six of their courses. Kagihara and Yamashita explained the differences they noticed between Japan and America’s school systems — and even broader aspects like social customs
“First of all, in Japan, school is completely different. It’s not as big, and there are various strict rules. You’re not allowed to bring smartphones, snacks or drinks. The size of [Pinecrest], the scenery of Miami and the food are all different as well,” Kagihara said.
Acknowledging the culture shock, Kagihara highlights that her home-away-from-home trip is still something she will not forget. The traditional celebration of Halloween fell during the week of their stay, and Kagihara had the opportunity to go trick-or-treating with her host sister, Reyes.
“I was happy that my friends at school were very kind. Going trick-or-treating together is a great memory. Another thing is the atmosphere of the city. Compared to Japan, [Miami] is very stylish, and I love it. No matter where you take a picture, it turns out beautiful,” Kagihara said.
Yamashita, also very lively about her experience in a different country, shared what stood out to her most — the interactions between students at MPSH.
“Everyone in Japan talks to the same sex, while everyone in Miami is more free to talk to who they want. Also, in the way they dress. Everything in [MPSH] is much bigger than in Japan, too,” Yamashita noted.
Rather than feeling intimidated by the differences, Yamashita seemed to embrace the freedom she experienced at MPSH and even solidified her future goals and dreams of studying abroad to become a doctor.
Toward the end of their week, with all Kagoshima students preparing to make their return flight home, host families felt emotional as the genuine and fun bonds they had made with each student were coming to an end.
First-time host volunteer Reyes felt that during her time housing Kagihara, she gained a more in-depth view of different cultures, and the experience is something most people should get the chance to do.
“I think the Japanese students coming here is important for everyone, especially for them specifically, to see different cultures. From what Mana told me, there is a lot more freedom here than in Japan, and it’s more strict,” Reyes said.
The responsibility of showcasing her native city and creating a fun environment for all is something Reyes will always consider important, and she plans to take part in similar activities in the future.
As MPSH wraps up a tradition of being welcoming to all, the school prepares for the next year with renewed enthusiasm. Both Kagoshima and Miami are ready to continue this tradition of mutual growth, with the anticipation of another year filled with learning, personal development and cross-cultural understanding.
