Event Report: International Exchange Event at Japanese Elementary School 02/26
CSEP students’ visit to Murakumo Elementary School for International Exchange Event
On February 26, three exchange students from Chukyo University and two student members of the Volunteer Organization for InterCulture Exchange (VOICE) collaborated with Murakumo Elementary School in Nagoya to carry out the international exchange project, "CHUKYO GLOBAL - International Exchange Class," for 55 fourth-grade students.
This project aims to introduce elementary school students to foreign languages and different cultures, providing a valuable opportunity for local students and exchange students to deepen their connections.
During the class, the exchange students introduced themselves and performed English songs, encouraging the elementary school students to develop an understanding of foreign languages and cultures. In their self-introductions, the exchange students shared details about their home cultures and favorite Japanese foods. The elementary school students listened attentively, reacted excitedly to English words they recognized, and actively asked questions, leaving a lasting impression.
The next activity focused on the theme "Let's Talk About Daily Routines Using 'What Time.'" In this session, the students learned English phrases and later interviewed the exchange students using English questions they had prepared. The successful experience of communicating in English boosted the students' confidence and fostered their interest in foreign languages.
After the class, the students and exchange students sat together to enjoy Japanese school lunches. For the exchange students, experiencing school lunch for the first time was a refreshing experience, and their smiles and exclamations of "delicious!" highlighted their enjoyment.
When asked for their thoughts at the end of the event, the exchange students shared, "The children were kind and friendly," and expressed their desire to participate in more exchanges. Meanwhile, the elementary school students enthusiastically remarked, "I want to learn more English!"
The warm bonds created through international exchange transcend language and cultural barriers, spreading far and wide, and are expected to foster more.
