Middle School Students Visit Japan

Call it the ultimate field trip. At the beginning of October, Oct. 1 - 9, nearly twenty Livermore middle school students visited Japan as part of a student exchange program.The students lived with a host family and attended school in the city of Yotsukaido, Japan.

The Livermore Yotsukaido Sister City Organization (LYSCO) organized the exchange program. In March 2016, Japanese students will have the opportunity to visit and attend Livermore public schools and live with a local host family.

“At Livermore public schools, we are dedicated to preparing our students to make a difference on a global level,” said Kelly Bowers, Superintendent Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District. “The Japanese exchange programs help all of our students understand their broader world by fostering a rich and deep connection to another culture.”

After the Japanese students visit Livermore in March, seventh grade students may apply to the exchange program. Interested students write an essay, receive teacher recommendations, and interview with the LYSCO Board, which consists of adults and past student participants. Accepted students must maintain a GPA standard and commit to studying the Japanese culture and language throughout the yearlong program.

Livermore’s Sister City Yotsukaido has a similar population and socio-economic demographics to Livermore. The city is located about one hour from Tokyo, near the Narita airport.

Parent and teacher chaperones accompanied the students.

--Photos courtesy Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District