Global Classmates Summit 2017

Global Classmates Summit 2017 took place in Washington, DC from July 28^th to August 5^th with the theme, How can we strengthen future people-to-people ties in US-Japan relations?

Twelve high school students (six from the US and six from Japan) were selected from a pool of nearly 1,350 participants of our virtual exchange program in the previous year.

During the Summit, the students stayed together at a local University dorm and engaged in a wide range of activities such as:

• ・Explored Washington, DC through a scavenger hunt
• ・Visited an exhibit on Japanese American history at the National Museum of American History
• ・Shared their cultures with one another and with local DC high school students
• ・Discussed various topics including cultural differences and similarities, ways to strengthen people-to-people ties between the United States and Japan, and the current US administration
• ・Met with experienced leaders at Sasakawa USA, the State Department, and US-Japan Congressional Caucus to learn about collaborations and ties between the United States and Japan at various levels
• ・Heard the personal journeys of internationally minded young professionals in various fields through a career panel
• ・Toured the Georgetown University campus and met university students
• ・Met with social entrepreneurs at Halcyon Foundation
• ・Worked collaboratively to present their proposals on how to strengthen future people-to-people ties in US-Japan relations

* Prior to arriving in Washington DC, students from Japan gathered in Tokyo to participate in pre departure activities, which included meeting leaders at the US Embassy Tokyo and the Japan-America Society.

Getting to the Heart of Communication

Participants arrived in Washington, DC with a mixture of excitement to finally meet their peers in person and some fear of needing to communicate in a foreign language. In the beginning, the students were reserved about expressing themselves in the foreign language and were quieter. However, it didn’t take them long to break their mental barriers about speaking up. Fueled by a desire to get to know each other and encouragement from the professionals they met, the students started to push themselves out of their comfort zones to reach out to each other and those they met. They were determined to get the most out of their precious experience. Exchanging thoughts and information became important, not perfect language – they got right to the heart of communication.

For the visit to the exhibit on Japanese American history, we paired up with our buddies from the opposite country. The exhibit was almost entirely in English so we Americans had to step in and help. I always feared speaking Japanese but I focused and tried to use my Japanese to come up with an understandable explanation so that my buddy could understand this exhibit that features one of the important times of history in US-Japan relations. And surprisingly, I was able to get my point across, something everyone we’ve met on this journey has stressed as more important than perfect grammar. I felt incredibly accomplished and happy to be able to help. Overall, this exhibit was only one of many parts of this program from which we all learned and bridged our two cultures: American and Japanese. – Cheryl

I came to realize the importance of courage. The courage to take my first step toward improving my English. In order to brush up my English as a communication tool, I need to use it. I need to speak up and initiate conversations. While it is obviously important, we Japanese are not used to it and yet it has turned out to be the most important way to improve my communication skills. – Kana

Gaining Insight on Personal Future Endeavors

The students realized that there are many ways to be involved with international relations after meeting with many professionals in various fields, including a: diplomat, PR strategist, TV producer, corporate manager, local entrepreneur, and an astrophysicist at NASA.

While each panelist had a unique path and interests, they all shared how their international experience, whether study abroad or work abroad, influenced their career. They emphasized to the students the importance of seeking those experiences. They also encouraged the students to stay open minded, even to opportunities they never imagined, as it often leads to finding a new path of enjoyment that can also further your career.

Many students mentioned their enhanced interest in study abroad. Some Japanese students commented that they may change what they study in college, while another American student commented on her new interest in engaging in public service.

I used to think hard work always leads you to success. However, I realized the environment, including who you meet, are just as important. Studying abroad would make me jump into a completely new culture and therefore push me to grow. Especially if you hope to be ambitious, but are not sure which direction to go, changing the environment drastically could be effective. I will consider study abroad as one of my options in higher education now. – Taiki

I used to plan to study business in college, however my participation in the Summit made me want to study cross-cultural communication. I learned the importance of people-to-people relationships and I would like to get involved more directly. – Atsumi

Gaining Confidence and Building Life-Time Friendship through Collaboration

On August 3^rd at the Japan Information and Culture Center, Embassy of Japan, the participants made a presentation in front of invited guests to share their Summit learning and proposals that tackle the theme, How can we strengthen future people-to-people ties in US-Japan relations?

While they did not have much time to prepare for the presentation, every student practiced hard to deliver a powerful presentation. Even though they were quite nervous for their big day, they did wonderful!

In their presentation, the students highlighted the importance of connecting people at a personal and emotional level. American students suggested exposing Americans to Japanese culture in early childhood through organizing cultural events at local elementary schools and public libraries. Japanese students pointed out that English often becomes a boring subject to memorize for many students in Japan and proposed that English learning should be tied to the objective of communicating with American students.

The audience enjoyed learning unique perspectives from the future generation of the two countries. Many guests commented that they were impressed by the students’ hard work that led to the excellent presentations. It was also inspiring and heart-warming for them to see the close friendships that the students forged in such a short amount of time.

For many students, the presentation became the culmination of their own experience during the Summit. It was the moment they realized that they had grown a great deal through the new perspectives they gained, and their improvements in language and public speaking. Furthermore, it was a testament to how close they had become with one another.

Until a week ago, we barely knew each other and were nervous to talk to each other. Now after the presentation, we give hugs to each other to celebrate our accomplishment and have fun taking photos together. This means that we can get close to anyone by meeting and conversing with them in person.  When I was asked by one of the guests whether I intend to present my experience at the Summit back at my high school, I thought “I definitely will”. However, before this I would not have liked such an opportunity that would make me stand out. It was the day I felt I had changed after interacting with American peers and learning from various people. – Ryo

Today was the day of our Global Classmates presentation. Everyone truly did their best and the wave of feeling successful swept over at the end. Hours of hard work, mixed feelings and struggles brought the best out of us. I wished time would stop so we could enjoy our time together for longer. I will truly miss everyone from Global Classmates Summit. The friendships and bonds I share with them here will remain with me forever. Truly an experience I can never forget. – Pauline