On March 7, Molly Hakes (she/her) and her students arrived in North Liberty for their week-long cultural exchange program. Hakes, an Iowa City native, is an English teacher living on Sado Island, one of Japan’s largest islands. She has been working with her students for years on their English, so when she heard about Liberty’s exchange program, she jumped at the opportunity.
“This is the first time I’ve done something like this, so it’s a big learning experience for me, too,” said Hakes.
In January, a group of Liberty students began their pen pal correspondence with Hakes’ students: Himari Oyamatsu, Sena Takahashi, Nayuta Umekawa and Kotoha Homma, via email and various social media platforms. Although the Sado students were encouraged by their digital correspondence with English speakers, they still came to Liberty with anxiety.
“I feel uncertain about my English; some words feel impossible,” said Oyamatsu (she/her). “But, I’ve learned a lot of English [since] coming here … and people have been so friendly.”
On their first day at Liberty, each of the Japanese students were given a class schedule to attend with their pen pal(s). Their classes included: choir, newspaper, chemistry, psychology and even Spanish. When they weren’t in class, the students ate lunch in the cafeteria, took a tour around the school, attended track practice and watched rehearsal for the musical. After school, their pen pals took them to Pizza Ranch for a buffet dinner and a night of arcade games.
They were shocked by the differences between North Liberty and their community back home.
“Your school is so colorful … and all your food has a very strong flavor,” said Umekawa.
The students were also surprised to see students moving from class to class, as they stay in the same classroom all day at Sado High School. Before coming to Liberty, they had never seen students put their feet up on their desks, choose what they wanted for lunch or leave school for an open period.
“You (high school students) have so much freedom,” said Oyamatsu. “I’m jealous.”
Over the course of the week, these Japanese students spent time learning about American culture, but they were also able to teach Liberty students about Japanese culture.
The students gave a cultural presentation to a group of students and teachers and taught two culinary arts classes how to make Japanese rice balls. Outside of school, they were able to cook a traditional Japanese dinner for their host families.
As the students reflected on their week in Iowa, they shared their reason for being here.
“I’m here because I want to learn about your (American) culture,” said Umekawa. “I want to work with English speakers in the future. My goal is to become an astronaut and go to space.”
All four girls want to learn English for their futures. Whether their goal is to go to space, become an English teacher or work in international relations, they all hope to expand their cultural awareness and access to professional opportunities by learning English. Visiting Liberty was a significant step in their journey to English proficiency.
“I want to say thank you so much for this experience,” said Oyamatsu. “I am so happy I came here.”
