Posted p.m. Monday, March 25, 2019
Education majors from Japan study U.S. culture, education system through UWL program.
Education majors from Japan study U.S. culture, education system through UWL program
They observed local K-12 classrooms, met with La Crosse Public School Superintendent Randy Nelson, and visited a local dairy farm. A group of university students from Japan experienced U.S. education and culture during a three-week program at UWL.
UW-La Crosse’s English as a Second Language (ESL) Institute hosted the group of education majors from the University of Teacher Education Fukuoka (UTEF) in Fukuoka, Japan, Feb. 27-March 21.
The program allowed students to visit a variety of schools in the community to observe and learn about the U.S. educational system. During the school visits, the Japanese students offered cross-cultural activities to the American students.
This year’s program offered the Japanese students a 10-day homestay in family homes in the Coulee Region. Planned activities included a welcome party with UWL students who volunteered as “buddies” to meet with the Japanese students and show them around the university and city. In conjunction with UWL’s Education Department, a panel discussion was held during the monthly “Coffee Hour,” sponsored by International Education & Engagement. Students from both countries gave Power Point presentations about their countries, cities and universities, followed by a Q & A session.
In addition, the UTEF students visited the UWL Campus Child Center, North Woods International, Logan Middle, Emerson Elementary and 7 Rivers High School. The UTEF students observed and participated in lessons — teaching origami, calligraphy, and traditional Japanese dance to La Crosse district students.