Niigata Minami High School - Japan
We had an exchange with Niigata Minami high school from 24 October to 21 November 2020 . It was the first time that both schools held an exchange over zoom , but as good friends do , we overcome any technical difficulties together .
The aim of the exchange was for students to interact , make new connections , and to understand the different challenges of youths in different countries in such uncertain times . Each session started with an ice-breaker where students made their own introduction slide , and SJI students went the extra mile to add Japanese characters to them . The games IC ( Theodore Tang MN519 and Lynn Khoo MN516 ) organized games for everyone to warm up and take part in . Despite the language and cultural differences , people always interact best with games ( including the teachers too !). Students from both sides are split into a total of eight groups , and each group is to present on a topic pre-assigned by the teachers with 4 presenting groups per session . The topics presented touched on a variety of issues which are close to one ’ s heart : home , technology , recycling , green energy and aspirations . The topics were chosen based on the United Nations ’ Sustainable development goals model , and provided a common platform for youths to ponder and discuss . After each presentation , the students then discussed about the presentation and asked more questions to their counterparts and also clarified points being brought up in the discussion . Special thanks to Sarah of LE509 who acted as trip IC to facilitate and ensured information was passed around quickly .
We learnt that Singapore is famous for the Merlion , Marina Bay Sands , as well as chicken rice . We also learnt about the aspirations and challenges of our Japanese peers , for example the long commute they take to school on a daily basis , as well as recycling habits in the Japanese culture that we can learn from . Although it was a short exchange of 4 external sessions , it was a memorable and enriching experience for students from both sides .
Ikeda Junior-High School - Kagoshima , Japan
Our students gained a deeper understanding of the Japanese culture through their interaction with the students from Ikeda Junior-High school in Kagoshima , Japan . They also honed their communication skills during the exchange and gained experience from their participation in a Japanese National Science competition .
The programme was conducted over five online Zoom sessions , and three group meetings in school comprising many hours of preparation amongst the participants , culminating in the Science competition on the second last day of exchange .
On 20 October , our students gathered excitedly in their respective classes and saw their Japanese counterparts for the first time . As the students were split into different small groups , it was immediately clear that the level of interaction between our students and the Japanese students varied in style and intensity . Some groups had long awkward silences while some groups had a blast of playing Kahoot ! and charades . After the first session , a review was conducted and the subsequent sessions were more interactive and engaging .
Students were introduced to Japanese culture , from anime to food . In return , they then presented the best of Singapore , from Laksa and durians , to the Flyer and Jewel Changi Airport . For our Science presentations , we focused on the science behind those Singaporean icons and the judges were very impressed with the overall quality of the work put up for judging . Two of our groups won prizes - the “ Excellence ” and the “ Nishin Sake Brewery ” awards .
The students reflected that they have learnt a lot through this entire experience , appreciating the importance of “ resilience ”, “ perseverance ” and “ time-management ” when completing their Science presentations . They have also learnt how to manage interactions between two different groups of people speaking different languages .
Getting everyone to make a heart shape for farewell on last day
One of the presentations for the science competition
86 St Joseph ’ s Institution