4 international students from Colombia, Nigeria, Pakistan, and the Philippines, participated in a homestay program in Iyo City from December 6 (Fri) – 8 (Sun)
, 2024. This homestay program is conducted annually by the Institute for International Relations to promote mutual exchange in the region and give international students a deeper understanding of Ehime. As part of efforts to further strengthen interaction between the students and local residents, the program also included a visit to a local elementary school during the homestay
On the morning of December 6 (Fri), the students visited Saredani Elementary School, and in the afternoon, they went to Nakayama Elementary School in Iyo City. At Saredani Elementary School, during the second and third periods, they introduced their home countries in Japanese and answered questions from the elementary school students. During the break, they also learned how to play kendama and other traditional Japanese games from the children. In the afternoon, at Nakayama Elementary School, they had lunch together with the students and then played dodgeball during recess. During the cleaning period, they helped clean the classrooms. In the fifth and sixth periods, they introduced their home countries in Japanese and answered various questions from the students. They also introduced games from their own countries, further deepening their interactions with the children.
After visiting the school, the students met their host families for the first time. Though they greeted them in Japanese with nervous expressions, two days later, when it was time to leave, they were reluctant to part with their “Japanese family.”
In their Japanese class after the homestay, they wrote thank-you letters and emails in Japanese for the first time, which were sent to the elementary school and their host families.
This homestay program, organized by the Institute for International Relations, was held for the 33rd time this year. Each time, it is conducted in a different region within the prefecture, and with the support of many people, the program reflects the unique characteristics of each area. Today, the relationships formed through this event continue to expand, contributing to the growing network between the Institute for International Relations and various communities. The Institute intends to continue this program in the future, further expanding the circle of international exchange.
Lastly, we would like to express our sincere gratitude to the Iyo City Government, the Iyo City Board of Education, Saredani Elementary School, and Nakayama Elementary School for their tremendous support throughout this event.
＜nternational Relations Office＞