“The students not only learned more about the Japanese people and their culture, but they gained a deeper appreciation of the Japanese influence on our own culture and language,” she said.
The group was composed of three students from Mount Carmel School, one each from Saipan International School, Grace Christian Academy and Garapan Elementary School, two from Saipan Southern High School and one from Tinian Grace Christian Academy. They left Saipan on Oct. 6 and returned on Oct. 12.
The students are Nicole Meyers,Emiri Angela Iwai,Rachel Borja, Tasi T. Long, Zachary Taitano, Jonah Villagomez, Phalai Frink, Zena Demapan, and Mariana Teregeyo.
Seman was also accompanied by another chaperone, James Villagomez, also of the mayor’s office.
The students’ visit was part of the annual cultural exchange program of the International Youth Association of Japan or KSKK.
“The most touching part of this trip was our Sayonara Party when the student’s host families sat and watched their performances. Some cried, many smiled, and it was difficult to say goodbye,” Seman said.
