Nantyr families go Japanese for a week
By Chris Simon

Photo by Chris Simon Students from Sakuranomaki High School in Mito, Japan perform a dance for several Nantyr Shores Secondary School families, during a farewell ceremony at the Innisfil school Friday evening. The students were on a one week exchange, where they lived with local families and visited several tourist attractions. The Japanese students left the area Sunday, and will visit New York before flying home.

There was surprisingly little culture shock for Laura Batten over the last week.

The Nantyr Shores Secondary School student has wanted to travel the world and learn about other cultures for years. While the travelling has yet to come to fruition, Batten has spent the last week getting to know a new friend from Japan. Batten and her parents have hosted Yuumi Mori, a Grade 10 student from Sakuranomaki High School in Mito, Japan, as part of a one week international exchange program.

Twenty Japanese students and several of their instructors made the long flight from Japan, and stayed with local "buddy" host students and their families. The Japanese students participated in regular classes and activities at Nantyr, and visited several tourist sites in the region, before departing for New York City Sunday.

Batten says she has learned plenty from Mori and the other Japanese students. She also realizes the similarities between cultures.

"I love to learn about new cultures and what they lifestyles are for different countries," she said. "I really enjoy meeting new people and I wanted to share Canada with others. I thought it'd be neat to show a Japanese student what Canada's really like. I don't know what I gave (Mori). It was difficult with communication, but we worked well together and learned a lot of communication skills.

"People from everywhere are generally nice, kind and accepting."

Last week, the Japanese students were treated to a welcoming ceremony with local dignitaries. At the end of their stay, over 75 people gathered to say goodbye in the school's cafeteria, and watch the students perform a dance for their hosts.

The Batten family also took Mori to Niagara Falls Saturday.

"We went shopping at the mall, grocery shopping and Thursday Night Lights (football)," said Batten.

Nantyr teacher Ed Ross says the exchange gave local and international students an opportunity to meet new people and learn about other cultures hands on.

"(Japanese students) got a place to live and experience Canadian life for one week," he said. "We welcomed these young men and women."

Mori says she enjoyed her time in Canada.

"(I've learned) many, many things," she said. "I don't want to go back."

While hosting an exchange student took some lifestyle adjustments, Batten's father Larry liked the experience.

"You're not used to (hosting someone)," he said. "It was a bit tiring, but a great time."

The program is organized by Muskoka Languages International, which works in partnership with dozens of school boards in over 100 communities across Canada. They successfully host

thousands of students each year in a variety of exchange programs.