Japanese Students Share Cultures at Lompoc High School

CHI’s Group Homestay Program recently welcomed 28 Japanese high school exchange students and two teachers to Lompoc, CA.  The group visited Lompoc High School (LHS) where they were paired with current high school student for the day.  They attended classes and had the opportunity to hang out with their hosts.”

Lompoc has welcomed many exchange students through CHI but this was the first time U.S. students and exchange students were paired together for the day.  LHS Principal Paul Boomersbach said, “As soon as I heard about it, I thought, ‘What a great opportunity — for our students and theirs.”

After lunch the Japanese exchange students took some time to share their culture and customs.  They demonstrated the practice Japanese calligraphy, and also introduced the Lompoc High students to “Kamifusen” (paper balloons) and “Kendama” (a ball-cup game).

CHI currently has two Academic Year Program students at Lompoc High School, Tim Schulz, from Germany, and Austin O’Connell Milne, from New Zealand, that also participated in the cultural exchange.  Tim and Austin are currently members of the LHS Model UN club which was started by 2010 CHI exchange student Julian Barragan.

They day was a great success for all.  Local news, the Lompoc Record, was there to document the day.  You can read their full article here.