Japanese students visiting Shaler Area experience education exchange

Ten students from Niigata High School in Japan recently visited Shaler Area High School for three days. This visit aimed to introduce them to American STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) education. The students participated in classes from March 10 to 12. They mostly focused on group activities and building skills, unlike the more lecture-heavy classes in Japan. The trip was organized by Duquesne University’s Center for Global Engagement. Michael Burke, the director of international student services, noted that Shaler Area has a strong Japanese program, making it an ideal host. In the past, Duquesne hosted students from Saitama, Japan's sister city to Pittsburgh. Now, word has spread to Niigata, encouraging this new visit. While in Pittsburgh, the students stayed with local families. They engaged in cultural exchange and improved their English skills. Burke emphasized the importance of opening doors for understanding between different cultures. The visitors also explored local attractions, like the Cathedral of Learning and the Carnegie Science Center. At Shaler Area, teacher Steve Balsomico arranged conversation sessions between the Japanese students and their peers studying Japan. Momo Sugita, one of the visiting students, found her classmates to be friendly and curious. She appreciated the hands-on learning experiences, which were different from what she was used to in Japan. Abbey Nilson, a science teacher at Shaler, noted that her students were eager to work with their Japanese guests. They built a miniature electric car and conducted blood typing labs together. Nilson believed that these exchanges should continue, as they offer valuable experiences for everyone involved. Balsomico observed that his students benefited too, as they practiced their Japanese while helping the visitors build confidence in their English. Some Japanese students were surprised by the lunch habits in the U.S., particularly the food waste, which differs from their own customs. Looking ahead, Burke hopes to welcome more students from Niigata each year. Balsomico fully supports this idea, believing it would enhance cultural understanding for everyone.