Hello! I am Jodai, an English teacher.
I will report AIU Discussion with American high school students held under the GLHS project because our GUROSUTA students also participated in the discussion, though this is not included in SGH programs.
This project was planned to strengthen ties between Japan and the U.S., by inviting 20 American High School Diplomats to Osaka Prefectural Office, having them learn Osaka's history and culture, and discussing with Japanese counterparts in English. This has been held every year and this is the fourth time.
The participants were students of Tennoji, Shijonawate, Kozu, Kishiwada and Toyonaka High Schools.
A commemorative photo was taken in front of Osaka Prefectural Office just before the arrival of American students. From Toyonaka High School, one 2nd year and four 1st year students participated, including one who joined later.
Then, American students arrived and listened to the instructions. They were polite and excellent.
Unfortunately the photo of the interior of Prefectural Office cannot be uploaded, so I will explain the situation.
First we were guided to the assembly hall and explained about the administration of Osaka prefectural affairs. This was a precious experience because we cannot see otherwise from up close.
Then we were taken to the official reception hall on the 5th floor, where discussions were to be carried out. The hall having been used for shooting the movie "Black Rain" is very beautiful. I wish I could show you...
I think our students successfully communicated their ideas in the English discussion because they had well prepared in advance; especially, the 2nd year student led the 1st year students. The theme was "Food Culture in Osaka." The contents were summarized into a poster together with the American students, and a presentation was also given by all.
Teachers from other high schools also praised the discussion. It was good that our students demonstrated the results of their hard work.
Finally, at lunchtime we ate okonomiyaki together, which was one of the topics in the discussion on food culture.
This was really a valuable experience.
Thank you for your hard work.