Academics
But they all agree on this: the visit has been a great orientation to American culture, it has improved their English skills, and prepared them for college this fall.
And, they say, each person they’ve met has been very welcoming.
The visitors have included more than 20 Japanese students who arrived June 26 from the Sakae Institute for Pitt State’s Summer Success Program.
“We are doing this to help us prepare for enrolling in universities this fall,” said Sonya, who is from Tokyo.
They’ve been living in the residence halls, attending daily academic classes on campus, and have gotten a taste of American culture with visits to Silver Dollar City, Crystal Bridges Art Museum, the Kansas City Plaza, Root Coffeehouse, the Bicknell Family Center for the Arts, and the Pittsburg Aquatic Center.
Some students with an interest in automotive technology visited the Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Technician Training Center. Others checked out a 1924 Rolls Royce brought to campus by a community member.
“I have never been to the United States. I wanted to practice my English and get used to the culture,” Sonya said. “I also have not lived away from my parents or in dorm life, so this gives me independence.”
Seira, from Shizuoka (home to Mt. Fuji), said every day has been full of surprises, including the “amount of nature and wildlife” he has seen here – including squirrels!
“I feel like now I understand American life more,” he said.
They’ll be in Pittsburg through Aug. 8.
A group of 11 visitors from Hoka Elements in Taiwan arrived June 29 for Pitt State’s English and Culture Program. They, too, have been staying in residence halls and have participated in some of the same activities as the Japanese students. They’ll be on campus through Aug. 3.
The Taiwanese group was organized by a Pitt State graduate from Taiwan, Y-Ling Yolinda Chen (HRD ‘05), and her niece Joyce has been leading the group. She even brought along a stuffed gorilla that Chen purchased 20 years ago when she was a student here.
Next up: 23 students from Tokyo Technical College will arrive on Aug. 11 and be on campus through Aug. 23.
For Pitt State International Recruiter & Communication Coordinator Stuart Zizzo, who has traveled in Japan and now is helping to serve as an on-campus host, it has been fun to interact with the visiting students and learn their perspectives.
Group leaders have been Enzo Basso, a Pitt State student from Brazil, and Aika, a student from Japan who attends school at another Kansas university. A few students from South Africa who speak French have helped serve as language tutors, and a few students from Sri Llanka, Brazil, and Bangladesh have been part of the mix.
“It’s been a true cultural exchange for most of the summer, and it’s been wonderful,” Zizzo said.
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