0

Organization	Kizuna Across Cultures
Region	United States
Website	Website
Facebook	Facebook
Twitter	@Twitter
ProjectLeader	Ayako Smethurst

DONATE

Traditional foreign language learning that lacks opportunities for communication with foreigners and the prohibitive cost of international travel continues to limit students' ability to engage in international exchange. Our Global Classmates program connects thousands of high school students in the U.S. and Japan online for a language and cultural exchange and turns them into lifetime cultural explorers who not only strengthen ties between the U.S. and Japan, but solve global issues together.

Challenge

Learning a foreign language is the first step for students to explore different cultures and ideas, foster international friendship, and grow a global mindset. However, traditional foreign language learning often lacks opportunities for communication with native speakers of that language. Ideally, international experiences would be a mainstay for all students; however, the cost of international travel continues to limit students' engagement in these transformative educational exchanges.

Long-Term Impact

International exchange can transform one-time language learners into lifetime cultural explorers. Our social media environment and integration with school systems allows us to provide this experience to thousands of students every year. Our program enhances cultural awareness and language ability while developing a love of learning languages. We aim to cultivate a future generation of leaders who not only strengthen ties between the U.S. and Japan, but solve global issues together.