Saipan Mayor’s Office hosts youth summer exchange program

The Saipan Mayor’s Office recently hosted students from Japan who arrived for a weeklong exchange visit on island. At the beginning of their trip, the students met with Saipan Mayor Ramon B. “RB” Camacho who welcomed them to Saipan and encouraged to actively learn and gain new experiences to share with friends and family back home.

For the duration of their visit, participants of the KSKK Youth Exchange students lived with local host families to introduce them to the customs and lifestyles of our islands. The students took part in a wide variety of fun and educational activities such as a historical tour around Saipan, a visit to the NMI Museum, and the Joeten-Kiyu Public Library. They even put on a small performance for our man’amko at the Office of Aging Center. Fun activities included swimming at Mañagaha Island and Saipan World Resort and being treated to a local style dinner menu at their farewell party.

Some host families shared their experiences with their “new sons and daughters.”

Sandy Deleon Guerrero, a parent of three girls and a boy, said this was her third time hosting Japanese exchange students. “The enjoyment and benefits of having a Japanese exchange student are different every time. These kids are willing to learn and try anything about our culture, customs, and how we live on a daily basis and bonding with the parents and kids throughout their stay. You don’t need to buy them expensive things and feed them extravagant food. They are really simple and like the same thing any kid their age would like and do.”

Jodina Attao, who is CEO at NMTech, said this is her second time hosting exchange students.

“Hosting foreign exchange students in our household allows my children to get out of their comfort zone. It is an opportunity to learn about the Japanese culture, language and perspective that helps our kids foster greater understanding and appreciation for our historical relationship with Japan; and provides a unique and enriching experience for both our family and the student.”

Attao also explained some benefits. “It brings fresh energy and new traditions into our home that lead to lifelong friendships and connections with a sense of community. It is our way of impacting a young person’s life while creating memories and meaningful relationships that also contribute to the economic growth of the CNMI.”

The Saipan Mayor’s Office International Exchange Program offers a unique opportunity for cultural exchange and a chance to build relationships beyond borders. Those who are interested in sponsoring may contact the Saipan Mayor’s Office at (670)234-6208, visit our website at saipanmayor.cnmi.gov, or email htenorio@mos.gov.mp for more details.

For any questions or more information, contact the Saipan Mayor’s Office at (670) 234-6208. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 7:30am-4:30pm. The Saipan Mayor’s Office is also open through lunch. (PR)