Destination Education feasible

Visiting academic researcher Shinzo Shimabukuro from Japan expressed optimism that CNMI’s plans to promote the islands as an educational destination stands a chance in luring Japanese high school students into exposure trips to the Northern Marianas.

Mr. Shimabukuro, in a dialogue with Northern Marianas College Alumni Relations Director Tony Deleon Guerrero, said the proposal is a very promising move for the CNMI.

“I have never heard about this program between this area and Okinawa. This is the first time that we’re being introduced to this. . . and it seems feasible. It may even be a good idea to involve faculty members in the program. I, myself, would be interested to stay here for a semester or so,” said the professor from the University of Ryukyus in Okinawa.

Mr. Shimabukuro then invited Mr. Guerrero to visit Japan to explore the possibilities in other Japanese schools and universities.

But the college has already arranged plans to send a representative to Japan next month to conduct talks with University of Ryukyus’ officials on its proposed sister-school agreement with the institution.

NMC, for its part, has initiated moves to establish a sister-school relationship with Japan’s national university in efforts to promote student-teacher interaction, as well as foster educational and advancement activities.

Meanwhile, Destination Education is a government-initiated project designed to integrate both education and tourism by tapping Japanese high school students to conduct exposure trips in the Northern Marianas.

“In Okinawa, we have a human resources department agency that deals with young people who want to go abroad. . . to the US, Australia, and other English-speaking countries,” said Mr. Shimabukuro.

The Okinawan agency links abroad-bound student applicants to various travel education programs, he added.

The professor added CNMI leaders can start by offering programs such as student and faculty exchange between schools, homestay, and others.

According to the steering committee, some 500 Japan private schools hold yearly educational excursions to different countries such as Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Canada, Hawaii, and the mainland US.

“Saipan really has a lot of potential because we are part of the U.S. plus we’re a tropical destination and we are only three hours away. We are trying to work with airlines and travel agencies to offer Saipan as an educational tour option. And we can try to combine fun and education at the same time for these students. I can see that this would also benefit us,” said Mr. Guerrero.

One of the program’s highlights is exposing students to CNMI’s breathtaking scenery while working on their English language skills.

Preliminary plans, according to Mr. Guerrero, may involve CNMI’s lone college to provide non-English speaking Japanese students with lessons in the language through its intensive English Language Learning which is especially convenient for students from the Asia Pacific Rim.