Cultural Exchanges

Japanese Magnet Program students are given two cultural exchange opportunities, during the summer after fifth grade and during the eighth grade year. The program has formed relationships with several sister schools in Japan that help facilitate and host these exchanges as well as reciprocating with visits of their own to Portland.

5th Grade Cultural Exchange

Richmond JMP 5th grade students are given the opportunity to travel to Japan. Oya No Kai and the administration & staff of Richmond School feel that this experience is very beneficial to their language acquisition. Over the years, the JMP has formed lasting relationships with schools and cities in Japan. JMP students have the opportunity to visit these places at the end of their fifth grade year. This cultural exchange is an amazing experience celebrating years of hard work for both the students and their parents. (read more)

8th Grade Research Residency

This two week integrated academic cultural exchange to Japan in the spring provides 8th grade JMP students at Mt. Tabor Middle School the opportunity to utilize their language skills and cultural understandings to explore and conduct research in rural and urban areas of Hiroshima, Hyogo and Kyoto prefectures. (read more)

Sister Schools

Throughout the year students from several schools in Japan visit Portland. Oya No Kai coordinates home-stays and events for these visitors. Often these students are from schools that JMP students have visited during their 5th or 8th grade cultural exchange. (read more)