Every year, several Japanese students travel thousands of miles from home to experience American culture. As they explore new things and gain new perspectives on the world, these young learners also share their traditional Japanese customs with the American schools they visit. It can often be a little scary — being in a new country and not speaking the same language — but it’s also an amazing opportunity for growth and connection.

Hughson High School has been hosting students from the Kyoto University of Advanced Science High School and Junior High for 25 years. Mrs. Ruelas has been the host coordinator for the past 15 years. “The families that host always enjoy having the Japanese students so much. They tell me that it’s one of the best experiences they’ve had at the high school,” she said.

I was able to interview two of the exchange students who joined my history class for the day. Their names were Rilcu and Rindo, and they stayed with Hughson student Julian Whiteside during their visit. They both play baseball, and their favorite team is the Dodgers. When I asked who their favorite player was, they both said Yoshinobu Yamamoto. Although we live in different parts of the world, we’re not as different as we might think.