USJ-R SHS and Japanese Students Bridge Cultures Through Language and Games
The University of San Jose-Recoletos Senior High School (USJ-R SHS) recently hosted a vibrant cultural and educational exchange, bringing together Filipino and Japanese students for a week of learning and camaraderie. From January 6 to 11, 2026, the school launched the 14th wave of its English Language Learning Program (ELLP) in partnership with Sapporo Kiyota High School from Japan, fostering global connections right on campus.
Language Learning with Heart and Dedication
In collaboration with the Language, Media, and Communication (LMC)–English Cluster, 27 Japanese students immersed themselves in English language instruction. Maria Fatima Pareja, a Science Cluster teacher who took on the role of mentor, shared her journey of growth through this experience. "English was not my forte," she admitted, but the challenge of teaching students with limited English proficiency motivated her deeply. Pareja often prepared as early as 3 a.m., studying modules to ensure effective lessons. "Along the way, it's not easy to teach them because... they have zero knowledge when it comes to English," she said, highlighting the resilience required. Through discussions with her Japanese students, she found personal and professional enrichment, learning to love her job even more.
Cultural Immersion Through Traditional Filipino Games
On January 8, the Student Cultural Immersion Program took center stage, with SHS Josenians and their Japanese counterparts engaging in lively traditional Filipino games. Activities included:
- Doctor Kwak Kwak
- Jumping rope
- Jackstone
- Dampa, a game using rubber bands and hands
Grade 11 student Marie Medija described the event as meaningful, as Josenians served as mentors, introducing the games to their Japanese buddies. "It was fun because we also became mentors at the same time, since they had no idea what the game was, and then, of course, they enjoyed it as well," she said. Medija added that while the games were familiar to local students, sharing them with international participants made the experience special and memorable, creating bonds across cultures.
Homestay Program Deepens Cultural Understanding
Beyond classroom learning, the Japanese students participated in the Homestay Program Wave 2.0, co-spearheaded by the SHS Parents-Teachers Association (PTA). This initiative allowed them to experience Filipino culture firsthand by staying with local families. Kennyon Andaya, who hosted students Kudai and Shiro, found the experience fulfilling. "It made me also see the side of Japanese culture as well, and getting to know them more in person means really meaningful to me," he expressed in a mix of English and Cebuano. Andaya took pride in showcasing Filipino culture and Cebu's key destinations, and he noted that the connections formed have endured, with ongoing chats even after the students returned to Japan.
Behind the ELLP: A Vision for Global Competence
According to Student Activity Program Coordinator Zyra Marie Arce, the ELLP, established in 2024 in partnership with Joho Japan and EduWorld, aims to enhance English proficiency among Japanese students while promoting friendship and cultural exchange. "I believe it's also one way to help our Japanese students get to know our culture better so that they can be well-adjusted, and also one way to develop their communication skills with local students," Arce explained. She emphasized that the program benefits Josenians as well, offering them a sense of global competence without needing to travel far. Now in its 14th wave, the ELLP continues to expand opportunities for collaboration, cultural exchange, and global learning, strengthening ties between the Philippines and Japan.
