International Virtual Exchange with Shiga, Japan

Having fun exchanging self-introduction videos and school life on three Zoom video conferencing sessions with The Affiliated High School of Shiga University, Japan

 

Takashi and I shared the same passion: getting students to feel the need and fun of using English. We planned on conducting these three sessions at the end of last semester, and without a doubt, our hard work paid off. I got positive feedback from the homeroom teachers and the students. They were already looking forward to having the next one.

 

Self-introduction Video Exchange

 

We were impressed by the self-introduction videos by Takashi's students. They filmed on their cellphones around the campus, so we got to see many different spots in the school. Also, with their face masks off, the videos were a lot more enjoyable to watch.

 

Thanks to Alex’s help, his students also managed to make some even though the first midterm was around the corner. I would encourage the other two classes to do the same after the exam.   

 

School Life

 

The Japanese students talked about their school lunch, sports festivals, club activities, university visits, and so on. We did pretty much the same here, with some groups introducing their favorite Japanese anime, like Free and Slam Dunk. With the screen sharing feature, students from both sides can guess what their counterparts were saying with the PowerPoint presentations. 

 

I’d always enjoy making exchange sessions as interactive as possible. By asking follow-up questions, even the goofy ones, such as “Can you show us how you do the clean-ups after lunch in Japan?” Or, asking a handsome boy about what type of girl he likes would usually do the trick.

 

A bit of talent show also helps motivate students to identify with online exchange sessions. The idea is to create a vibe of making friends, instead of pushing them to speak English with strangers. For example, one Taiwanese student who did some Taekwondo moves left such a positive comment after the class, saying “I was so nervous, but I also enjoyed it a lot.”

 

Class Observation

 

A panel of judges from the Taichung Teachers’ Union came and observed the third session for a competition. I got nominated by my school and submitted a thirty-page long report, bragging about how much I’ve been contributing to the school with the projects and competitions related to English teaching and international education. My goal remained the same: getting students to have fun using English and getting to know each other.

 

Students’ Feedback

 

“When presenting and speaking English, we were so nervous, and so are the Japanese students.”

“It was so much fun because I learned about the Japanese school lunch, club activities, and their sports festivals.”

“I envy them for having club activities from Mondays to Fridays.”

“I’m looking forward to our next virtual exchange with another Japanese school this May.”

“I was extremely nervous. The Japanese students speak with an accent, and that made me relieved.”