Self-Discovery Program ― Studying abroad
Students in their first year of high school choose one of five elective school trips either overseas or in Japan. They learn alternative ways of thinking and problem solving and develop a broader vision through understanding the global community and how it operates. This stands them in good stead as they work together to grapple with problems in the local community.
Okinawa Course
In this course, we explore the battlefields of southern Okinawa to reflect on the effects of war and deepen our resolve to pursue peace.
At Iejima we stay with local families in order to experience real Okinawa island life, working alongside a host family in cafeteria work or farming activities.
Hiroshima Kansai Course
In this course, we visit Hiroshima where we listen to a lecture talk given by a World War Ⅱ A-bomb survivor about their experiences, and read the peace declaration at Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, followed by a visit to Kyoto where we can experience Zen meditation and the traditional craftswork of Kyoto. These experiences deepen our understanding and our value of Japanese history and culture. We also meet students from a local SGH high school in Hiroshima to exchange ideas.
Vietnam Course
In this course, we visit the War Remnants Museum to fully recognize the disastrous effects of the Vietnam War. In addition, we do volunteer reforestation tree planting in order to conserve and revitalize a mangrove forest which suffered serious damage during the war. Also, we hold a cultural exchange program with local students in a Japanese language school.
Malaysia Course
In this course, we visit a village in the countryside and take a nature walk to immerse ourselves in the natural environment. This deepens students’ awareness of the importance of protecting our planet.
Australia Course
We visit museums and other cultural places in major cities such as Melbourne and Sydney to learn about the cultural diversity in Australia’s multicultural society.
In addition, through a hands-on farming experience during our farm stay we learn up close about agriculture in Australia which plays an important role in this country’s economy.
Preparation Research / Presentation
We conduct group work to learn about each place we visit, immersing ourselves in various opportunities such as interviews, group discussion, and display preparatory research presentations at Showa Festival, utilizing integrated study classes and off-campus school retreats. With this study, we learn the features of the country or region, find problems people face there, and enhance our awareness of social issues which make us realize how to fulfill our social responsibilities.
