MMSU ties up with Japan high school for English communicative exchange

MARIANO Marcos State University (MMSU) Laboratory High School (LHS) forged ties with the Japan-based Takamatsu Commercial High School (TCHS) to strengthen the skills of students in the English language while fostering cultural appreciation.

TCHS, a leading English studies center in Japan, partnered with MMSU LHS Laoag for an English communicative exchange via Zoom on May 30, 2024.

During the virtual meeting, 62 Grade 12 senior high school students from MMSU LHS and TCHS exchanged insights about their countries’ culture, food, tourist spots and school activities.

The activity was facilitated by Prof. Jeanette Dials, MMSU chief of international faculty and student mobility.

MMSU College of Teacher Education alumnus Jim Christzer Pablo, now an English instructor at TCHS proposed the activity to expose his students to other nationalities and cultures aligning it with MMSU’s “The World Classroom” initiative.

According to Klien Zyrus De Jesus, a Grade 12 science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) adviser, the activity “fostered global friendships, enhanced critical thinking skills, and encouraged open-mindedness among students.”

“I hope there will be more communicative exchanges in the future, as they offer our learners an authentic way to interact with students from other countries,” De Jesus said.

Grade 12 STEM student Paul Crisologo said the communicative exchange provided an enriching experience.

He said their engagement with TCHS students gave them additional knowledge about Japanese culture.

“Although the time was limited and there were some language confusions, everyone enjoyed and did their best to communicate effectively,” he added.

MMSU said TCHS is set to have an activity with the students of MMSU LHS in Batac this year.