By Matthew R. Vera Cruz, Contributor

To strengthen students' English language skills and foster cultural appreciation, Takamatsu Commercial High School (TCHS), a leading English studies center in Japan, partnered with Mariano Marcos State University Laboratory High School (MMSU LHS) Laoag for an English communicative exchange via Zoom on Thursday, May 30.

Sixty-two Grade 12 Senior High School students from MMSU LHS Laoag and students from TCHS exchanged insights about their countries’ culture, food, tourist spots, and school activities. Prof. Jeanette Dials, MMSU chief of international faculty and student mobility, facilitated the activity.

Aligned with MMSU’s “The World Classroom” initiative, Mr. Jim Christzer Pablo, an English instructor at TCHS and MMSU CTE alumnus, proposed the activity to expose his students to other nationalities and cultures.

Meanwhile, Mr. Klien Zyrus De Jesus, Grade 12 STEM adviser, highlighted that 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,” he said.

When asked about his thoughts on the activity, Paul Crisologo, a Grade 12 STEM student, emphasized that the communicative exchange provided an enriching experience.

"Our engagement with the students from TCHS gave me 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.

TCHS is set to have a separate activity with MMSU LHS Batac students this year.