07/01/1997

Sometimes, the world seems too vast for us to truly comprehend all of its various parts. Only too often, the only information we can find on foreign countries is second-hand; through books, and other indirect sources. However, here at the Fukuoka Daiichi High School's Department of International Education, we understand that the only real way to overcome the cultural barriers of yesterday and achieve the kind of consciousness required for the global community of today is through direct, first-hand communication. To fulfill this need, we have created a setting where students from diverse backgrounds work together to achieve a true understanding that transcends all cultures. In this setting, you will learn to see yourself in a totally new way, and view the world from a completely different light.

The Department of International Education provides an opportunity for Japanese and overseas students to live and study alongside each other, right here in the city of Fukuoka. At any one time, there are approximately twenty students from English speaking countries throughout the world (presently Canada, United States, Australia and New Zealand), as well as over forty Japanese students living together in the Fukuoka Daiichi High School Guest House.

Every moment you spend at the Guest House will be an unforgettable experience. For Japanese students, the much needed opportunity to practice conversational English will be constantly available all around them. By sharing a room with a English-speaking roommate, simple everyday communication transforms itself into a enjoyable language laboratory. Besides becoming friends with people from all over the world, there will also be many opportunities to actually visit foreign countries, through school / self-organized excursions.

Overseas students on the other hand, will be fully immersed into philosophy, tradition, language and culture of Japan which is dramatically different than that of the Occident. Everyday will be a new and unique experience. For many, being away from home itself will be bewildering enough, let alone being in a country that is on the opposite side of their world. Especially without the knowledge of Japanese language, the first few weeks will be trying. However, the initial sense of "culture-shock" never lasts for long. In no time, the anxiousness will melt away as friendships form and difficulties become opportunities for invaluable insight.

At the Department of International Education of Fukuoka Daiichi High School, we offer a carefully structured multi-cultural environment for students to grow and learn. This is a wonderful opportunity to broaden your horizons and become better tuned to the global world of today. We hope to see you here at Fukuoka Daiichi High School soon.