LOS ALAMITOS, Calif. — On Nov. 28, 2025, Johoku High School arrived at LAX, marking the beginning of their seven-day stay in the United States. 40 Japanese students, part of the global program at JHS, embarked on a trip to explore American culture and school life abroad.
The first day in America, students visited spots in Los Angeles like the Dodgers Stadium, In-N-Out and farmers’ markets. Their stay in LA was an amazing chance to learn about the diverse city and share holiday cheer.
On Saturday, students spent half of the day in Chinatown and Beverly Hills. It was a great chance to learn about the communities that California has to offer. Around 3:30 p.m., the homestay program began. Host families and students met each other, their host families, and departed to experience living in an American household. For some students, this was their first time meeting, and for others, they reunited after Los Alamitos High School students visited JHS this past June.
Over the weekend, the exchange students did various activities with their host families. Some visited famous beaches, went shopping, toured famous parts of California like the Angels Stadium and experienced American home life. The experiences gained from their time with their host families were pivotal in learning about American culture.
“My student hosted me when I went to Japan. It was amazing to reconnect with her again and share the similarities and differences in our cultures,” said Wendy Landeros, a LAHS senior.
The students from Japan had prepared various presentations about Japanese culture, like school life, food, games and snow festivals. Students presented in groups, two or three times a day in multiple classrooms, educating Los Alamitos students and bridging cultures between Japan and America.
“It was a fun experience to show them around the school. It was fun to connect with common interests we both shared,” said Sophie Parcon, an LAHS senior who hosted a student.
A farewell party was hosted for Johoku and LAHS students the day before their departure. Students enjoyed cake and got to socialise with each other. On Friday, Dec. 5, tearful goodbyes were exchanged between students and host families. Every student gained a wonderful experience in not only learning about each other’s culture, but also gaining a lifelong friendship.
