International Partnership Thrives During Japanese Students’ Visit

During their visit, students immersed themselves in American school life by attending regular USCHS classes such as English language arts, social studies, art, band, theater arts and multiple world language courses. Although they noted that learning entirely in English could be challenging, many described the experience of joining live U.S. high school classes as both exciting and valuable.

“We truly appreciate the teachers who generously opened their classes to the students,” Chie Ramsey, USCHS exchange program coordinator and world language teacher, said.

The week included several cultural exchange activities designed to build friendships and mutual understanding. A favorite highlight for many was an after-school cooking session with Family & Consumer Science teacher Jessica Peconi, where the group learned to make Philadelphia cheesesteak sandwiches. For some of the visiting students, it was their first time cooking – and a delicious success.

USCHS Japanese language students prepared presentations to share information about Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh and Upper St. Clair. They said using their Japanese skills to connect with the visitors was rewarding and confidence-building.

“Students from both schools bonded quickly, and our students were proud to see how their hard work learning Japanese helped them connect so naturally with their visitors,” Ramsey said.

The visiting group also explored Pittsburgh – touring the University of Pittsburgh, visiting the Carnegie Museum of Natural History and spending time in Oakland. Throughout the week, they participated in several Global Education Week events at the high school and International Education Week at Fort Couch Middle School.

On Nov. 17, the exchange students visited Fort Couch, where they led lessons in basic Japanese greetings and self-introductions. They also taught fun vocabulary using a “Simon (Pikachu) Says” game and engaged students in a lively round of Japanese rock-paper-scissors.

Their final day on Nov. 18 was spent in the USCHS Language Lab. The guests hosted interactive cultural booths focused on greetings, bowing etiquette and writing names in Japanese characters. As a culminating activity, they delivered a presentation about their hometown, their school life, weekend activities and food culture in Japan.

The students said they were grateful to be part of Global Education Week and to build new friendships across cultures.

“As the exchange program coordinator, I extend my deepest gratitude to the host families whose generosity and warm support made this visit possible,” Ramsey said. “We also appreciate the tremendous help of the World Languages Department and the entire high school community.”

Ramsey, along with social studies teacher Matthew Martocci, will lead a return visit to Japan in summer 2026, when Upper St. Clair students will travel to MOIS as part of the district’s ongoing commitment to international education.

“We look forward to continuing this meaningful international partnership for years to come,” Ramsey said.