Japanese Exchange

Japanese/Burris Student Exchange Program

Burris Laboratory School and Okazaki Primary School, Okazaki, Japan initiated the elementary student exchange program during the academic year 2003-04. The overall purpose of the program for each institution is to promote global learning in the early years of students' education. The exchange offers the opportunity for personal growth in many facets of cultural differences and similarities such as language, architecture, entertainment, food, customs, family life, and education.

Japanese students visit Muncie

In Fall 2003, twenty Japanese students and chaperones came to Muncie for a six day/seven night visit. Students stayed at Burris host family homes and participated as a family member. Monday through Wednesday mornings students spent with a particular classroom in groups of four. Exposure to typical Hoosier items such as popcorn, soy beans, apples, and pumpkins were some of the activities. Afternoons were spent participating in field trips. Students visiting Burris toured a soy bean farm, Wicks Pie Factory, Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame, Muncie Children's Museum. Thursday all visitors and Burris 4th and 5th graders participated in the annual grade 4 and 5 Olympic Day activities. A field trip to Indianapolis were the Eitlejorg, Indiana Historical Society, Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and the Imax Theater were toured prior to the visitors' overnight stay and preperation for departure Saturday morning.