Hawaii Study Tour] Report!

Hello, this is Hikari from GLI staff.

Study tour on Oahu from 3/31-4/5Fourteen" students, ranging from 3rd grade elementary school students to 2nd grade high school students, participated in the program. Many of the students, who came from all over Japan, were abroad for the first time, and they learned a lot through the activities.

The purpose of the study tour is to,Hawaii is facing serious climate change and environmental problems, and solutions to those problems are being considered.Things to do.

In addition, unlike travel and sightseeing, GLI study tours require participants to take action on their own initiative for their own learning. The study tour participants were given a mindset of what to expect and were able to learn about the current situation in Hawaii through research before the trip.

First day of arrival

We visited the Bishop Museum to learn about Hawaiian history and values, and learned how the Hawaiian people have lived in harmony with nature.

On the road in front of the Hawaii State Office Building, which we visited next,"Trans Lives Matter."The demonstration was being held. Cars passing on the road honked their horns loudly one after another to show their approval.

To one of the demonstrators,"What do the colors of the flag mean? "A student asks the question.

I was told that the color blue, which is considered the color of boys, and the color pink, which is considered the color of girls, with white in between representing transgender and neutral people.

In addition, we stayed at the University of Hawaii at Manoa student dormitory this time. We were able to have meals in the same cafeteria as the local university students and catch a glimpse of the students' lives, and from the first day we were exposed to sights and culture that we could not see in Japan.

2nd day

Day 2,Tour activities by Dolphin University.

Nature guide Max (Max) will not only tell you about the marine ecosystem and its creatures,Lecture on issues facing HawaiiThey did the following.

He says that we are currently facing a period of mass extinction, that human activity is beginning to affect geological formations (Anthropocene), and that it is important for visitors to Hawaii to be responsible tourists.

(*What is Jinshinsei (人新世, Hito Shinsei)?A hypothetical geologic epoch following the Holocene, proposed as the beginning of the human impact on the Earth's geology and ecosystems.is).

During activities such as swimming and snorkeling with dolphins, even children who were afraid to go into the sea gathered courage and jumped, attracted by their surroundings! They looked into the beautiful ocean.

We are so lucky!We saw not only dolphins, sea turtles, and colorful fish, but also Humpback Whales (humpback whales) making their big leap called breaching!

In Study Tours,In addition to doing the activities, participants had time to share and reflect on what they felt and learned with each other.

'I see a lot of homeless people, but why?'

'I was surprised to see so much leftover food in the dorm cafeteria.'

'Don't they separate the garbage?'

As they share their findings in Hawaii and ask questions to Japanese university students studying there, such as "What are you doing in Hawaii?", they gradually decide on a presentation topic that they would like to explore.

3rd day

Day 3,Beach cleaning with Aloha Ocean Plus, a local non-profit organization based in Waimanalo Beach that conducts environmental conservation activitiesThe first time we did this, we found that the beach was full of microplastics. Even seemingly clean beaches are full of tiny plastic (microplastics).

Mr. Sekiguchi, the representative who is also a professional underwater photographer,The types of garbage and their impact, and the fact that a lot of plastic is coming from Japan.We spoke with them about the following

Students willingly asked questions of Mr. Sekiguchi and his staff about their chosen presentation topics and conducted research. The artwork they created from the microplastics they collected was unique.

Last day of activities

Last day,We learned more about the oceans at Sea Life Park.

After a lecture on Acidification (ocean acidification) and rising water temperatures, participants enjoyed feeding and touching sea turtles.

and now ...PresentationThe judges were present and asked for comments and questions. The atmosphere was tense, but the responses were excellent.

WHEREAS,Some of the presentation topics includeI will do so.

How to effectively use plastic waste

How to separate trash in Hawaii

Coral bleaching and its countermeasures

Homelessness and garbage

The following is a summary of the following information,Originality in combining your interests and incorporating real-life realizations.The following items were highly evaluated.The students worked on activities during the day and prepared their presentations in the evenings, and it was truly a great effort.

Each participant received a certificate of completion and an award as proof of having completed the study tour.

In addition to the Best Presentation Award, each student received an Award that suited his or her growth and individuality, such as leadership demonstrated in communal living or courage in taking on a challenge that could not be done.

Participant's Voice

From a student.

The tour made me want to learn more about environmental issues and gave me the confidence to communicate with people abroad."

My impression of foreign countries has changed dramatically for the better, and I have gained a lot of confidence in my ability to communicate in English abroad. I feel I was able to overcome my shyness. I feel that participating in the tour has opened up new avenues for my future."

I would recommend this program to others because I was able to meet people abroad who are working to solve environmental problems and actually participate in their activities."

It was a great opportunity to learn about environmental issues and to test my English skills."

From the parents.

'I am really glad I joined. From the preliminary study, to the procedures, to the follow-up during the tour, you were really sincere in your support. During the tour, they frequently shared photos with the parents, and we were able to wait for our daughter's return home with great peace of mind. My daughter was able to learn a lot by participating in the study tour and being exposed to different cultures and local issues with friends of different ages. My daughter wishes that we could have this kind of study tour every year. Thank you so much to the staff and teachers.

He is now more willing to go abroad and participate in extracurricular activities."

The first is the "M" in the "M".

The children explored topics of their own choosing through unique local experiences. We believe that the experience of actually using English in the Hawaiian environment has given the children confidence.

In GLI,We will continue to organize study tours overseas. Study tours to the U.K. and Hawaii are scheduled to be held in the summer.I am doing this.

We look forward to seeing you there. Thank you for taking the time to read our report.

GLI Staff Hikari