Japanese high school students join members of the Fly Fishing Club of Fredonia at a pond near Spoden Road in Fredonia.

The International Pathway Program at the State University of New York at Fredonia welcomed 14 high school students from Japan for a cultural exploration/learning experience in July that included attending classes in academic English and exploring Western New York.

Juniors and seniors from Yachiyo Shoin High School visited Greystone Nature Preserve, Fredonia Farmers Market, the 1891 Fredonia Opera House Performing Arts Center, Dunkirk Lighthouse, Point Gratiot, Barker Commons during the Music in the Park series and the Music on the Pier series in Dunkirk. A tour of Amish countryside was also included, as were fly tying and fishing.

Campus experiences included a nature walk led by Department of Biology Lecturer Patricia Noel, an African drumming lesson by SUNY Distinguished Professor Kay Stonefelt and an introduction to university libraries by Research and Information Literacy Services Librarian Christina Hilburger. In-class presentations were given by Department of Communication Associate Professor Mike Igoe, on public speaking; Assistant Director of Admissions Jessica Gatto, on choosing and applying to attend U.S. universities; and Academic Advising staff, on student success.

A current SUNY Fredonia student led the visitors on a tour of the campus, another student conducted a dance lesson, while a third SUNY Fredonia student from Japan who was home on summer break greeted the visitors via Zoom.

“We hope this will be the first of many more summer camps with Yachiyo Shoin High school,” said Robyn Halicki, assistant director, ESL and International Pathways Program.

The visit was coordinated with a SUNY Fredonia partner university, Kanda University of International Studies.

In the fall, SUNY Fredonia will welcome two Kanda University students for a semester of study. Administrators from both universities are working on an exchange of college students.