Goddard Welcomes Japanese Students From Sister City

For most, it was their first time in the United States, but in between trips to Disneyland, Knotts Berry Farm and the mountains, the students of Moka Higashi Junior High got to see what Glendora schools are all about.

Twenty-two Japanese students visited Glendora during a weeklong stay with host families in the city. The group from Glendora’s sister city of Moka, Japan toured Goddard Middle School and accompanied students to their classes this week before heading home Thursday.

The visit was part of a 21-year-old program that has brought students to both Glendora  and Moka, Japan as part of an international cultural exchange.

According to Michael Summers, coordinator of the Sister City Program, a group of Goddard Middle School students will be sent to Moka, Japan next summer in July.

The group also included adult chaperones from Moka Higashi Junior High. Of the many activities the group did during their stay included bowling, touring theme parks, and watching a Glendora High School football game.

“They never watched American football before,” said Summers. “They thought that was pretty interesting.”

Another thing that surprised Glendora’s Japanese visitors?

“The portions of food seemed a lot bigger here than in Japan,” said Summers.