Since 1951, YFU has sent students worldwide to promote intercultural understanding, lifelong learning and global competence. The Japan exchange program provided the students with a valuable opportunity to experience Japanese culture and education while representing their school and community.

Beyond the knowledge and experiences the two (2) participants gained, the program was especially meaningful as it further instilled in them the values of empathy, curiosity, and respect. One of Arianna’s most unforgettable experiences was her immersion in the Japanese High School. It was there she learned the importance of a clean environment, discovering that the daily act of maintaining her classroom was less about chores and more about cultivating humility and discipline. Despite the initial language barrier, she found that connection transcends words where she built meaningful, lasting relationships with her classmates. “The three-week cultural exchange program was a journey of transformation and learning. I returned home with more confidence, independence, and open-mindedness because I was able to see the world from a completely different perspective,” shares Arianna.  

To know more about Arianna’s journey, click to read: https://www.dlszobel.edu.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/YFU-Experience-in-Japan_Arianna-Carandang.pdf

It was truly a transformative experience for both of them. Maxine also shared, “the journey did not merely change my surroundings; it changed me. Somewhere between the chilly air, the  unfamiliar streets, and the uncertain days, I found a version of myself that was braver, more confident, and more open.” She learned that respect is best shown through simple, intentional gestures like bowing and greeting others at the start of the day. Furthermore, she discovered the value of hard work in diligently completing homework and the quiet patience required to endure the daily commute from one place to another. 

To know more about Maxine’s journey, click to read: https://www.dlszobel.edu.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/YFU-Experience-in-Japan-MaxineTomas-For-DLSZ.docx.pdf

The school celebrates their participation and growth through this program. This cultural immersion experience will continue to have a lasting impact in their academic and personal journeys.