Celebrating 50 years of lifelong connections and learning.
Welcome to the journey of cultural exchange between Nathan Hale High School in Seattle, Washington, and our friends across the Pacific in Naha, Japan.
Since 1975, this unique program has provided connections transcending borders and forged friendships that last a lifetime. The mission of this site is to document this fantastic program as we celebrate our 50th anniversary and help shape continued growth into the future.
Two cities. Two schools. Two cultures.
The Nathan Hale High School and Naha Senior High School exchange was initiated just three years after Okinawa's historical return to Japan in 1972. This student exchange symbolizes reconciliation and understanding, bridging the gap between nations that once found themselves on opposing sides of a war. More than a mere educational venture, it's a testament to the power of cultural immersion and language learning, a celebration of diversity, and a journey that has shaped the perspectives of students, families, and classrooms.
The exchange program impacts the entire student body, not just the students traveling or hosting. Exchange students participate in classrooms, assemblies, and school events. All language students can have deeper immersion and practice with visiting Japanese or American students in their classrooms. Exchange students give presentations and performances, which have become yearly events that shape the respective school cultures.
Chaperons have developed a teacher community over the years with a dinner for past, current, and future chaperons that happens with each visit. Building connections between cultures and the bond of international travel with a group of teenagers, our teachers take a new perspective into their classroom for all to benefit.
The next exchange.
In the winter, Nathan Hale families open their homes to Naha students, and in the summer, Hale students embark on an adventure to Naha, Japan. The students regularly have video chats throughout the year to work on their language skills, prepare for the trips, and get to know one another.
Nathan Hale has a Naha club that meets once a week at lunch. Students from past, current, and future trips or students interested in discovering more are welcome to attend. Follow our adventures on Instagram.
The NHHS/NAHA community.
Explore our NHHS/NAHA student exchange stories section's rich tapestry of experiences woven over four decades. Here, we gather and showcase the remarkable tales of friendship, cultural exploration, and personal growth that have defined the Nathan Hale and Naha exchange program since its inception in 1975.
Support the exchange.
Do you have a connection to a unique experience for our students as we share the beautiful PNW? Would your organization like to become one of our cultural sponsors? Please help us share all that makes Seattle wonderful.
Sponors:
