July 22 (Wednesday)
The day started with basketball in the morning, getting everyone’s bodies moving. Despite light rain, students encouraged one another and enjoyed the game with smiles on their faces.

Next was a class called “Henkan.” This is not a specific subject, but rather an educational program unique to SRI Pine Hills aimed at fostering students’ internal growth and character development. “Henkan” derives from the Japanese word meaning “transformation,” and emphasizes the importance of changing one’s actions and ways of thinking in a positive direction.

On this day, students engaged in environmental cleanup activities on the school grounds, including picking up trash and pulling weeds. Working together with buddies they had become quite close to, they were seen working enthusiastically and joyfully.

In the science class that followed, students attempted a fish dissection practical. Impressively, they approached the unfamiliar content without hesitation, working with keen interest and actively participating.

After school, a BBQ was held in the school courtyard. While grilling marshmallows and sausages, students actively communicated in English not only with their buddies but also with local students, and many instances of expanding the circle of exchange were observed.

July 23 (Thursday)
This day was spent resting at the hotel.
After several days of school life and living in an unfamiliar culture, signs of fatigue had begun to appear in the students. They spent a relaxed time and were able to refresh themselves both mentally and physically.
For dinner, they had Japanese food at a restaurant in the shopping mall adjacent to the hotel. Enjoying Japanese flavors for the first time in a while, students showed relieved expressions and spent a harmonious time together.
By getting sufficient rest, they were able to refresh their spirits for the school life that would resume the following day.