Smith visited

several Japanese schools, meeting with students and teachers. She learned

there are a number of differences between Japan's school system and Fayette's.

In Japan, school is conducted six days a week, the typical classroom has

around 40 students and students learn through memorization.

"Their

educational system is quite different from ours, but it is changing to

more closely resemble what we have," Smith said. "They are going

to reduce school days from six to five and they are going to start teaching

problem solving skills."

Other activities

included teaching a sample English lesson to Japanese students, a visit

to the American Embassy, a Japanese language lesson and several cultural

experiences such as a Japanese tea ceremony and Japanese poetry reading.

Smith got a

more personal treat when three of her former students traveled three hours

"I was

surprised that they traveled such a distance to see me," Smith said.

"It was wonderful to talk to them again and to know that they had

a great experience in my classroom during their stay in Fayette."

Smith, who

expects approximately 10 Japanese children in her class this year, said

she thinks the experience will help her relate better to those students.

"I came

away from my trip with a deeper appreciation for the Japanese people and

culture," Smith said. "I also have a better understanding of

the way of life that the Japanese child has prior to transferring to a

new country and school system, and I can empathize with them in their

lack of communication skills. I hope my experiences will enable me to

provide a smoother transition for those Japanese students who enter my

classroom."

Smith qualified

for the program by writing an essay explaining why she wanted to go to

Japan and how she would use what she learned in the classroom. The trip

was funded by several companies in Peachtree City including Fitel Technologies

Inc., Hoshizaki America Inc., Matsushita Communication Industrial Corporation

of U.S.A., Shinsei Corporation and TDK Electronics.

Other Fayette

teachers and administrators have participated in the program in the past,

including current Superintendent John DeCotis.