City Manager

Sister City Relationships - 2012 Student Exchange with Handa, Japan

Photo Gallery of Students' Visit Below

Three students from Midland's sister city of Handa, Japan, visited Midland for a three-week exchange opportunity between July 23-Aug. 13.   Visiting students included Makoto Sakakibara, Satoko Shimizu, and Eriko Sakakibara.

While the students were in Midland, each lived with a total of three different host families for one week at a time. In addition to experiencing daily American life with their host families, the Handa high schoolers were treated to a variety of cultural, social, and educational group activities, including a tour of H. H. Dow High School, a Great Lakes Loons game, a kayaking/pontoon trip on Sanford Lake, an American-style picnic at Dow Gardens, tennis lessons at the Midland Community Tennis Center, and a farewell dinner at City Forest Chalet.

Look below for photos of the students' Midland visit.

Photo Images

Click on the thumbnails below to view larger images.

High School Life and Tennis: The students learn about Midland's H. H. Dow High School
and get a tennis lesson at Midland Community Tennis Center.

Good Ole' American Baseball! Makoto, Eriko and Satoko enjoy Midland's minor league baseball team, 
the Great Lakes Loons, getting the chance to throw out the first pitch before the game!

Second Week: New host families for Week 2 of the students' stay in Midland

First Week: Getting to know host families and life in America!

Welcome, Handa Students: Makoto, Eriko, and Satoko meet their host families for all three weeks, and enjoy an
American-style picnic, with Mayor Maureen Donker in attendance. (July 25, 2012)

Arrival: Makoto, Satoko, and Eriko touch down at MBS International Airport after a long flight from Central Japan International Airport.
Several host families greeted the students, who appeared rested and ready to enjoy America! (July 23, 2012)