Sister city exchange with Portland, USA

Sapporo municipal high school students and Portland Grant High School students exchange program

The exchange program between Sapporo municipal high schools and Grant High School in Portland began in 2012 with the aim of promoting friendship and goodwill among high school students in the two sister cities, as well as fostering the development of youth. Since then, more than 250 high school students from both cities have participated in this program, visiting each other and gaining valuable experiences through interactions with a wide range of people.

The first exchange took place in January 2012, when five students from Grant High School visited Sapporo. They stayed with host families of students attending Sapporo municipal high schools and went to school together. Through interaction with local citizens, they deepened their understanding of Japanese culture and worked to improve their Japanese language skills.

On the other hand, the student dispatch from Sapporo to Portland began in March 2014, through collaboration between the Principals Board of Sapporo Municipal High Schools and Special Needs Schools, and Sapporo International Communication Plaza Foundation. With support from the Portland-Sapporo Sister City Association, the Oya No Kai in Portland, and Grant High School, 21 high school students visited Portland.

Although in-person exchanges were suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic, the bond between the two cities was maintained through online exchanges. In 2023, the Sapporo Summer Institute for Grant High School students resumed for the first time in four years. Furthermore, in March 2025, the student dispatch from Sapporo resumed after a six-year hiatus.

Outline of the Sapporo Municipal High School students and Portland Grant High School students exchange program(in Japanese only)

Memorandum of Understanding Between Oya No Kai, the Principals Board of Sapporo Municipal High Schools and Special Needs Schools, Portland-Sapporo Sister City Association, and Sapporo International Communication Plaza Foundation Regarding Student Exchange Programs

In October 2019, marking the 60th anniversary of the sister city relationship with Portland, a memorandum of understanding was signed among the four hosting organizations to ensure the smooth operation and continued enrichment of the exchange programs.

　The signatories to the memorandum of understanding　

　◇Oya No Kai in Portland (Portland)　◇The Principals Board of Sapporo Municipal High Schools and Special Needs Schools  (Sapporo)

　◇Portland-Sapporo Sister City Association (Portland)    ◇Sapporo International Communication Plaza Foundation (Sapporo)

The Sapporo municipal high school students dispatch program to Portland

Every March, 16 high school students selected from Sapporo municipal high schools visit Portland for 10 days. While staying with host families, they attend classes at Grant High School and engage in a range of activities, including exchanges with students at local elementary and middle schools as well as volunteer work. Through these activities, they encounter diversity and develop a global perspective.

The students travel to Portland afterreceiving five pre-departure training sessions. Upon returning to Japan, they present their research findings based on the themes they chose during their stay in Portland.

Comments from the 2024 Participants

"I learned how fun it is to interact with people from different countries, languages and cultures!"

"I have acquired the ability to think and act on my own without relying on others."

"I realized the world is big when I found out Americans live like we do."

"I can now explore my interests without being afraid of making mistakes."

"I realized that itis more important to enjoy communication with others than to speak English well."

Support the Sapporo municipal high school students dispatch program to Porltand

Due to the recent depreciation of the yen and the rising cost of overseas travel, participation fees for the program have become extremely high. In order to reduce the financial burden on students, the Sapporo International Communication Plaza Foundation is seeking donations. We kindly ask for your support so that high school students can continue to have valuable learning opportunities abroad.

　Donations on the Sapporo municipal high school students dispatch program to Portland.(in Japanese only)

　Click her to make a donation.(in Japanese only)

Sapporo Summer Institute for students from Grant High School, Portland

Each year in June and July, 16 students from Grant High School in Portland visit Sapporo. During their stay, they stay with host families and attend municipal high schools in Sapporo, where they participate in classes and school events while learning about the Japanese language and culture. Through various exchange activities, including events planned by the Grant students to connect with local high school students, many meaningful interactions take place every year.