MUNCIE, Ind. – Japanese youngsters visit their American counterparts at Burris Laboratory School here next week in the only exchange program in the U.S. limited solely to elementary school students.

Fifth-graders from both nations will learn about a new culture, language, geography and international relationships, said Danette Morrell, a Burris instructor and exchange program team member.

"Eventually, it should change the way students look at the world," Morrell said. "This prepares them for international travel, helps them overcome prejudice, exposes them to a completely different culture and helps them to understand geography.

"It makes them better citizens of the world," she said. "They'll understand that while people live in different countries in another part of the world, they are not that much different." The group of 20 fifth grade students from are Okasaki, a laboratory school of 1,000 students located at Aichi University near Tokyo.

Students and teachers from Burris, the state's only laboratory school and affiliated with Ball State University, plan to travel to Japan next March.

During the week, Japanese students will participate in class activities, share cultural experiences, attend pizza parties, visit a soybean farm and visit area historical and museums sites. Students will live with local families during their stay.

Despite the language barriers, it takes just a few moments for youngsters to make friends, Morrell said.

"This is the perfect age for such an exchange because youngsters completely understand play," she said. "Boys quickly understand football and other sports. All you need to know is 'high five' and 'touchdown.'

"For girls, it takes a little longer because they are more verbally oriented. They work communications through cooking and crafts. It doesn't take long for them to become close friends."

Japanese students may have some difficulties with the American school system. Burris does not require uniforms, classroom are less crowded, and technology is abundant.

"The kids and teachers are just amazed when they see all our computers at Burris," Morrell said.

By Marc Ransford, Communications Manager

(NOTE TO EDITORS: For more information, contact Morrell at dmorrel@bsu.edu or at (765) 285-1131.)