International Education and Exchange at Elementary School

This is a report of an experimental program for international education and exchange at the Elementary School of the Faculty of Education and the Center for International Students. The two educational institutions at Mie University attempt to develop in cooperation a sustainable program which suits the needs of elementary school children and also benefits the international students of the university who are learning the language and culture of Japan. The program is developed under the following conditions : 1） a group of international students visit the Elementary School three times per semester and share activities during lunch, free time, cleaning and one afternoon class with the same group of children, 2） program coordinators of the two institutions plan three steps of class activities in close communication and involve children and students in the processes of planning and evaluation as much as possible, and 3） the program is part of the course （Cross-Cultural Understanding and Adaptation） offered at the Center for International Students and is incorporated into the regular curriculum at the Elementary School. The report describes one of the programs for a social studies class of sixth graders who had stimulating discussions with the international students on the topics that involve differential values and perspectives，and examines the successful aspects of the program as well as the problems. Further, it evaluates the merits and limits of the program as opportunities for the international students to develop their language and self-management skills in cross-cultural situations