Bridging Cultures, Building Friendships: Japanese Students Visit Aug Prep South

For more than 20 years, Alexander Durtka has been involved with Milwaukee’s Sister Cities program, helping foster international relationships and cultural exchange. As part of the delegation’s visit, Milwaukee’s Sister Cities representatives hoped to provide the students with an immersive academic and cultural experience at an American high school.

With the help of Colleen Cheney-Trawinski, president of Cream City South Community Development Corporation and a longtime partner of Aug Prep, the group found a welcoming place to experience a day in the life of an Aug Prep student.

The delegation arrived at Aug Prep South at 8:15 a.m., where they were welcomed by Ms. Tiffany, Head of Schools, and Ms. Alamo, South Outreach Director. After an introduction to the day’s schedule, the students toured the middle and high school buildings alongside their translator, Daniel, who has supported the delegation for more than 20 years.

Each visiting student was then paired with one of seven Aug Prep high school student ambassadors of a similar age. Together, they attended classes, explored the school, and experienced the daily routines of American high school students.

Aug Prep South welcomed seven students, ages 16–17, from Chiba, Japan, for a day of cultural exchange as part of Milwaukee’s Sister Cities program. The delegation arrived October 3 for a weeklong visit, staying with local Serbian community host families alongside three chaperones.

During their visit to Aug Prep, the students experienced classes including Algebra II, AP U.S. History, Bible, ceramics, physical education, and anatomy and physiology, where some participated in a hands-on dissection lesson. They also received Aug Prep swag bags representing both campuses.

Although the visiting students spoke limited English and Aug Prep students did not speak Japanese, they connected through shared experiences and curiosity. Christopher, an Aug Prep sophomore who is half Mexican and half Japanese, was especially excited to connect with the delegation. Having studied Japanese since fifth grade, he welcomed the opportunity to practice his language skills and connect with his family’s roots in Okinawa, Japan.

An important part of the visit was a cultural lunch featuring Mexican food, celebrating another part of Milwaukee’s rich cultural diversity. The meal included tacos, rice, beans, guacamole, salsa, chips, Jarritos, and pumpkin-shaped conchas.

The lunch offered another opportunity for the students to experience the cultures represented within the Aug Prep community while enjoying a meal together.

To conclude their visit, the Japanese delegation shared a special performance for Aug Prep’s lower and upper elementary students. The visiting students, who participate in dance in Japan, performed two routines featuring avant-garde and traditional cultural dance styles.

More than 400 Aug Prep students gathered to watch the performance, creating an exciting conclusion to a day centered on learning, cultural appreciation, and community. The performance allowed the visiting students to share a meaningful part of their own culture while introducing younger Aug Prep students to traditions from across the world.

The cultural exchange continued beyond Aug Prep’s campus. The Serbian community invited Aug Prep staff and students to attend a special celebration at Serb Hall honoring the seven students visiting from Chiba, Japan, through Milwaukee’s Sister Cities program. The event brought together community members to celebrate the delegation’s visit and the international relationships that make cultural exchange possible. A state senator was also in attendance, highlighting the significance of the occasion.

The Serbian community wanted Aug Prep students and staff to experience the celebration firsthand, offering another opportunity to learn about Milwaukee’s diverse communities and the connections that bring people together across cultures.

The visit from Chiba was about more than experiencing a new school or attending classes in another country. It was an opportunity for students to learn from one another, celebrate their differences, and discover the connections they share.

At Aug Prep, we believe that meaningful relationships and a strong sense of community help students grow both inside and outside the classroom. Welcoming the Chiba delegation provided a valuable opportunity to put those values into action by creating space for cultural exchange, curiosity, and friendship.

We are grateful to Milwaukee’s Sister Cities representatives, Colleen Cheney-Trawinski, the Serbian community, and everyone who helped make this visit possible. Most importantly, we are thankful to the students from Chiba and our Aug Prep student ambassadors for approaching the experience with openness, enthusiasm, and a willingness to connect.

Although the delegation’s visit lasted only one day at Aug Prep, we hope the friendships formed and the memories shared will continue to grow for years to come.

At Aug Prep, we are stronger together, united by the relationships we build and the communities we serve.