For the past six months, students at Brackendale Elementary have been going to Japan on a regular basis.
No, not literally - but as part of their international education in learning about different cultures of the world.
Asako Kato, 24, a Japanese educational intern, has been teaching the keen students about many different aspects of Japanese language, culture and customs.
"She has really enriched the multi-cultural program in our school," said Brackendale Elementary principal Ian Kent. "She shared her culture with us and it was nice for the kids to learn first-hand from a teacher from another culture."
She taught students the delicate art of making sushi and origami, shared many Japanese songs and stories, and gave students a better understanding of Japanese history, geography and language.
"She's been a great addition to our school," said Kent. "The students have loved having her here - she's been their friend and she's a very wonderful person."
Before coming to Squamish, Kato spent four months in Ontario as a teacher's assistant. Her voluntary position at Brackendale Elementary was arranged through a Japanese teacher-internship program.
During her stay here, Kato stayed with three different members of the school faculty and gained a broader understanding of Canadian culture, language and the educational system in the process.
"I was interested in education in Canada, and I learned to teach here," she said on her decision to choose Canada for her international internship. "In Japan, it's more strict. The kids really enjoy coming to school here - it's more fun in Canada."
Before coming overseas, Kato spoke almost no English, but now has a fair grasp on the language."The kids really helped me with my English," she said. "I learned how to speak more clearly because they would tell me when they couldn't understand me. They are very friendly students."
As a special thank-you, the staff and students at Brackendale Elementary staged a special presentation for Kato, who will be leaving the country on July 3. Hundreds of students packed the gymnasium to sing songs and celebrate a teacher they will remember.
"I enjoyed my time in Squamish," said Kato. "I would like to thank everybody at the school and my host families.
"I will always remember my time here."
