Doane University hosts Japanese students for annual summer program

A group of Japanese students is spending the week here in Nebraska. Doane University is hosting their 15th annual Adventure Zone Camp with the students who came from across the world. 

Doane University’s Director of International Programs, Jake Elswick, says the students get a variety of experiences through the program. 

“They participate in fun activities where they get to engage with American students in Crete, and every afternoon we take them on excursions so they get to explore American culture throughout Nebraska”

Elswick says that Doane students are hired to interact and mentor the Japanese students throughout the week as part of Doane’s internationalization program. The camp, which began through a penpal program with Lux Middle School here in Lincoln, and has grown tremendously over the years. 

The international students spend the first part of the week at the Adventure Zone Camp and the rest of the week with their penpals, giving them the opportunity to experience American home life in the Midwest. 

Elswick says the program is extremely beneficial to both the international and American students.

“Having the opportunity for our students to build these relationships with students from other countries is extremely important whether it’s through the summer program or study abroad or hosting international students at Doane university,” Elswick says. 

Many of the international students say they are excited to spend their time in Nebraska and with their penpal families.