SAIPAN — Before Super Typhoons Sinlaku and Bavi hit the Marianas, Northern Marianas College’s Center for Training and Innovation launched its inaugural Marianas Education Tourism Program from March 31 to April 4, welcoming students from the Shizuoka Breakdance Association in Japan for a five-day immersive English language and cultural exchange experience on Saipan.
The program combines classroom English instruction, delivered in partnership with NMC’s School of Education, with hands-on cultural, historical, environmental and community-based experiences. It was developed in collaboration with the Shizuoka Prefectural Assembly, strengthening connections between the CNMI and Japan through education and cross-cultural engagement.
For the inaugural cohort, dance served as the central thread. Participants took part in workshops and performance exchanges with local groups including The Profound Bandits, the MHS Polksai Chamorro Club and local jazz street dancers.
A highlight of the week was the participation of Shintaro Yuya, also known as Yu-Ya Style, a two-time world breakdancing champion, veteran Japanese dancer and founder of HSE.Style Dance Studio in Japan. With more than 70 competition victories and extensive experience developing the next generation of dancers, Yu-Ya led choreography sessions, shared his creative process and engaged participants throughout the week.
“The students who participated in this program grew tremendously in what felt like an incredibly short time. It is hard to believe it was only one week,” said Yuya. “We could clearly see their growth through the changes in their expressions, attitudes, and daily behavior. Most importantly, every one of the students genuinely enjoyed the experience. It was especially heartwarming to hear them all say, ‘We want to come back again!’ The English program was also excellent. Because they received personalized one-on-one instruction, their understanding deepened, and we could see a noticeable improvement in their English skills.”
“Everyone we met in Saipan was incredibly kind and welcoming. Not only did the students fall in love with Saipan, but I did as well,” he added. “I hope to share this wonderful experience with many people in Japan and continue creating opportunities like this study abroad program every year.”
Beyond the classroom and dance sessions, participants connected language learning with real-world experience through visits to the CREES Agricultural Farm, American Memorial Park Museum, Marpi historical sites and the Shizuoka Memorial, along with marine and environmental activities including a Managaha Island excursion and lagoon sailing with 500 Sails. The week concluded with a final cultural exchange and certificate ceremony. The Marianas Visitors Authority provided support and collaboration throughout the inaugural program.
“CTI continues to explore innovative ways to connect education, community, and economic development opportunities in the CNMI,” said CTI Director Monique Boyer Sablan. “The Marianas Education Tourism Program represents an exciting opportunity to expand how we think about education by bringing learning beyond the classroom and connecting international participants with our islands, our culture, and our communities. This program highlights the CNMI’s potential to serve as a destination for meaningful educational experiences and cross-cultural exchange.”
CTI designs each program around the goals, interests and learning objectives of each visiting group, whether academic, cultural, professional or athletic in focus. Since the launch, CTI has received interest from additional educational institutions and organizations in Japan and is working with prospective partners to develop future customized programs, including opportunities for participants to experience Tinian and Rota. Organizations interested in developing a customized education tourism program can contact the Center for Training and Innovation at cdi@marianas.edu or (670) 237-6802.
