Update on exchange program to be presented on April 16
BY MARK ROSMAN
Staff Writer

MARLBORO - A popular student exchange program between Marlboro and Nanto, Japan, will be the topic of discussion at 6:30 p.m. April 16 at the Crown Palace restaurant, Route 79 and School Road East.

Dr. Paul Kovalski, a member of the Marlboro-Nanto Student Exchange Committee, said an update on the program will be provided during the event, which will feature a meal of traditional Asian fare. The cost will be a minimum $25 donation per person.

Since 1993 more than 75 students from Marlboro who were between the ages of 15 and 17 have traveled to Japan and spent time with host families while learning about the culture of another nation, according to Kovalski. More than 80 Marlboro families have served as host families during that time when students from Japan have come to the United States to experience a taste of American culture.

Kovalski has served as a trip leader for Marlboro youngsters in Japan and he has hosted Japanese students on their visit to the United States. Speaking about being a host, he said, "It was a wonderful experience to meet and have a Japanese girl live with us.

"We learned about the Japanese culture and shared our American culture with her. It is an exhilarating experience because it is good to learn about a different culture. It gives students and families an excellent opportunity to foster global understanding," he said.

This year, Japanese students are expected to arrive in Marlboro during August for a one-week stay. Receptions and events are planned in town, according to Kovalski. The Japanese guests may also take time to visit locations such as New York City and Washington, D.C. The committee is seeking Marlboro residents who are interested in being a host family, Kovalski said.

Meanwhile, initial steps are being taken to plan for a group of Marlboro students to travel to Nanto during the summer of 2008.

For more information about the Marlboro-Nanto exchanges, call Cindy Sarna at (732) 591-1955.