Nursing students from Hirosaki University, Japan, got a taste of American life during a five-day visit this week in Martin.

The office of international programs at the University of Tennessee at Martin hosted the group of 17 nursing education students as part of an ongoing relationship between the two schools which formally began in 1981.

"UT Martin's relationship with Hirosaki University is our oldest, strongest and perhaps richest university relationship," said Sandra Baker, director of international programs at UT Martin. "Although at any one time we have four, five, or six students from Hirosaki on campus, this is our first group of any size from there. We are excited about that."

Group leader Professor Kiyoshi Asano, a 1997 visiting exchange professor to UT Martin, said the purpose of the visit was not only for Japanese students to learn more about health education and school nurse responsibilities in American public schools, but also to compare and reflect on health education and care in the Japanese school system.

But the visit wasn't all work. While in town, the students found time for some cultural experiences, like seeing a movie at the Cine Theater, attending a UT Martin basketball game at the Kathleen and Tom Elam Center, and enjoying dinner and a slice of that favorite southern dessert, lemon ice box pie, at the Hearth Restaurant.

"This has been a rich program, both academically and culturally," Baker said. "The students have such energy, and they are so interested in everything."

On Tuesday, March 4, the Hirosaki students visited Martin Middle School (MMS), where they met with Weakley County Schools nurse Beth Kempton and MMS nurse Jennifer Brown. Students had the opportunity to inquire about health issues and procedures practiced in the Weakley County School System, with questions covering a variety of topics from school menus and hygiene to playground safety and driver education.

One student asked what improvements could be made to the current Weakley County Schools nurse program.

"I would like to see the community be made more aware of what school nurses do to meet the physical and emotional health needs of students," said Kempton.

Hirosaki students Yuko Wada, Chisato Shinei, and Hiromi Idei were surprised to learn that in the United States, school nurses, guidance counselors, and health teachers are separate positions within the schools, each with their own duties and responsibilities.

The students explained that in Japan, the "yogo" teacher, or school nurse, is responsible for teaching health classes and providing counseling, in addition to treating ill or injured students.

During the five-day visit, the group also toured Martin Elementary School, Volunteer Community Hospital in Martin, and the UT Martin Student Health Center, Infant Stimulation Program, Children's Center, and Family Resource Center to observe and learn more about how these facilities serve the health needs of the Martin community and the UT Martin campus.

At the Children's Center, the students shared some of their own culture with lessons in origami and calligraphy.

In addition, the nursing students attended lectures led by UT Martin professors.

Professor of nursing Ruby Black, a 2002 visiting scholar to Hirosaki University, presented a lecture on nursing education in the United States, and assistant professor of Educational Studies Dr. Reggie High spoke on the American system of education.

The visitors depart for Japan on Friday, March 7. Planning is currently underway for the city of Martin's student exchange program with Hirosaki, Japan. The program, which involves Martin Middle School and Hirosaki Junior High School students, will take place later this year.