By LYNDON ZAITZ
Of the Keizertimes
Fourteen middle school students from the city of Iyo, Ehime Prefecture, Japan, visited Keizer and Salem this week as part of the Salem-Iyo International Exchange program.
The students, accompanied by two teachers, a travel coordinator and the Mayor of Iyo, Mr. Takechi and his wife.
The program allows the students to experience other cultures and strengthen their English skills.
The students visited Willamette University and Tokyo International University, the state capitol and Salem’s Riverfront Park among other locations.
A room at the Keizer Conference Center was used as a classroom for learning English. While at the conference center they also visited the Robert L. Simons Council Chambers and met with Mayor Cathy Clark, City Manager Adam Brown and others.
The exchange program began in 2009 but was on a two-year pandemic hiatus.
Keizerite Edward Davis is chair of the exchange committee. Katsumi (Chuck) Ito, also of Keizer, was a chaperone for the visiting students.