Building Global Citizens Through Running,

Friendship, and Ocean Stewardship

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The Monterey–Nanao Cross Country Exchange Project is a student exchange between Monterey High School in California and Nanao High School in Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan. While running provides the initial connection, the project's larger purpose is to foster lasting international friendships, cultural understanding, youth leadership, and global citizenship through shared experiences in two coastal communities.

Monterey and Nanao have been Sister Cities since 1995. Despite being separated by the Pacific Ocean, the two communities share many similarities. Both are historic coastal cities whose identities and economies have been shaped by fishing, tourism, and their relationship with the sea. Both are home to world-class aquariums that inspire future generations to better understand and care for our oceans.

The exchange comes at a particularly meaningful time. In January 2024, a devastating earthquake struck Japan's Noto Peninsula, causing significant damage throughout the region, including the city of Nanao. As Monterey and Nanao celebrate the 30th anniversary of their Sister City relationship, this project seeks to strengthen community bonds by bringing young people together to learn from one another, support one another, and build friendships that can last a lifetime.

More Than a Student Exchange

Students will live with host families, attend school together, train as teammates, explore each other's communities, and participate in meaningful service projects. Along the way, they will discover both the differences that make each culture unique and the common values that connect people across borders.

Environmental stewardship is one important part of the experience. Through conservation activities in both California and Japan, students will explore the shared responsibility coastal communities have for protecting marine ecosystems while working side by side in service of their host communities.

While visiting Monterey, Japanese students will participate in a conservation project in partnership with California State Parks. When Monterey students travel to Nanao, they will work with the Nanao Aquarium on a community service project connected to the recovery and stewardship of local coastal resources.

Exchange Highlights

Nanao Students Visit Monterey

August 13–20, 2026

• Homestays with Monterey High School runners

• School attendance and cultural immersion

• Joint cross-country training and competition

• Community service and coastal stewardship project

Monterey Students Visit Nanao

October 1–10, 2026

• School attendance and cultural exchange

• Joint training with Nanao High School runners

• Community service project in partnership with the Nanao Aquarium

• Photojournalistic exploration of earthquake recovery

• Exploration of Japanese culture and history

Lasting Impact

This project is designed to create far more than a memorable trip.

Students will return home with lifelong friendships, greater confidence communicating across cultures, and a deeper appreciation for the responsibilities of global citizenship. They will experience firsthand how sport can unite people from different backgrounds and how service can strengthen both communities and relationships.

By connecting young people through running, cultural exchange, homestays, and community service, the Monterey–Nanao Cross Country Exchange Project seeks to build ambassadors for friendship between Monterey and Nanao—young leaders who will carry these relationships, experiences, and values with them for the rest of their lives.

runcoach@gmail.com
(408) 309-9280