The City of Cranbrook recently received a letter of gratitude from the Kokushikan University of Tokyo, Japan for cooperating with College of the Rockies (COTR) on an English as a Second Language (ESL) short-term program last summer.

Kokushikan University president Nobuyuki Miura forwarded a letter to the city and Mayor Wayne Stetski expressing his sincere gratitude for their cooperation with the program held at COTR last summer.

“It was a great opportunity for our students to meet you; working as a mayor. I am certain they learned a lot from you, such as Canadian social system and Cranbrook itself. Also, they said their were fascinated with your warm personality and will never forget this meeting,” Miura stated.

The university president noted a visit to Cranbrook and COTR in 1996 left a memorable impression with him.

“It still recall me with a happy memory. After their returning Japan, they feel their development, not only in English ability but also understanding Canadian culture, society and warmth of local people. I believe your city, Cranbrook, is the best place to learn English and experience Canadian culture (sic),” Miura wrote.

He added in his letter that he is hoping to conduct another short-term program with COTR next year “to cultivate young people who accept multi-culture and become bridge between Canada and Japan.”

Pictured with Mayor Wayne Stetski is Kyohei Sunada, a student at Kokushikan University in Japan.

“He was one of the group of students featured in the other photo who came to Cranbrook for a month this summer to learn English as a second language. I gave him the flag to take home and present to the president of their university,” Stetski explained, adding, “The International Students Program at the College of the Rockies is recognized as the best anywhere. Having these students come to Cranbrook enriches our lives and our economy.”

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