Davao City opened its doors — and its heart — to a lively group of high school and university students from Tokyo who spent an unforgettable week immersing themselves in local culture through the Seven Shift Journey, a program designed to spark curiosity, connection, and global awareness.
What began as a pioneering collaboration between Stockbridge American International School (SAIS) and Tokyo-based AV FL&EN quickly blossomed into one of Davao’s most meaningful cultural exchanges, giving young visitors a rare, real-world look into Mindanao’s communities, landscapes, and everyday life.
From bustling markets to quiet coastal mangroves, the students explored Davao with wide eyes and open hearts. They visited public schools, joined exchange sessions with Filipino students, and found themselves laughing, learning, and bonding across cultures.
Their journey also took them beyond the city, where indigenous communities welcomed them with stories, traditions, and a glimpse into ways of life deeply rooted in the region’s identity. Environmental activities — including hands-on mangrove conservation — showed them how coastal communities protect the ecosystems they depend on.
Industry visits added another layer of insight. Students walked through cacao and banana plantations, discovering how agriculture sustains families across Mindanao. They also met local entrepreneurs championing sustainability and social responsibility, seeing firsthand how innovation can uplift communities.
Visits to public schools and a local health center rounded out the experience, offering a window into the everyday rhythm of service, empathy, and bayanihan.
For many, the trip was a refreshing contrast to life in Japan — from the warmth of Davao’s communities to the openness of local classrooms.
“These six days were precious memories for me. It was fun… I will never forget this experience,” shared Rana.
“This is my first time in Davao… I made many friends here. I hope I can come again,” said Satomi Maruo of AV FL&EN.
Others spoke about how the experience reshaped their understanding of community life, especially the strong sense of connection among Davaoeños.
Satomi, one of the program leads, emphasized that the Seven Shift Journey is more than travel — it’s transformation.
“The goal is not just to introduce students to a new place, but to create opportunities for them to think differently, connect deeply, and discover new possibilities for themselves.”
As the first and only IB World School in Mindanao offering the Primary Years Programme, SAIS continues to expand its role as a bridge between cultures — connecting students to communities, industries, and real-world learning beyond the classroom.
The Tokyo students left Davao with more than souvenirs. They carried home new friendships, new perspectives, and a deeper appreciation for the vibrant, generous spirit of the Filipino south.
