The 2025-2026 Novi school year has begun, which means the annual Global tour for students from all over the world has taken place. On August 14, 2025, the NVHS Global program welcomed students from Okinawa, Japan, as well as a new student from Germany, for a tour of Norte Vista High School. As they began the tour, they got to see the library on the Novi campus.

Furthermore, with the students of Global (an academic program run by Amanda Bush) leading the way. Throughout the tour, they had the opportunity to see several different classes, including band, film, gym, and woodshop, among many others. They got to connect with the Global students, and although a bit shy at first, they were open to conversing with other students, as well as sharing their language. 

Although the language barrier posed a minor issue, it did not stop them from expressing themselves throughout the visit. Additionally, while touring and getting a good look at some of the programs Novi has to offer, they got to see and pet the animals, cows, and goats, all of which belong to the Agriculture department.  

“I love the animals and wood class,” said Yuuki Oshiro  and Masataka Uchimori

“The school is very big and has a lot of grass. I could see myself being in this school,” said Emiri Ishikawa 

The Global program has been around for 11 years, and has had a large impact when it comes to broadening Norte Vista’s cultural sphere. Having students who visit from different places–such as Okinawa, Japan–creates a cultural bridge between the various customs in American schools versus Japanese schools. As a result of these visits taking place in previous years, we have persuaded other students to participate and join in seeing Norte Vista, as they continue to visit and give positive feedback on the school.

“…around college age, they come over here, to the US, to pursue their college life, college studies, and all that other stuff,” said Destiny Morales.

“I’m pretty sure Bush posts information about what we do, and other schools see that,” said Maribel Felix

Photography by Anu Adeshoga