Hartselle student participates in Daikin Cultural Experience program in Japan
Jackson Schutt, a rising senior at Hartselle High School, recently returned from eight days spent in Japan as a part of the inaugural Daikin Cultural Experience program. The program is a prestigious opportunity that immersed him in Japanese culture and Daikin’s global operations this summer.
The revamped Daikin America Homestay Program, now known as Daikin’s Cultural Experience Japan, brought together a select group of students and their chaperones for an unforgettable journey for the first time since the COVID19 pandemic. Schutt, along with seven other students and one teacher chaperone from Morgan and Lawrence County high schools, spent eight days exploring Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto.
Schutt called the experience “life changing.” Criteria for students selected to participated includes having a strong interest and desire to learn about new foods, new language and a new culture, as well as being an “Ambassador of the Human Spirit.” The program offered a unique blend of educational and cultural experiences, Schutt said. Participants toured Daikin’s facilities, visited Doshisha International High School, met with Daikin management and explored various historical and cultural landmarks. A highlight of the trip, he said, included spending a day with Japanese host families, which provided an exclusive glimpse into the local lifestyle.
Spokesperson Justina Willingham said Daikin America is focused on giving back to the community and the Cultural Experience program is one way to accomplish that goal.
The selected students, including Schutt, underwent a rigorous application and interview process and spent several months preparing for the trip. Daikin covered all expenses for the partici-pants, including round-trip airfare, meals, lodging, local travel and international travel insurance.
“This trip was a dream come true,” Schutt said, describing the country as one with beautiful scenery and kind and generous people.
Schutt is a member of the National Honor Society and Future Business Leaders Association. He is also on the high school wrestling team.
Schutt is the son of Joey and Crystal Schutt of Hartselle.
