On December 15, 2007, PIEE Japan, ASSE’s counterpart in Japan, sponsored a speech contest in Osaka for exchange students staying in the Kansai area of Hyogo, Osaka and Kyoto. Eight participants impressed the judges and audience with their Japanese language skills and enthusiasm for the competition. Host families, area representatives, host school teachers and friends attended and each guest served as a judge.

After a stunning display of self confidence and language ability by all, first place went to Kaspar Spencer from Australia who lives in Kyoto. ASSE Exchange Student Jessica Berg, from East Valparaiso, IN, USA and lives in Osaka where her Japanese host

sister is planning to be an ASSE Exchange Student to the USA herself, came in second and third place went to ASSE Exchange Student Kor-anchan Tiyasun from Thailand who also lives in Osaka.

Other contest participants were ASSE Exchange Student Sylvain Romnat from France, ASSE Exchange Student Lucas Selsek from France, ASSE Exchange Student Malina Schultz from Germany, Carrisa Bilske from Australia and Alistair Witt from Australia. All students were commended for their skills not only as speakers, but as speakers of the Japanese language. Congratulations to all!