A group of students from Japan are visiting the United States for the first time. The Horseheads Sister City Exchange Program brings youngsters from Nakagawa each year as part of a cultural awareness initiative. As YNN’s Crystal Cranmore reports the students are getting a slice of American life.

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HORSEHEADS, N.Y. -- Thousands of miles from home, a group of Japanese students are getting a taste of something new.

There is no doubt pizza is an all-American favorite, which is why Vincenzo’s Pizzeria in Elmira was a must-see. The students got a crash course on how to make the tasty dish.

“It’s one of the highlights of the students’ trip, is coming here and making the pizza and getting lots of pictures,” said Beverly Matern, the program’s host family coordinator.

But the idea is not just about learning how to bake, but sharing ideas and insight into one another's lifestyle. The purpose of the sister cities exchange program is to expose students from different countries to how people live, going beyond what one might see on television.

The students' day began with a big welcome from the community at the Hilton Hotel in Horseheads. For an entire week, the group will be exploring and experiencing family life, schools, and area attractions.

“Anytime young people are exposed to something outside the comfort zone of their homes, their little towns, it's bound to open their eyes and give them more of a global view,” said Julie Spicer, program advisor.

In June, a group of Horseheads students and adults will also get the chance to travel to Nakagawa to explore Japanese culture.