Information Resource Center
Educational and Citizen Exchanges
Educational and citizen exchanges are an integral part of the U.S.-Japan relationship. Japanese students now account for the third largest group of international students in the United States. Educational opportunities for American and other international students in Japan are expanding rapidly. Grassroots exchanges between the U.S. and Japan continue to flourish.
The high level of exchange between the United States and Japan is supported through the efforts of the private sector, as well as through programs sponsored by the American and Japanese governments. The Public Affairs Section administers exchange programs, such as the International Visitor program, serves on the Japan-U.S.Educational Commission (JUSEC), which manages the Fulbright Program, and works closely with the private sector and the Japanese government to facilitate exchange between our two countries.
The U.S. and Japanese governments also participate in theU.S.-Japan Conference on Cultural and Educational Interchange (CULCON) , a binational organization, established in 1961, which serves to focus official and public attention on cultural and educational ties.
Listed below are a number of exchange programs, as well as resources for information on exchange programs. The list is by no means comprehensive, and organizations listed below do not necessarily have official endorsement by the American Embassy.
If you are interested in obtaining visa information regarding studying in the United States, please refer to theVisa Servicessection of the American Embassy homepage.
Educational Exchanges
- Youth Exchange
- Study in the U.S.)
- Study Opportunities in Japan for American Students
- Fulbright Program
Citizen Exchanges
Please note that the organizations listed here do not necessarily have official endorsement by the American Embassy.
Educational Exchanges
Youth Exchange
There are many organizations involved in youth exchange, primarily at the high school level. Students participating in exchange programs authorized by the Department of State travel to the United States on "J-1" exchange visas. Students may also pursue short term study in the United States on "F-1"student visas with proper documentation from the American school.
The organizations listed below are members of the Japan Association of International Educational Exchange Organizations for High School Students, a group of major youth exchange organizations authorized to issue J visas. Their secretariat is based at the Association of International Education, Japan (AIEJ), 2-79 Aomi, Koto-ku, Tokyo 135-8630. AFS Japan Association Inc. (AFS)Address: Toranomon Mori Bldg. No.5, 1-17-1 Toranomon, Minato-ku, Tokyo105-0001
Tel: (03) 5251-0173
Fax: (03) 5251-0177
E-mail: info@afs.or.jp AYUSA International, Japan (AYUSA)
Address: Marinx Tower 7F, 1-9-11 Kaigan, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-0022
Tel: (03) 3434-2636
Fax: (03) 3434-2617
E-mail: info@ayusajapan.org Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE)
Address: Cosmos Aoyama, Gallery Floor, 5-53-67 Jingumae Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-8355
Tel: (03) 5467-5502
Fax: (03) 5467-7031
E-mail: info@cieej.or.jp CIEE also arranges sister school relationships between secondary schools in Japan and the U.S. Tokyo YMCA (YMCA)
Address: Tokyo YMCA Toyo-cho Center, 2-2-20 Toyo-cho, Koto-ku, Tokyo 135-0016
Tel: (03) 3615-5570
Fax: (03) 3615-5579
E-mail: ym-jne@ymsv.co.jp
Japan Foundation for Intercultural Exchange (JFIE)
Address: Shibuya Higashi-nihon Bldg 8F, 1-22-8 Jinnan, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0041
Tel: (03) 3496-8862
Fax: (03) 3496-8875
E-mail: jfienq@jfie-gr.jp Japan Youth Development Association (JYDA)
Address: Kyoiku Sentaa Bldg 2F, 6-35-1 Kagurazaka, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-0825
Tel: (03) 3269-8413
Fax: (03) 3269-8414 Address: Kyoiku Sentaa Bldg 6F, 5-1-1 Honcho Toyonaka-shi, Osaka 560-0021
Tel: (06) 6857-3395
Fax: (06) 6857-3399
E-mail: info@jyda-ie.or.jp
Japanese Association of theExperiment in International Living (EIL)
Address: Hirakawa-cho Fushimi Bldg. 3F, 1-4-3 Hirakawa-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-0093
Tel: (03) 3261-3451
Fax: (03) 3261-9148
E-mail:eil-japan@mug.bioglobe.ne.jp
BUNSAI Intercultural Educational Exchange (BIEE)
Address: 1-5-20 Takatanobaba, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 169-0075
Tel: (03) 3232-9345
Fax: (03) 3209-4993
E-mail: bunsai@bunsai.net
PIEE/Program of International Educational Exchange
Address: TBR Bldg.1015, 5-7 Kooji-machi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-0083
Tel: (03) 3263-1292
Fax: (03) 3221-1393
E-mail: piee@piee.jp
World Youth Service Society, Japan
Address: Gotanda NT Bldg 8F, 4-5-2 Higashii-Gotanda, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo 141-0022
Tel: (03) 5791-4569
Fax: (03) 5791-4549
E-mail: info@wys-gr.jp
Youth Exchange Service, International (YES)
Address: Sanno Grand Bldg. 411, 2-14-2 Nagata-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-0014
Tel: (03) 3581-9500
Fax: (03) 3581-7569
E-mail: yes2d@fa.mbn.or.jp
Youth For Understanding, Japan Foundation Inc. (YFU)
Address: Kowa Bldg., No.45, 1-15-9 Minami Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-0062
Tel: (03) 3404-0141
Fax: (03) 3404-1820
E-mail: yfujapan@kt.rim.or.jp
Study in the U.S. (University Level)
Japanese students now account for the largest group of international students in the U.S. Virtually all American colleges and universities have homepages which provide information on admissions for international students. These homepages can be accessed directly or through the Japan-U.S.Educational Commission (JUSEC or Fulbright Commission) homepage on U.S. Higher Education. The Japan-U.S. Educational Commission web site also provides information on their scholarships and information about student advising services.
TheAssociation of International Education, Japan (AIEJ), a Japanese foundation closely associated with the Ministry of Education, Science, Sports and Culture, also has an advising service and reference collection for Japanese students interested in studying overseas. AIEJ has an excellent pamphlet on grants and scholarships entitled, "Kaigai Ryugaku" which they will mail out upon request. Their address is:
AIEJ Information Center
2-79 Ome, Koto-ku, Tokyo 135-8630
Tel: (03) 5454-5216
Fax: (03) 5454-5236.
Japanese students also have the option of studying at branch campuses established by American colleges and universities in Japan. Listed below are member institutions of the Association of American Colleges and Universities in Japan (AACUJ). Tel/Fax: (03) 3200-3022.
Lakeland College Japan
Address: 5-7-12 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0022
Tel: (03) 3225-0425
Fax: (03) 3225-0428
Southern Illinois University at Carbondale in Niigata
Address: 439-1 Oaza Nagahashikami, Nakajo-machi, Kitakanbara-gun, Niigata-ken 959-2637
Tel: (0254) 43-6200
Fax: (0254) 43-6202
Temple University Japan
(Also offers graduate courses)
Address: 2-8-12 Minami-azabu, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-0047
Tel: (03) 5441-9800
Fax: (03) 5441-9811
Other American universities offering graduate degree programs in Japan include:
Teachers College, Columbia University
(Master's degree in Teaching English as a Foreign Language)
Address:
2-21-2 Misaki-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0061
Mitsui Seimei Suidobashi Bldg. 4th floor
Tel: (03) 3221-9771
Fax: (03) 3221-9773
Thunderbird Japan Center / American Graduate School of International Management
S-Tech Building, 1-24-1 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0023
Tel: (03) 5322-3651
Fax: (03) 5322-3653
University of Chicago-Japan
(Master's degree in Humanities)
Address: International Education Center, 1-21 Yotsuya, Shinjuku-ku, 160-0004
Tel: (03) 3359-9621
Fax: (03) 3353-8908
Study Opportunities in Japan for American Students
There are more opportunities than ever before for American and other international students to pursue short-term study in Japan. Many American colleges have reciprocal exchange programs, are members of consortia with programs at Japanese public and private universities, or operate stand alone programs in Japan. Please check with the American college or university study abroad office for more information.
In addition to the traditional "junior year abroad" programs at Japanese private universities, fourteen national universities (as of February, 1999) now offer short-term study programs for international students with classes in English. American branch campuses and extension programs in Japan also offer study opportunities for international students.
A comprehensive listing of all Japanese colleges and universities, as well as educational opportunities for international students in Japan, is available through the Association of International Education, Japan (AIEJ), a Japanese foundation closely associated with the Ministry of Education, Science, Sports and Culture. The AIEJ homepage includes a Student Guide to Japan; a listing of Japanese Colleges and Universities; information on Short Term Study; and Scholarship information. AIEJ also publishes an excellent, comprehensive guide to grants and scholarships for international students in Japan which they will mail out upon request. Their address is: Information Center, AIEJ,4-5-29 Komaba, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 153-8503. Tel: (03) 5454-5216. Fax: (03) 5454-5236.
The Japanese Embassy in Washington, D.C. also publishes a "Guide to Educational Opportunities in Japan," which describes different types of opportunities for study in Japan, including information on financial assistance. Contact: Office of Educational Attache, Embassy of Japan, 2520 Massachusetts Ave, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008-2869 or the nearest Japanese Consulate General. Japanese Consulates General are located in Anchorage, Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Guam, Detroit, Honolulu, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, New York, Portland, San Francisco and Seattle. Japanese Consulates General are also responsible for issuing student and cultural visas for study in Japan.
Private Japanese University "Junior Year Abroad" Programs: (Note: The main address of the university can be accessed through the AIEJ homepage.)
According to a study by the Laurasian Institution in 1997, private Japanese universities hosting twenty or more U.S. undergraduates include Kansai University of Foreign Studies; Sophia University; Center for Japanese Studies, Nanzan University; Waseda University; International Christian University; Doshisha University; Keio University; Tokyo International University; and Obirin University.
Japanese National University "Junior Year Abroad" Programs: (Note: The main address of the university can be accessed through the AIEJ homepage.)
Fourteen Japanese national universities now offer "junior year abroad" programs for American and other international students with classes in English. They are Chiba University, Hiroshima University, Hokkaido University, Kanazwa University, Kyoto University, Kyushu University, Nagoya University, Osaka University, Tohoku University (for engineering majors) , Tokyo University, Tokyo University of Foreign Studies, Tsukuba University, University of Electro-Communications and Yokohama Kokuritsu University.
American Branch Campuses and Extension Programs in Japan Offering Academic Credit:
Associated Kyoto Program (AKP)
Address: c/o Doshisha University, Kyoto 602-8580
Tel: (075) 251-3225
Fax: (075) 251-3084
Center for Japanese Studies (Council on International Educational Exchange)
Address: Cosmos Aoyama B1, 5-53-67 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-8355
Tel: (03) 5467-5502
Fax: (03) 5467-7031
Japan Consortium of Michigan Universities
Address: 1435-86 Ajiroguchi, Matsubara-cho, Hikone-shi, Shiga-ken 522-0002
Tel: (0749) 26-3400
Fax: (0749) 24-9356
Kyoto Center for Japanese Studies
Address: 52-2 Hoshoji-cho, Okazaki, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8333
Tel:(075) 752-7074
Fax:(075) 752-1158
Lakeland College Japan
Address: 5-7-12 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo Japan 160-0022
Tel: (03) 3225-0425
Fax: (03) 3225-0428
Southern Illinois University at Carbondale in Niigata
Address: 439-1 Oaza Nagahashikami, Nakajo-machi, Kitakanbara-gun, Niigata-ken 959-2637
Tel: (0254) 43-6200
Fax: (0254) 43-6202
Teachers College, Columbia University
(Master's degree in Teaching English as a Foreign Language)
Address: 2-21-2 Misaki-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0061
Mitsui Seimei Suidobashi Bldg. 4th floor
Tel: (03) 3221-9771
Fax: (03) 3221-9773
Temple University Japan
(undergraduate and graduate courses)
Address: 2-8-12 Minami-azabu, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-0047
Tel: (03) 5441-9800; Fax: (03) 5441-9811
Thunderbird Japan Center / American Graduate School of International Management
S-Tech Building, 1-24-1 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0023
Tel: (03) 5322-3651; Fax: (03) 5322-3653
University of Chicago-Japan
(Master's degree in Humanities)
Address: International Education Center, 1-21 Yotsuya, Shinjuku-ku, 160-0004
Tel: (03) 3359-9621; Fax: (03) 3353-8908
Fulbright Program
Fulbright grants have been awarded since 1952 to over 5,500 Japanese and 1,600 Americans to pursue academic and cultural activities in the other country as lecturers, researchers, graduate students and language instructors. Named after former United States Senator J. William Fulbright who first introduced the legislation in Congress in 1945 to institute an educational exchange program between the United States and other countries, the program today involves approximately 150 countries throughout the world.
The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs homepage has information on Fulbright grants, as well as the history of the Fulbright Program. The Japan-U.S. Educational Commission (JUSEC) and theInstititute for International Education (IIE) homepages also provide detailed information on Fulbright grants and the application process.
To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Fulbright Program, the Japanese government has kicked off the Fulbright Memorial Fund (FMF) . The FMF will bring up to 5,000 American teachers and administrators to Japan on short term study tours over the five years, starting in summer 1997. For more information, contact JUSEC or IIE.
Citizen Exchanges
Grassroots exchanges between the United States and Japan number in the thousands. Japanese cities and prefectures have taken a leadership role in promoting citizen exchanges, and their international affairs offices are outstanding sources of information. Listed below are a few other resource organizations with information on grassroots exchange.
The Center for Global Partnership (CGP) of the Japan Foundation supports U.S.-related grassroots exchange and regional ties, including providing funding for programs promoting mutual understanding. They have also published an excellent survey of exchange activities in Japan entitled, "Survey Reports on Regional Internationalization and U.S.-Related Exchange Activities in Japan" which provides a prefectural breakdown of regional exchange activities.
The Council of Local Authorities for International Relations, affiliated with the Ministry of Home Affairs, is engaged in various activities, including the collection and dissemination of information concerning internationalization at the regional level. They are also responsible for implementation of theJapan Exchange and Teaching (JET) programme which invites young college and university graduates from overseas to participate in international exchange and foreign language education throughout Japan.
The Japan Center for International Exchange (JCIE) , an independent, nonprofit, and nonpartisan organization, promotes international partnership at the grassroots level, in addition to other activities encouraging global civil society interactions.
Sister Cities
As of April 1 of 1998, there were 22 sister prefectures and 371 sistercities (including towns and villages) between Japan and the U.S. For more information on sister cities, please refer to the Councilof Local Authorities for International Relations (CLAIR) or Sister Cities International.