A Michigan-Shiga Sister State Program

The Michigan-Shiga Student Exchange Program is designed to promote friendship and understanding among Japanese and American high school students.

Program Information In 1968 Michigan and Shiga Prefecture in Japan became sister states. Through that partnership many exchanges have taken place involving teachers, community members and students. Michigan currently has 16 sister-friendship cities within Shiga Prefecture. The Michigan-Shiga Student Exchange Program was initiated by the Michigan Department of Education and the Shiga Board of Education in 1990.

“In a global economy, education is especially important. In Michigan, we are excited to be educating citizens of the world. The cross cultural exchange our young people experience at the Japan Center for Michigan Universities is important for us both.”
- Governor Jennifer Granholm, July 26, 2005

Functional Details

• A designated number of high school students, grades 9 to 11, are chosen to represent the State of Michigan.
• Shiga students of similar age are selected and then paired with the Michigan students of similar age and experience.
• During the summer the Michigan students spend two weeks in Shiga, Japan. Each stays with a Japanese student and family, attends school and participates in their daily lives.
• The Japanese students come to Michigan for two weeks in September, each staying with the family of the Michigan student who stayed with him/her during the summer and will be attending school with him/her.
• Students should be open-minded, flexible, willing to accept new challenges and ready for rewarding experiences.

Timeline

2-08-08	Applications must be postmarked by this date
2-27-08	Michigan candidates notified of their status
3-07-08	Overnight orientation for Michigan candidates at Michigan State University
3-08-08	Orientation for candidates and parents at the Michigan State Universtiy
6-25-08	Michigan students depart Michigan for Shiga, Japan
6-26-08	Michigan students arrive in Shiga
6-27-08	Michigan students meet their Shiga host families
7-11-08	Michigan students depart Shiga
7-11-08	Michigan students arrive in Michigan
9-04-08	Shiga students arrive in Michigan
9-05-08	Michigan families meet Shiga students at Michigan State University
9-20-08	Farewell Reception for Shiga students and their host families in Lansing
9-21-08	Shiga students depart for Japan

Application Information

• The high school attended by the Michigan student must be willing to welcome a Japanese student to their classes for two weeks in September.
• Previous study of Japanese language is helpful, but not necessary.
• Families of selected students must plan to host a Japanese student for two weeks in September.
• Michigan families must plan to meet their Japanese students and see them off in Lansing.
• Students and parents must plan to attend the orientation meeting in March.
• The cost per student is approximately $2600, to be paid in advance.

Coordinators

• A Michigan-Shiga Sister State Program through Michigan State University
• Office of Gifted & Talented Education, A Division of the Honors College, MSU