Michigan-Shiga Exchange
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Feb. 3, 2012
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About
The Michigan-Shiga Student Exchange Program is designed to promote friendship and understanding among Japanese and American high school students. Michigan participants will travel to Japan from June 20, 2012 to July 5, 2012 and host a Japanese student from September 6, 2012 to September 23, 2012.
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, currently in 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.
** The Michigan-Shiga Exchange Program is aligned with Iowa State University’s Targeting Life Skills Model, encouraging development of the following areas:
Communication
Cooperation
Social Skills
Accepting Differences
Responsible Citizenship
Teamwork
Self-responsibility
Personal Safety
Learning to Learn
Critical Thinking
Keeping Records
Eligibility
- Grades 9-11 for the 2011-2012 school year
- Documentation of strong standardized test scores: PLAN, PSAT, ACT, or SAT
Fifteen students are selected through a committee selection process during a weekend orientation at MSU. While previous study of Japanese language is helpful, it is not necessary in order to participate in the program.
Cost
Applications are due February 3, 2012. No money should be sent with applicaiton.
- After applications are reviewed, selected students and parents must pay a $125 deposit for an over-night orientation on March 9 &10 at the Kellog Conference Center.
- Those choosen as participants from those who attended the orientation must pay an initial program payment of $1,700 will be due April 1. This includes a trip deposit of $200 and the $1,500 program payment. Remaining students who attended the orientation will be placed on an alternates list.
- This program fee does not include airfare. There are new entry safety procedures upon entering Japan, these can be viewed at here.
- Airfare to and from Japan will be covered by the applicant; flight information will be provided at the orientation. The airline ticket is $2,060.00 round trip plus a $27.00 ticketing fee.
- The $200 travel deposit will be deducted from the plane ticket cost. The remaining balance of $1,887.00 will be due by June 15. Students will be staying one night in San Francisco, hotel cost is $50.00 with payment due in advance to the GATE Office.
- Michigan students will depart from and return to Capital Region International Airport in Lansing.
- Families of selected students must host a Japanese student for two weeks in September. Michigan families must arrange to both meet their Japanese students and attend the Farewell Reception in Lansing.
- The high school attended by the Michigan student must be willing to welcome a Japanese student to its classes for two weeks in September.
- Previous study of Japanese language on the part of the applicant is helpful, but not necessary.
Transportation
Program costs do not include transportation to and from Japan--parents/guardians are responsible for picking up and dropping off the students from the Lansing Region International Airport.
Orientation
Spring Orientation
Selected students attend an extensive orientation session to prepare them for the cultural changes they will experience while abroad. A $125 orientation fee is required for attendees. This orientation session, held on March 9 and 10, 2012, will include lessons in Japanese culture, culture shock, teambuilding, and lessons in advanced or beginning Japanese. At the conclusion of the orientation, the Michigan-Shiga Student Exchange Committee selects the 15 participants who will travel to Japan.
More Information
Considerations for Travel
Passport Information
Students should apply for their passport when completing their application.
Due to the changes in the US laws, the processing time for passports has greatly increased. Passport forms are available at most post offices and can also be downloaded from the internet. If you already have a passport, make sure it is valid until at least six months after your return date. In order for any student to travel, they must have their passport information submitted to our office 48 hours prior to departure.
Student Supervision Abroad
Two chaperones will be selected from a pool of well-qualified high school teachers from Michigan to supervise the students’ activities while they are abroad. The chaperones will spend the two weeks traveling to different high schools around Shiga, visiting with Japanese educators, and checking in with Michigan students. Chaperones are also always available by cell phone for students in case of an emergency. The role of the chaperone is designed to allow the students the highest degree of freedom and independence in their experience while lending support and assistance in their time abroad.
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