People-to-People Exchange

April 17, 1996

The Japanese government promotes a comprehensive initiative for American high school students, college and graduate students, college graduates, teachers, young researchers, young artists and other youths to enhance understanding of Japan, with the purpose of providing more American young people with opportunities to learn and know Japan. The main programs of the initiative are as follows.

1. Exchange of High School Students

Promote invitation of American high school students to Japan through programs such as the U.S. High School Students Short-Stay Program.

2. Exchange of College and Graduate Students

Further promote the Short-term Student Exchange Promotion Program that was established last year. Improve the information system for foreign students.

3. Exchange of College Graduates

Continue to promote invitation of young American college graduates to Japan through the JET program.

4. Exchange of Teachers

Expand invitation of American teachers and educational administrators to Japan through the Japan-U.S. Educational Commission under the "Fulbright Memorial Program" (tentative title).

5. Exchange of Young Researchers

Promote invitation of promising young American researchers to Japanese universities or other institutions through creation of special arrangements in foreign-researcher-invitation programs.

6. Exchange of Young Artists

Promote programs to invite promising young American art-related persons to Japan, including the Artist-in-Residence program and others.

The Japanese government also promotes programs that aim to deepen the exchange of promising Japanese youth (including students, teachers, and artists) with the American people, from the standpoint that it is important for the young people of Japan and the U.S. who will assume the responsibility for the world of the twenty-first century to deepen exchange and to promote their mutual understanding in enhancing the exchange between the two countries.