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Programs » Families First » Japanese Exchange » Japanese Exchange Testimonials  | Japanese Exchange is a scholarship opportunity for FCCLA members to travel to Japan for four-to-six weeks as an exchange student. This scholarship is funded by the Kikkoman Corporation, administered by Youth For Understanding USA. Scholarships are worth more than $6,995 each. |
Read about experiences from past scholarship receipents!
| |  "Japan is a great nation with a beautiful culture and beautiful people. Since I was in elementary school I have wanted to visit Japan; now, because of the amazing scholarship I recieved, I have lived that dream. However, I wasn't just "visiting," I was actually living the highs and lows. It was more than I could have ever asked for. I was blown away by every aspect and was always surprised. I received more than any vacation could have given me. I gained a new family, a great group of friends, and relationships that will, hopefully, last a lifetime." -Kaytlin Talbot, Utah
 "My main goal for when I went to Japan was to experience the culture and see as much as possible. I was fortunate to take part in a tea ceremony and learn calligraphy. I also attended a summer festival. All of the events and activities I took part in taught me a little more about Japan. I learned that I can be a very individualized person and that I sometimes surprised myself at what I could so and my abilities. I definitely grew stronger as a person" -Courtney Bailey, Minnesota |
"Going to Japan helped me learn a lot about their culture. While I was there, I got to participate in a tea ceremony and festival. I also got to see the "Golden Temple." This scholarship gave me the opportunity to let me go to another culture and learn. This was a once in a lifetime chance." -Courtney Glasgow, Kansas | 
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 | "I couldn't have asked for a better host family. I had a little host brother and sister and a host mom and dad. I am an only child so it was a fun change to have little siblings. They were excited to have an older sister and be able to ask me many questions about America. My host parents are very caring people and I hated to say goodbye to them. My host mother took me shopping and to different festivals. She was very helpful and answered any questions that I had. She is an Enlgish teacher so I was able to talk to her a lot. I had fun playing volleyball every Thursday with my host father. I still keep in touch with my host family by email and I hope it stays that way. I now feel like I have two families. -Morgan Tolley, Illinois |
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10 Things to Do Before Going to Japan... |
1. Become the proud owner of a passport. 2. Research Japan! Find out all you can about the history, current events, food, customs, pastimes…3. Get knowledgeable about current events in USA. You’ll be expected to be the expert!4. Brush up on your Japanese language skills.5. Ask you guidance counselor at school about getting credit. 6. Read American overseas student and parent handbooks, check YFU Web site for resources.7. Inform your YFU admissions counselor if anything in your life changes.8. Secure finances at home. Arrange payments, work schedule, bank account with parents.9. Attend YFU pre-departure orientation.10. Call your YFU admissions counselor with your questions! |
|  "I lived in Kofu-shi (Kofu City), Yamanashi. Kofu is the capital of the Yamanushi Prefecture. It is about two or three hours south of Tokyo. My favorite experience in Japan would be visiting the shrines and temples. There is so much history there, it's almost unbelievable.
-Ashley Oien, South Dakota |
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