Japanese Exchange

Resources

Youth for Understanding

Japanese Exchange Summer 2023

FCCLA’s Japanese Exchange Program is a scholarship opportunity for FCCLA members to travel to Japan for 4-6 weeks as an exchange student. This scholarship is funded by the Kikkoman Corporation and administered by Youth For Understanding USA (YFU).

Based on the premise that international understanding can be achieved through individuals, the Japanese Exchange program emphasizes family living as the core of the overseas learning experience. The opportunity to experience the day-to-day life of another country and its people enhances members' awareness of international issues.

To apply for the Japanese Exchange Scholarship, the applicant's birthday must fall between April 2, 2006, and April 1, 2008.

The date range for this program is mid-June and returning late July 2023. Students are not allowed to arrive late or plan to leave early. Please note that these program dates can be subject to change. There is the potential for a two-week quarantine period once you reach Japan, this would extend the scholarship time.

Click the link under Resources on this page for the scholarship application and turn it in by January 20, 2023.

Required documentation for the application include:

Complete Online Application
1 Teacher Recommendation
3 Short Answer Essay Questions
$75 Application Fee (non-refundable)
Health certificate
School certificate
Parent-student agreement
5 Candid photos
1 Headshot
FCCLA supplemental form

Testimonials

"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 received, 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

"I could not me more grateful for this life-changing experience. It has taught me so much about acceptance and finding common ground among differences. I loved absolutely every second of my stay, having glided through it without culture shock. It has been the greatest experience of my life so far, as I have built strong relationships that transcend continents, navigated the techniques to locating common ground among different cultures, discovered beautiful art, and immediately loved my Japanese family from the moment I met them. This experience has shown me the world, in contrast to my small farming community, where so many know so little about worldly hardship, difference, and understanding."

- Ysabeaux Ng

"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

"My experience in Japan was no doubt a once in a lifetime opportunity. The long application process, waiting for a result and overall fear of going was more than worth the memories I've gained. I would recommend this opportunity to anyone who thirsts for new adventure. My trip to Japan has inspired me to try so many new things in life. This opportunity that FCCLA gave to me took my inner flame and ignited it into a firework!"

- Hannah Zickefoose