The Keizai Koho Center in Japan has invited social studies teachers from the US, Canada, and Australia to Japan for more than 20 years.  This innovative fellowship program offers educators the chance to experience modern Japan firsthand for two weeks, so that they can better explain modern Japan to their students when they return to their classrooms in their home countries.

2008:  A delegation of ten social studies educators from the United States and Canada traveled to Japan from June 30 to July 12. Participants were briefed on the Japanese economy, society, education and culture by a range of speakers, including journalists, educators and government officials. They visited a number of corporations, education institutions and schools, including the Benesse Corporation, the Panasonic Center, the Yokohama High School of International Studies, Toyota Motor Corporation, and the Sanyo Solar Ark museum, to help increase their understanding of modern Japan.

2007:  Eleven social studies educators from United States and Canada took part in the July 3-12, 2007 program.  Participants heard lectures on the Japanese economy, society, education and culture from a range of speakers, including business representatives, educators and government officials.  They visited companies, factories, and schools to help increase their understanding of modern Japan. At the conclusion of the program, they discussed their observations and experiences and how they would utilize them both professionally and in their communities.

2006:  Ten social studies educators from North America took part in the June 21-30, 2006 program, taking part in meetings and lectures on Japan's education system, culture, society and economy.  They also experienced a two-day home stay in Kawasaki.

On the last day of the program, the educators demonstrated how they would teach a class on Japan, incorporating their program experiences. They discussed innovative lesson plans and received lively comments from the floor.

For more background and information about fellowship participants in 2005 and years prior, please see:  http://www.kkc.or.jp/english/activities/index.html