Learn More About Our Program
Transform your knowledge of the world and of yourself through a summer exchange program to Japan!
Purpose: The scholarship is designed to foster broader world vision, leadership skills and to develop committed, long-term stakeholders in the community’s relationship with Japan started by the late Mrs. Naoko Shirane about 40 years ago. This program introduces students to the Japanese people, their history, culture and the industries impacting our community. The 18-day educational and cultural program acquaints 4 high school juniors with Japan's iconic cities, plus homestays with families in Kumamoto in conjunction with partner World Campus International.
The scholarship covers round trip airfare, ground transportation, lodging, food and entrance fees while in Japan. Following the tour, the Foundation provides letters of recommendation to accompany students’ college applications by request. Students are expected to promote the program during senior year and attend Japan America Society San Antonio events. All applicants must currently be a US citizen, and a junior in a high school located within Bexar County, Texas who expects to enter senior year in the fall of 2025. Each student is responsible for purchasing a valid US passport, travel insurance (approximately $60.00), a small gift for host families and any additional personal spending money while in Japan. The dress code and luggage requirements are detailed at the end of the application.
Requirement:
- Personal Essay
- A Letter of Recommendation from Guidance Counselor, Teacher, Administrator, or one non-relative.
- Video Clip to introduce your self and why you applied.
- Character – courteous, mature, flexible
- Interested in submersion experience in Japan: experiencing Japanese food, ceremonies, language, travel, homestay and working for the success of the group
- Before trip to Japan: Required to read materials and write essay on Japanese history, economy, trade, and culture provided t0 the students, the attendance at orientation meetings, Kumamoto En visit and factory tour.
- Upon return to San Antonio: Be a willing exchange
representative, speaking to groups of interested families and students, and interface with visiting Japanese student when in San Antonio. - Upon return, make a short video and write a one-page article on your experience to be published on the Shirane Foundation website, school papers, and newspapers.
 Deadline: January 10th, 2025, 6pm
Announcement of 2025 Scholarship Recipients: February 10th, 2025
Overview of the Trip:
(some changes in the order of city visits may take place)
- Tue. June 3- Depart San Antonio
- Wed. June 4- Arrive TokyoÂ
- Thu. June 5- Tokyo, Keimei Gakuen High School; the Shirane Family Tomb.
- Fri. June 6- Tokyo, Company visit, Tourism Day: Imperial Palace, Asakusa District-Senso-ji Temple.
- Sat. June 7- Shinkansen to Osaka, Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan.Â
- Sun. June 8- Sightseeing day in Kyoto, Kiyomizu temple, Kinkakuji, Ryoanji
- Mon. June 9- Train to Nagoya. Kaiyo Academy Visit
- Tue. June 10- Nagoya
- Wed. June 11-Train to Hiroshima: Peace Museum.
- Thu. June 12- Train to Fukuoka, Factory Tour, Train to Kumamoto.
- Fri. June 13- Courtesy visit to City of Kumamoto, Students begin program with World Campus International and Homestay family
- Sat. June 14- World Campus International/Homestay family
- Sun. June 15-World Campus International/Homestay family
- Mon. June 16-World Campus International/Homestay family
- Tue. June 17-World Campus International/Homestay family
- Wed. June 18-World Campus International/Homestay family
- Thu. June 19- World Campus International/Homestay family, Arigato Event Â
- Fri. June 20- Morning Farewell to World Campus International. Depart Japan / Arrive San Antonio.       Â
