“The best ten days of my life” — the phrase that captures my experience at the High School Diplomats program this summer. Are you interested in learning about different cultures, creating friendships with Japanese and American students, gaining a global perspective in our world, understanding how two countries once in conflict are now great allies and friends, then High School Diplomats 2015 is for you.
High School Diplomats (HSD) is a unique program that can’t be categorized like anything else. Each year 40 students from Japan and 40 students from the United States are selected to gather at Princeton University for 10 days to experience a cross-cultural exchange. Each student accepted into HSD receives a full scholarship. The program is sponsored by AIU Insurance Co. of Tokyo and the Freeman Foundation and is affiliated with the National Association of Japan-America Societies.
Before my travel to Princeton, I hosted two Japanese students for three days during the Homestay portion. My Japanese roommates were eager and interested in American life. What may seem mundane to us, like grilling hot dogs, seeing a movie at Tyson’s, visiting D.C., and eating Sweet Frog, are all new cultural experiences that the Japanese students loved. It was rewarding to be able to see American culture through the awe and wonder that was in their eyes.
“Ichi, ni, san, shi…”, Each morning at Princeton began with a fun Japanese exercise called Rajio Taiso. The day followed with language and culture classes. In the afternoons, we shared our favorite traditions and holidays by recreating the 4th of July, Spirit Day, the Olympics, and Diplomat talks. I was impressed when the counselors recreated Halloween in July! The American and Japanese counselors are all program alumni who never stop working hard to make this experience incredible. My favorite event at HSD was the cultural festival that the Japanese students prepared for us with special dances and games.
High School Diplomats has truly changed my life. It has opened my mind to so many different aspects of what I am a part of in our world. I have learned that regardless of language barriers, we can still find ways to communicate. Not only will I take away from HSD lifelong family and friends, but also a better understanding of who I am. I now consider myself a cosmopolitan, a patriot for both Japan and America.
I encourage all sophomores and juniors to apply for High School Diplomats 2015. The process includes a complete application with essays, a teacher recommendation, and an in-person interview. All applications must be postmarked by January 7, 2015. The program runs from July 29 to August 8. After successfully completing HSD in America, students are eligible to apply to travel to Japan the following summer on a full scholarship for three weeks.
I am happy to assist anyone with answering questions about the program, the experience, or the application process. For more information about HSD 2015 visit www.highschooldiplomats.com