application for 2020 exchange of high schoolers

cross-posting from Japan Center for Michigan Universitis (Hikone in Shiga prefecture)


JCMU is excited to announce that program information and application materials are now available for the 2020 “Michigan-Shiga High School Exchange”!



This 2-way exchange program is available for Michigan high school students currently in grades 9-11. Paper applications have a postmark deadline of March 13, 2020.



To get the word out, please pass along the below e-mail template to relevant students, instructors, high schools, and community organizations/groups:





(Subject Line: MI high schoolers: Explore Japan next summer 🗾)



Applications for the 2020 Michigan-Shiga High School Exchange are now open. Are you ready to travel the world? Join us in Shiga, Japan next summer on this two-part exchange program.



Program Details

Shiga portion: June 24–July 11

Michigan portion: Sep 3–19

App Deadline: March 13



Experience School Life in Japan

Live with a Japanese host family and attend school with your host sibling.



Discover Shiga

Explore Michigan’s Sister State. Shiga is one of the most historic areas of Japan. Visit ancient temples, shrines, castles, natural hot springs, and more.



Share Michigan

A month after you return, your Japanese sibling will travel to the U.S. and live with you. While here, they will attend your classes and experience life in Michigan.



Learn More

For more information including eligibility, program fees, and how to apply, visit the 2020 Michigan-Shiga High School Exchange webpage. If you have any questions, contact program administrators by phone (517-355-4654) or e-mail (hs@jcmu.org).

Japanese Garden after the leaves fall, late November

The early afternoon was sunny in the run-up to the Thanksgiving week 2019 in Grand Rapids.
The visitors who came to the Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park were rewarded with this view atop the viewing point at the Japanese Garden. (3 images stitched into panorama).

looking north from viewpoint above the Japanese Teahouse in the middle distance

The monthly Sunday afternoon visits to the Japanese Teahouse run from May to October normally. So by now the access paths and the building itself is closed off until 2020.