Each year, high school students from all over the United States who have studied Japanese language for a minimum of one year compose essays on a topic related to Japanese language and culture. They compete to be selected for a one-month trip to Japan, which incorporates intensive language study, college credit and a homestay with a Japanese family.

The KCC-JEE High School Essay Contest Program began in 1995. It is a unique program, established to provide American high school students with the opportunity to experience Japanese culture first-hand, enhancing their Japanese language skills and deepening their appreciation of Japanese culture and values by living in Japan for one month. They learn how to survive in a foreign country, and gain experience with Japanese people and culture by completing a month of Japanese language study in Japan.

In 2007, 2008 and 2009 one award was made on the basis of an essay of 500 to 550 words on the following: "How the study of Japanese has impacted me and my plans for the future".

NOW RECRUITING FOR THE 2010 ESSAY CONTEST!

DEADLINE:
FEBRUARY 15TH, 2010.

FLYER FOR THE 2010 ESSAY CONTEST


2010 APPLICATION FORM

The eligibility requirements are that the applicant must:

* be an American citizen or permanent resident alien
* be 16 years of age by July 1 of the year the contest is held
* have had at least one year of accredited Japanese language study
* attend a public or private high school in the United States
* be available to study during the four weeks established for this program

The winner is awarded a four-week Japanese Language and Culture Study Program in Japan. The prize includes round-trip airfare, tuition, and room and board in a Japanese home. Total value is approximately $4,000 per student.

For additional information, please contact the KCC-JEE office at 847-715-9859, or e-mail us at kccjee@comcast.net

2009 Winner Meredith Maimono

Meredith writes:

"Studying Japanese is one of my keys to unlocking the cultures of the world.  By learning Japanese and expanding my understanding of Japanese culture, I will be better able to promote intercultural understanding as a leader in both the medical and the Japanese-American communities.  Learning Japanese is an important key to me, because it unlocks parts of my future, my culture, and my world."

TO READ MEREDITH'S ESSAY, CLICK HERE.

PAST ESSAY CONTEST WINNERS:

Evan Rausch (2006)

Jake Hawkesworth (2007)