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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, 2009 and 2010 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". Look for information on the 2011 Essay Contest FLYER FOR THE 2010 ESSAY CONTEST The eligibility requirements are that the applicant must: * be an American citizen or permanent resident alien 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 Aishat "Nana" Alli Aishat writes: "I am Aishat Alli, known around my household as Nana. I am a Nigerian native, born and raised there until I migrated to America in 2004. Growing up in Nigeria, my interest in Japan grew by the stories my mother told me occasionally. My mother had stayed in Japan for a period of time during the wars, and the memories she had from Hokkaido seemed to pass through me as I grew in her stomach. When my mother died, I moved to America. People were always surprised that my name was Nana. Whenever they asked, I had to explain to them that I was named after a friend of my mother when she was in Japan. Although I have a Japanese name, I felt completely empty at heart like I was missing another part of me, and that is why I decided to take Japanese language at Bellaire High School . . ." TO READ AISHAT'S ESSAY, CLICK HERE.
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Meredith Maimono (2009)