Frequently Asked Questions

For participation in the JFMF Teacher Program, an "administrator" is defined as a person who deals with the academic side of school administration, including, but not limited to, a superintendent, principal, vice-principal, librarian, or curriculum coordinator at an elementary school, junior high school, high school, or school district. Auxiliary Personnel such as school nurses, guidance counselors, school psychologists, social workers, and speech pathologists are not eligible to participate.

No. Your round-trip travel, local transportation in Japan, lodging and meals are funded by the JFMF grant; however, costs due to your absence from school, such as hiring a substitute teacher, are not funded by the program. Schools are encouraged to regard this opportunity as a valuable investment for the students, teachers and community, and to explore avenues of cost-sharing to support participation.

Yes. Teachers of all disciplines, including art, physical education, English, history, foreign languages, ESL, geography, math, science, special education, etc., are encouraged to apply. JFMF is seeking teachers who can design innovative plans to creatively adapt their Japan experiences to their curricula, whatever their subject. Applicants are not required or expected to have previous knowledge of Japanese or Japan, only a serious professional interest in the importance of international affairs and U.S.-Japan relations. In fact, the JFMF Teacher Program especially encourages teachers and administrators with little or no Japanese experience to apply.

Yes. While previous international experience is valuable preparation for navigating cross-cultural experiences in Japan, the JFMF Teacher Program strongly encourages teachers and administrators with little or no overseas experience to apply.

Yes. JFMF highly values interest and enthusiasm, and encourages applicants who will demonstrate a long-term commitment to the program’s goals and objectives. JFMF could be the first award in your teaching career. However, applicants with only one or two years of experience should demonstrate their knowledge of American education as well as their long-term commitment to education.

Yes. Since the number of awards is limited each year, qualified applicants and alternates not accepted in previous competitions are encouraged to reapply in subsequent years. Each year, all applications are reviewed as new submissions. Status in previous competitions is not a factor of consideration in the new competition.

Since the program goals are accomplished through long-term implementation of the participants' follow-on plans, the JFMF screening panelists will give preference to qualified teachers and administrators who are committed to working in education for several years after having completed the program.

No. You may have read about the "Japan Fulbright Memorial Fund Teacher Program," or you may have read about the “Fulbright Program.” These are two distinctly different programs. The "Japan Fulbright Memorial Fund Teacher Program" is funded by the Government of Japan for 1st through 12th grade teachers and administrators. It should be abbreviated as “JFMF,” not “Fulbright.” The "Fulbright Program" encompasses a wide range of programs sponsored by the U.S. and foreign governments, including Japan’s, for graduate students, scholars, artists, and professionals. The JFMF Teacher Program was established in 1997 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the world-wide Fulbright Program.

There are no special health requirements to apply to the JFMF Teacher Program. However, applicants should be aware that the JFMF program is intensive and physically rigorous, including long days with demanding schedules (applicants who are pregnant or with walking difficulties should give these factors careful consideration.) You are responsible for carrying your belongings by yourself. If you are accepted as a participant, you will have to complete a medical form which requires an examination conducted by your physician certifying sound physical and mental health according to commonly accepted standards.

No. Participants will be expected to follow a rigorous schedule and will not have time to spend with family members or friends. Participants will travel together to and from Japan. Also, there is no funding or accommodation available for grantee dependents, family, or friends.

No. The spring cycle is only open to teachers, and exceptions cannot be made.

No. JFMF will only accept applications from individuals.