Japan-U.S. Teacher Exchange Program for ESD

The program will provide up to 24 U.S. educators with the opportunity to travel to Japan to learn about ESD efforts and strengthen ESD curricula in both countries.

Application Available Online!

The application for the 2012 program is now available online. The deadline is January 31, 2012.

Learn more about the application

Educational Program in Japan

The program in Japan for U.S. educators will include an orientation to Japanese culture and education, workshops and presentations with experts in ESD, visits to cultural sites, a homestay with a Japanese family, visits to ESD-focused schools and other resources sites, and a Joint Conference between the Japanese and U.S. teachers in Tokyo, focused on the collaborative development of ESD curricula.

Participate in Sustainability Education

The program includes school and site visits during which participants will have the opportunity to observe ESD education in action.

Experience Japanese Educational System

Program participants will have the opportunity to visit Japanese schools and interact with teachers and students.

Learn about Education for Sustainable Development

The program is designed to raise awareness of ESD-oriented school programs, enhance ESD-related curricula, and deepen a sense of global interconnectedness between teachers in Japan and the U.S. in four vital areas of ESD:  food and sustainable nutrition; environment; energy and resources; and international understanding and cooperation.

Collaboration through Joint Conferences

Teachers from Japan will travel to the U.S. in late April, and teachers from the U.S. will travel to Japan in late June. At the end of the program in each country, U.S. and Japanese teachers will gather for a Joint Conference in which they will work together on curriculum development and build partnerships.

Professional Development Opportunity for Educators

One of the program's objectives is to expand professional development opportunities for U.S. and Japanese primary and secondary educators.

Foster Mutual Understanding between Japan and the United States

Another program objective is to increase mutual understanding between the peoples of Japan and the United States and to foster mutual exchange between teachers in the two countries. The Joint Conferences provide excellent opportunities for interaction and collaboration.