Background:

In 1968 Michigan and Shiga Prefecture in Japan became sister states. Through that partnership many exchanges have taken place involving teachers, community members and students. Michigan currently has 16 sister-friendship cities within Shiga Prefecture. The Michigan-Shiga Student Exchange Program was initiated by the Michigan Department of Education and the Shiga Board of Education in 1990.

"Michigan cannot participate in a global economy if our citizens do not have an understanding of the global workplace and the opportunity to interact with educational systems in countries other than our own. The Michigan-Shiga Student Exchange Program offers our citizens the opportunity to experience a different educational system, a new culture, and gives them a taste of the world marketplace. More and more, our economy extends beyond our national borders, and this program gives Michigan citizens a way to understand that concept." --Governor Jennifer Granholm (10/30/2003)

How The Program Works:

• A designated number of high school students, grades 9 to 11, are chosen to represent the State of Michigan.
• Shiga students of similar age are selected and then paired with the Michigan students of similar age and experience.
• During the summer the Michigan students spend two weeks in Shiga, Japan. Each stays with a Japanese student and family, attends school and participates in their daily lives.
• The Japanese students come to Michigan for two weeks in September, each staying with the family of the Michigan student who stayed with him/her during the summer and will be attending school with him/her.
• Students should be open-minded, flexible, willing to accept new challenges and ready for rewarding experiences.