Heart of America Japan-America Society - Student Ambassador Program (Kurashiki, Japan)

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If you're interested in applying for the 2027 Student Ambassador Program, watch this webpage for more information beginning January 2, 2027. For questions in the meantime, contact us.

To learn more about the program, see About Our Program below and read essays from our 2025 and 2026 student ambassadors.

About Our Program

Since 1972, the Heart of America Japan-America Society and the city of Kansas City, Missouri have engaged in a Sister City Program with the beautiful city of Kurashiki, Japan. Since 1981, our members have helped sponsor over 80 American high school students in a summer homestay program in Kurashiki.Students also have the opportunity to go to Kurashiki City Hall, visit a local high school, participate in cultural experiences, and travel to Kyoto, Hiroshima, and Miyajima.

These “Student Ambassadors” are high school sophomores, juniors, or seniors who represent the Heart of America Japan-America Society, the Kansas City area, and the United States. Note that the program is for students with an interest in Japan and its language and culture. Students do not need to speak Japanese.

Qualifications:

Students must be in high school and 16 years of age by July 1, 2027 or be a junior for the 2027-2028 school year.
Students must live in the KCMO metro area (we include most areas with an hour’s drive from downtown KC).
A letter of recommendation is required from a teacher.
Applicants write a brief essay about why they want to participate in the program.
HAJAS expects students to have good grades, but do not have a GPA requirement.

Requirements:

Families pay $2,600 for the program (final amount TBD, but we expect no more than $3,000). This includes airfare, insurance, and a family membership in the Heart of America Japan-American Society.
Students also purchase small gifts for their host families and bring spending money.
Upon return, students volunteer at the Ethnic Enrichment Festival (August) and the Greater KC Japan Festival (October). They also wite a post-trip essay and give a brief presentation.

Congratulations to our 2025 and 2026 Student Ambassadors!