Welcome Professors! This section has recently been added to help professors spread the word to their students about the importance and benefits of participating in the Japan-America Student Conference!

JASC is the oldest student-led cultural exchange program between Japan and the U.S. and this summer marks its 75^th Anniversary! Students from all majors are encouraged to apply as English is the primary language of the conference, and JASC does not require students to be Asian studies majors or studying the Japanese language.

Below is the basic information for the conference and a list of frequently asked questions. There is also a link to our 62^nd JASC brochure for you to hand out to interested students.

2010 Brochure

Basic Information:

Who? Any full-time student at a college or university within the United States at the time of application - this ranges from first year students to Ph.D. candidates. U.S. citizenship or permanent resident status is preferred.  The program consists of 72 students per year, 36 students from each country.

What? The 62^nd Japan-America Student Conference

When? July 23 - August 21, 2010

Where? Indiana, D.C., Louisiana, and California

Why? In our globalized world, it is important for our future leaders to engage in international exchange in order to advance and maintain the relationship between these two influential nations. Students have the opportunity to fulfill their civic duty in furthering cultural understandings by sharing knowledge and experiences while making memories and lasting friendships.

These experiences will provide a foundation for mutual understanding, social awareness, cultural sensitivity, and exchange of ideas. More importantly, the bonds that will form as a result of the students living and working together will offer the basis for life-long friendships that will further strengthen the ties between the countries.

JASC is also uniquely student-run, giving the participants high quality real world experience that will prepare them for successful careers in any sector.

Cost: The $2,800 participation for JASC covers food, lodging, and group travel for the duration of the program. Travel between each site is included in this fee. However, individual round-trip transportation to the Orientation site and from the concluding site is the responsibility of each delegate.

There is also a non-refundable $20 application fee.

Value: The actual cost of the Conference is closer to $7,000, which is subsidized by fundraising from ISC. The value of netowrking and new friends is priceless.

Application due date: Applications are due by February 22, 2010

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What makes JASC unique compared to other study abroad programs?

Over the years, the program has developed a strong alumni base with several prominent members, including former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger.  When students are chosen as delegates, their involvement with JASC does not end when the conference is over.  They are joining an elite family of individuals who have been actively involved in bettering international relations for three quarters of a century.

Here are just a few JASCer benefits:

What is the Job Board?

Alumni can sign up for the JASC Job Board listserv to receive email announcements about internship and job opportunities. Although most announcements are focused on U.S.-Japan related positions, government affairs or other vacancies based in the Washington, DC metropolitan area, the listserv includes a variety of openings from entry level and part-time to senior-level positions.

What are some of the activities students do during the month-long trip?

The entire program is planned out by a group of students who were chosen by their peers from the previous Conference. These students are known as the Executive Committee and are composed of eight American students (the AECs- American Executive Committee members) and eight Japanese students (the JECs- Japanese Executive Committee members). While a member of the staff from ISC is always available during the program for emergency situations, JASC is primarily lead by the EC members.

Students will begin with an American student orientation at Earlham College. Once the Japanese delegates join them there will be 12 roundtable meetings (3-4 times a week) throughout the conference where students will get the opportunity to discuss some of the hottest topics facing these two nations.  There will also be 2 or 3 receptions, including one with the Embassy. There is a short 1-2 night home stay program in the middle of the conference where students are partnered with one of the Japanese delegates. Around one third of the conference is spent participating in cultural activities such as learning how to cook traditional Japanese cuisine. Another third is spent at seminar lectures and panel presentations from experts in their field. And the other third is spent taking interactive field trips; for example, visits to government and business buildings. The two countries alternate hosting the Conference each year.

Are Scholarships or Financial Aid Available?

Yes! Each year a considerable number of American delegates receive full or partial financial support from their universities or other community organizations. Upon selection, ISC and the American Executive Committee can provide advice for locating and obtaining scholarships, donations and other forms of financial aid.

Can my students receive academic credit for JASC?

International Student Conferences is not an accredited institution. However, we are willing to support any student interested in using the JASC experience for independent study by completing any necessary paperwork.

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