JASC delegates smiling and posing with peace signs during the USA Pavilion session of JASC 77, representing international friendship and community.

About Us

Delegates from an ISC conference jump in unison in front of a hot air balloon, celebrating cross-cultural joy, connection, and shared adventure.

JASC Executive Committee members strike playful poses on a staircase, showcasing student leadership, collaboration, and the spirit of peer-led programming.

Mission

To promote peace by furthering mutual understanding, friendship, and trust through international student interchange.

Delegate speaking during a conference session at the Japan–America Student Conference, highlighting student-led dialogue and global leadership development.

Vision

A world where young leaders bridge divides through dialogue, building lasting relationships that transcend borders and political tensions.

Student delegate standing in front of framed photography at a gallery, reflecting ISC’s commitment to cultural exploration and experiential learning.

Theory of Change

Group photo of JASC 65 delegates gathered around a tree planting ceremony in Japan, symbolizing friendship, peace, and long-standing U.S.–Japan relations.

The Problem

Traditional international exchange programs are often designed and managed by professional staff, limiting students to passive participation in predetermined activities. This top-down approach fails to cultivate genuine leadership skills or build the kind of deep, cross-cultural relationships needed for lasting peace.

Our Intervention

ISC takes a different approach: we trust students to design, plan, and execute their own international conferences. Each year, elected student Executive Committees spend a full year coordinating every detail — from selecting themes and inviting speakers to managing budgets and logistics. Operating outside political, funding, or institutional agendas, students can explore any topic in a safe and open environment, addressing the issues they believe are most pressing for their generation.

Colorful lantern display spelling “SEOUL” with traditional Korean figures, part of the Seoul Lantern Festival celebrating Korean culture during KASC.

How It Works

Students engage in three distinct leadership roles: delegates who participate in current conferences, Executive Committee members who plan future conferences, and alumni who mentor new generations. This peer-to-peer model fosters more open dialogue and innovation than traditional staff-managed programs, allowing students to challenge one another and pursue new ideas without institutional constraints.

Long-Term Outcomes

Alumni carry both enhanced leadership capabilities and established international relationships into influential careers, creating a multiplier effect for peaceful international engagement across government, business, academia, and civil society.

Impact by the Numbers

91

Years of Operation

6,000+

Alumni Worldwide

4

Flagship Programs

100+

Conferences

50+

Universities providing academic credit, housing, and support

50%

Of delegates receive scholarships or financial assistance

Core Beliefs

Students bring energy, idealism, and drive that uniquely qualify them to lead efforts for peace and understanding.
Lasting peace requires friendship and trust across cultures and borders.
Respect for diverse perspectives grows from open minds and thoughtful exchange.
The future depends on investing in today’s young leaders.
We commit to honesty, integrity, and transparency in all relationships.