FAQ

The Japan-U.S. Teacher Exchange Program for ESD is fully-funded with the exception of some meals. Travel to/from the Joint Conference in the U.S., travel to/from Japan, lodging, insurance, official excursions, local transportation, and most meals are paid for by Fulbright Japan. Participants in the program will be responsible for certain additional costs, such as a few meals, pre-departure expenses (i.e. passports or travel supplies), any costs associated with being away from their jobs during the program, and any personal expenses. Participants are recommended to bring approximately $200 to Japan to cover meals not paid for by the program.

No. Your travel to San Francisco and Japan, local transportation in Japan, lodging, and most meals are funded by Fulbright Japan. However, costs due to your absence from school, such as hiring a substitute teacher, are not funded by the program. Schools are encouraged to regard this professional development opportunity as a valuable investment and to explore avenues of cost-sharing to support participation.

Fulbright Japan and the Institute of International Education (IIE) will make all travel arrangements for program participants. Travel arrangements will be made from participants’ home airports to/from the Joint Conference in the U.S. and to/from the program in Japan. Under no circumstances should travel arrangements be made independently by participants.

No. Participants will be expected to follow a rigorous schedule and will not have time to spend with family members or friends.

There are no special health requirements to apply to the program. However, applicants should be aware that the program is intensive and physically rigorous, including long days with demanding schedules (applicants who are pregnant or have walking difficulties should give these factors careful consideration). You are responsible for carrying your belongings by yourself. If you are accepted as a participant, you will have to complete a medical self-evaluation form certifying sound physical and mental health according to commonly accepted standards.

You are eligible to apply for the program as long as you have some experience in ESD. As one of the objectives of this program is to encourage curriculum development in ESD, the most competitive applicants will demonstrate serious interest in environmental education and/or food education.

No. Only full-time educators are eligible for the program.

Yes. However, the JFMF Teacher Program focused on Japanese culture and education, while the ESD program introduces the element of education for sustainable development. Applicants to the Japan-U.S. Teacher Exchange Program for ESD should demonstrate experience with and serious interest in ESD, not just Japanese culture.

For participation in this program, an “administrator” is defined as a person who deals with the academic side of school administration, including, but not limited to, a superintendent, principal, vice-principal, librarian, or curriculum coordinator at an elementary school, junior high school, high school, or school district. Auxiliary personnel such as school nurses, guidance counselors, school psychologists, social workers, and speech pathologists are not eligible. In addition, county employees or other individuals who do not work for a school or school district are not eligible for the program.

Yes. Fulbright Japan highly values interest and enthusiasm and encourages applicants who will demonstrate a long-term commitment to the program’s goals and objectives. However, applicants with only one or two years of experience should demonstrate their knowledge of American education and ESD as well as their long-term commitment to education.

Since the program goals are accomplished through long-term implementation of ESD curricula, the screening panelists will give preference to qualified teachers and administrators who are committed to working in education for several years after having completed the program.

Yes. However, you will not have the opportunity to visit kindergarten classrooms in Japan. The program will likely include visits to elementary, middle, and high schools, but not a kindergarten.

Yes. While previous international experience is valuable preparation for navigating cross-cultural experiences in Japan, the Japan-U.S. Teacher Exchange Program for ESD strongly encourages teachers and administrators with little or no overseas experience to apply.

Applicants are not required or expected to have previous knowledge of Japanese or Japan, only a serious academic/professional interest in curriculum development, teaching methodologies, and/or projects and activities related to ESD, as well as interest in international exchange, including Japan-U.S. exchange, as a component of ESD activities. A simultaneous interpreter will accompany you during the program.

JFMF Teacher Program alumni are eligible for the program only if they can demonstrate compelling programmatic responsibilities and experience with ESD. Master Teacher Program alumni are not eligible for the program.

Yes. However, for applicants with previous experience in Japan, preference will be given to those with compelling programmatic responsibilities and experience with ESD.

Yes. Fulbright alumni are eligible for the program if they meet the other eligibility criteria.

No. You are both free to apply, but you must complete separate applications.

No. This program is administered by Fulbright Japan, but Fulbright award recipients are those who have applied and competed for specific Fulbright study or research award categories. You will be considered a participant in a Fulbright-administered program.

Participants will be required to submit an impact report to Fulbright Japan four months after their participation in the program. This report must show the development and implementation of ESD curricula as a result of the program.