The FMF Teacher Program, which is fully funded by the Japanese Government, aims to increase understanding between Japan and the United States by exposing American teachers to the educational system and culture of Japan. The FMF program is designed to extend far beyond the educators who participate. Participants are asked to commit themselves to sharing what they have learned about Japan and intercultural encounters with their students, colleagues and schools. The application deadline is Tuesday, December 19, 2000. The program begins in Tokyo with an orientation and introduction to Japanese life and culture.
Participants attend seminars hosted by government and educational leaders and visit cultural sites.
They also meet with local and regional educational, government and industry officials. Included is a weekend home stay with a Japanese family. The program concludes with a debriefing in Tokyo before traveling home to the United States. Upon returning to the United States, teachers will be expected to implement plans for integrating lessons on Japanese culture and values into their classrooms. The success of the first three years has encouraged a wide range of teachers and administrators to apply for the award.