The students are able to continue in the Japanese language program at Mears Middle School. In 1997, the program was expanded to Dimond High School, and the elementary program started at Kindergarten instead of first grade. The participants receive a salary and have the option of renewing their contract at the end of the first and second year. This program has proven to be very successful and many participants have chosen to stay two or three years. Monbusho Scholarship Program Provides international educational opportunities for both undergraduate and graduate students to study at Japanese Universities.
Undergraduate students can pursue Japanese studies for up to one year.
1999 saw Tim Kerr of Anchorage begin his studies for the 2000 Monbusho Graduate Research Scholarship at Kobe University in Target-Cost Management. D esigned to introduce American teachers and administrators to Japan's culture and educational system, the program provides for U.S. primary and secondary teachers and administrators to participate in a three week visit to Japan. 6 teachers from Alaska went on the program in 1999. Based on the most recent statistical count taken in October 1999, there are approximately 572 Japanese citizens residing in Alaska. The Consulate General of Japan introduced Japan Week in 1992 with the hope that Alaskans would become more familiar with Japan through business seminars and various exhibitions of art, culture, and music.