When will you be going to Japan?

I will leave on November 12 and return on November 30, 2006. While I am in Japan, I hope to be communicating with the staff and students of the Bow School District and anyone else who is interested. When I return I will be implementing a self-designed plan to share my knowledge and experience with our students, my colleagues and the community.

How were you selected?

In late October '05 I received a letter from the Institute of International Education strongly encouraging me to reapply for the 2006 JFMF competition. After being granted the School Board's permission, I applied. On March 21, 2006 I received a letter of acceptance for the November 2006 session from the Tokyo division of JFMF.

What do you mean, "reapply' ?

I applied for the 2002 program and was chosen as an alternate. I.I.E. wrote and told me, "Statistically, applicants applying for the second or third time have been more likely to be selected as reward participants than those who are applying for the first time." The application itself is a lengthy process and it requires a purpose, rationale, and a strong follow-on plan not to mention three letters of recommendation.

What does this trip to Japan cost?

The only cost to the School District is for a substitute teacher that will fill in for me for the 12-13 day period that I will be out of school. The Japanese government pays for airfare, food, and lodging. Souvenirs, and miscellaneous expenses are my own.

What is the Fulbright Act?

The mission of the Fulbright Act of the United States is to honor the memory and ideals of the late Senator J. William Fulbright by expressing the continuing commitment to friendship and understanding as well as Japan's appreciation for the benefits which it has received from the Fulbright program . This program was set in motion after the 2nd World War in 1947. Fifty years later, Japan began offering this program to United States citizens that are part of the education scene.

Why does the Japanese government pay for this program?

To quote the program brochure: "The Japan Fulbright Memorial Fund Teacher Program, sponsored by the government of Japan, provides U.S. educators with fully-funded study tours of Japan. The program is designed to increase understanding between the people of Japan and the United States by inviting U.S. elementary and secondary educators to visit Japan and share their experiences with fellow Americans upon their return."

Who else is going?

Two teachers are chosen from each state in the United States for each of the three trips (June, October, and November) . Ellen Beckwith, a librarian from Derry, was also chosen. She is doing a project on children's books.

Is this opportunity only offered to teachers?

The program opportunity is offered to administrators, guidance counselors, and media specialists. They have the opportunity to go to Japan during the October and November sessions, but not the June session. There are more than just teachers going, there are media specialists, guidance counselors, librarians (media specialists), and administrators. There are 200 openings during each of the three sessions offered each year.

How can I apply?

Go to the website at www.iie.org/jfmf and you will find the application for the 2007 competition. This year's deadline is December 7th. It will tell you everything you need to know to apply. Remember the "statistics" and don't be discouraged.

The Institute for International Education is the contracting agency responsible for coordinating the pre-program portion of the JFMF Teacher Program. It was founded in 1919 and is a private, not for profit organization committed to international education and exchange. IIE is located in Washington, D.C.

Has anyone else ever gone from our School District?

Yes, Robin Steiner, who teaches World Studies at the Bow High School, went the first summer it was offered.

So what will your study tour look like?

I will travel to San Francisco on November 12th and meet all the other participants. We will fly to Tokyo, have 4 days of introduction and activities including one free day. On that free day I hope to spend time with Yumiko, our former Japanese intern. Then we will split off into groups of 20 to go to different prefectures in Japan. I will visit government offices, schools, teacher colleges, historical sites, and other places of interesst. I will also have a short home stay.

Do you know which prefecture you are going to?

Yes, I do! I will be going to the southern most island of Japan. The prefecture is Okinawa and the city is Miyako-jima. I will be in the sub-tropics of Japan for 10 days. Miyako-jima has some of the most beautiful waters in Japan. I have met most of my group that I will be traveling with on the internet. I have met over 100 people who are going to Japan since October 20th. We have been in communication via e-mail. We look forward to meeting each other in person in San Francisco on November 12th.We will be in Miyako-jima for 10 days.

Can anyone go with you?

No. Family members, friends, or relatives may not go with me. This is according to the JFMF rules and guidelines. Of course "YOU" can travel with me by reading my daily journal on this website.

Does your family support this trip?

My family is extremely excited and supportive. They encouraged me to apply last fall.

Is there anything else you would like to share with us?

Yes, first I would like to thank Peggy Cain, Charlotte Brenlove, and Diane Gerhardt for their strong support and letters of recommendation. I would also like to thank my principal, Deborah Gibbens for sharing the Fulbright information with me and writing a letter of recommendation. The School Board deserves a special "Thank You" for allowing me to apply last December.

I would also like to share these questions in order to obtain specific information that teachers and students may be interested in finding out about"

What would you like to know about the Japanese school system?

What particular area of the Japanese family life would you like to know about?

What aspects of their teacher education would you like to learn about?

Is there a particular aspect about the Japanese society that you are interested in learning more about?

Please feel free to e-mail me questions or comments at lambra@bownet. org. I would love to have you "travel" with me by logging on to bownet.org/lambra and look for the Japan Journal link.

Go Back