The Fulbright Memorial Fund (FMF) Program

The Fulbright Memorial Fund (FMF) program is sponsored by the Government of Japan to commermorate the 50th anniversary of the U.S. Government Fulbright Program. Each year a total of 600 teachers are selected from all 50 United States and the District of Columbia. The program allows outstanding elementary and secondary school teachers and administrators to travel to Japan for three weeks to promote intercultural understanding between the two nations. It provides an opportunity for educators to learn about Japan’s educational system, culture, and people through a three-week immersion program. All participants start the trip in Tokyo with a brief tour of the city and then attend formal lectures and discussions on the Japanese education system, economy, and culture. Then the group divides into groups of 20 that visit different prefectures (states) in Japan. During the prefecture time, the participants visit an elementary school, middle, school, high school, university and factory. In addition, one of the highlights of the trip is a home stay with a family.

The program is administered by the Japan-United States Eudcational Commision (JUSEC). The Institute of International Exchange (IIE), is the contracting agency for coordinating the FMF activities in the United States.

For more information on the FMF program, visit the FMF Webpage or call 1-888-527-2636.

This program was one of the best-organized and most professional programs I have ever had the privilege to participate in. I feel very fortunate to have been selected to be part of the November, 2000 FMF trip. It was one of the most memorable experiences of my lifetime and I will treasure it always.