Study Abroad for US Students

ECI sends American students to Japan for one week to participate in cross-cultural exchange.  During that time, students stay with a Japanese host family and participate in classroom and cross-cultural activities. The trip is chaperoned by senior ECI staff.

Scholarships

Scholarships are sometimes available to students who live in California to help pay for the cost of participating in this trip.  Students must complete a written application and have an in-person interview with the selection committee.  Preference is given to applicants whose families have hosted international students for ECI in the past and who have worked for ECI as conversation partners. Speaking Japanese is not a requirement.

How to Participate

If you are interested in participating or want more information, send email to barney@eci-ca.org. You may also want to consider becoming a host family for Japanese and international students studying in the US through ECI. Click here to find out more.

Be a Conversation Partner

Each summer, ECI hires 25-30 teens to work as Conversation Partners.  Conversation Partners work for pay doing on-campus activities and receive community service hours for off-campus activities.  ECI covers all admission fees and expenses for off-campus activities.  Students have the option of working all assigned hours for community service hours.  Conversation Partners do a variety of fun activities to help our international students learn about American culture and practice English.  If you are a fun and energetic teen, we want you to work for us.  Teens who work for ECI or whose families host a student are eligible for our Japan trip in the fall.  Scholarships are provided for this program.  If you would like to have a cross-cultural experience, have fun, and get paid, please contact us at info@eci-ca.org or download the application and schedule below.

            2-Week CP Application for Program at MVCS

            3-Week CP Application for Program at MBA

            8-Week CP Application for Program at MBA

 

Testimonials

"Why I'd Love to Go to Japan...Again!"

"....Although there are many reasons why I would love to go to Japan, here are the most important ones.  I love to meet new people, especially from other cultures.  So far I have noticed that there are some things about the Japanese culture that are obvious, but other things you learn over time.  I would love to learn more about how the society works, relationships within the family and how their culture views things....

"....Each time I visited Japan, I have learned more about their interests and what excites them.  For instance, on the last trip I discovered that the majority of the girls loved Harry Potter.  Once when there was an extremely shy student, I was able to bring her out of her shell by talking about her favorite character.  I have found that the painfully shy students sometimes are more comfortable talking about an interest rather than themselves....

"....My very first time visiting Japan, I was amazed at how kind everyone was and soon decided it was my favorite place to be.  Shortly after I arrived, I knew it would be difficult to leave my new friends....I had a wonderful time with the younger girls last time, because they seemed so eager to learn.  Their enthusiasm was contagious and made it so fantastic to work with them.

"....Whether I am picked or not, I want to let you know how much I appreciate your program.  When I first started, I was shy, but over the years I have built more confidence and have better leadership abilities.  I have realized that our culture is just one of many ways to live.  Thank you for all of the opportunities you have blessed me with.  I feel like I am a better person because of it."

-US student who studied in Japan with ECI

 

"....Knowing you has enriched our lives so much.  You...are so generous, kind and thoughtful.  Thank you for the wonderful trip for Stephanie.  She absolutely loved every minute."

-former US student's mother, Laura, and family