When I first heard about the program High School Diplomats I was immediately intrigued. This program brings together two very different cultures for two weeks to enlighten and amaze 80 young students.
40 Japanese students travel to the States a week before the program begins and they tour around Washington D.C., New York and Northern Virginia homes! Although High School Diplomats is available to American students across the United States only in Virginia do the American students selected have the chance to host a Japanese student before program begins!
The application process begins by going to the HSD website: http://www.highschooldiplomats.com! Click on the "HSD in America" tab at the top of the page and you will find all the information about your application! After submitting the application it will be reviewed and you will be contacted about an interview scheduling! The interviews are between the applicant and an HSD Staff member, it's about twenty minutes and consists of questions that will help the Staff get to know your personality better! After the interview you will receive, hopefully, and acceptance letter in the mail! Then off to HSD you go! To hear more about my story keep reading!
I went through this process of hosting and it was absolutely amazing! Marina, my student, was delightful and so intrigued by American culture. She was very bright, kind and courteous towards me and my family. I loved this part of the program because students were also able to meet with other Home stay groups in Northern Virginia and hang out! This way, when we all traveled to Princeton together we knew several of the kids we would be spending the week with. I especially liked this because it took away a look of my uncertainty about the people I would meet. Everyone was so friendly and outreaching!
Throughout the week we participated in various activities that bonded us and introduced us to one another's culture! The Japanese students were able to experience a magical Homecoming dance, a kicking country fair, a spooky Halloween and more. The American students experienced delicious sushi making, magnificent Japanese art (origami and calligraphy), Japanese traditional clothing, Martial Arts and more! The slight language barrier started out as an obstacle but slowly faded as the week progressed and the bonds we had with our Japanese room mates and friends strengthened.
No words can properly describe this experience but I can say that if you are an 11th grader this year and you are interested in learning more about Japanese culture, improving yourself, and making life long connections, you MUST attend this program! It is a once in a life time experience and you will not regret it!
Parents, you will be happy to hear that this program is scholarship based so you do not have to pay for your child's experience! Also, after High School Diplomats, half of the American students are chosen to go to Japan with US High School Diplomats for tour, Home stay and another program also on scholarships!
Please consider this opportunity and talk with you parents/children about this! For questions please email the HSD American Directer: celinezapolski@highschooldiplomats.com
Website: http://www.highschooldiplomats.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/highschooldiplomats
