Now Accepting Applications for July 2025 

Be a part of this amazing program! Applications for the 2025 Student Ambassador Program are now being accepted. Click here for more information on details and requirements, including the online application. All applications and accompanying documents must be postmarked by February 15, 2025. If you have any questions in the meantime, please email hoa.japanamericasociety@gmail.com.

About Our Program

Since 1972, the Heart of America Japan-America Society and the city of Kansas City, Missouri have engaged in a Sister City Program with the beautiful city of Kurashiki, Japan. Since 1981, our members have helped sponsor over 80 American high school students in a summer homestay program in Kurashiki. These “Student Ambassadors” have studied the Japanese language and are well qualified to represent the Heart of America Japan-America Society.

Congratulations to 2024's Student Ambassadors! Max Alvarez, Truitt Lowrey, Mae Masek, and Oliver Yeager traveled to Kurashiki in July 2024 to represent the Kansas City area, the Heart of America Japan-America Society, and the United States. We were excited to provide these students the opportunity to experience homestays with families from our beloved sister city! 

      Max Alvarez                  Truitt Lowrey                Mae Masek                    Oliver Yeager

  

If you’re interested in applying for the Student Ambassador Program but have questions or the application window is closed, please email any questions you have about the program to hoa.japanamericasociety@gmail.com. 

You can read about our 2024 Student Ambassadors' experiences in their post-trip essays below. 

   Max Alvarez         Truitt Lowrey         Mae Masek         Oliver Yeager