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