The U.S.-Japan Alliance brings together the best of our two nations for the benefit of all Americans and Japanese. This is why U.S. Ambassador Rahm Emanuel and the U.S. Mission to Japan, for the first time, provided financial assistance to support Spelman College students for a language and cultural exchange program in Japan.
On June 6, in Tokyo, Ambassador Emanuel hosted a welcome reception for 26 students and two professors from Spelman College, an Historically Black College and University (HBCU) located in Atlanta, Georgia. The students are in Japan on a four-week study abroad program at Josai International University to study Japanese language, history, and culture. More than 70 percent of Spelman students receive some sort of financial aid, and this support made possible participation in the exchange program.
“Traditionally, exchange opportunities in Japan have been beyond the reach of many Americans. As U.S. Ambassador, it’s my responsibility to take concrete steps to develop a diverse pipeline of future Japan experts, and I am proud to partner with Spelman for this program, ” said Ambassador Emanuel. “The United States and Japan partner to tackle the economic and security challenges of today, and we also have a duty to prepare our young people to meet the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow.”
U.S. Senator Raphael Warnock stated, “Promoting opportunities for HBCU alumni to pursue careers in foreign service is a worthy pursuit. As a Morehouse Man and voice for Georgia in the Senate, I am thrilled that the people of Japan will see the best that we have to offer in the form of these students from Spelman College. Thanks to Ambassador Emanuel and the Embassy team for their leadership in this endeavor.”
One of America’s premier HBCUs, Spelman College is the country’s leading producer of Black women who go on to complete doctorates in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). Josai International University is one of Japan’s top ranked universities for sending students to study overseas.
Source : U.S. EMBASSY
