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_ Brookline High School students and teachers were selected to participate in a nearly fully-funded two- week study tour of Japan from July 8-21, 2012. This program is called "Kizuna" which means "bonds of friendship." It is sponsored by the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, The Laurasian Institution, The Japan Foundation Center for Global Partnership, the Japan International Cooperation Center and the Japan-U.S. Educational Commission. The purpose of this program is to promote understanding of Japan's recovery after the Great East Japan Earthquake of March 2011, to encourage global understanding between the youth of Japan and the United States and to foster long-term and ongoing interest in one another by providing firsthand experiences with the culture of the other. Further details about the program can be found at: http://www.laurasian.org/kizuna/index.htm

The travel in Japan will include: travel to both the Tokyo and Kyoto areas, an opportunity to volunteer in a community affected by the March 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake, and a host school and homestay visit. In return, BHS will host 23 Japanese students and their 2 chaperones for 4 days and 3 night days, during the 2012-2013 school year.

BHS Japanese teacher Rachel Eio and BHS Educational Technology Specialist Lisa Francescon will chaperone this trip. In addition, a Japanese tour guide will accompany us throughout Japan.

View Japan Kizuna Tour 7/8-21, 2012 in a larger map