Monroe County students can again travel to Japan

Suzanne Nolan Wisler, The Monroe News
·4 min read

MONROE COUNTY — It’s been four years since Monroe County students visited Japan with the Monroe International Friendship Association. This summer, MIFA will return to traveling.

Up to five local students will be selected for a July trip to Japan, and several Japanese students will come to Monroe. Applications are due April 13.

MIFA began in 1992 as a Sister City program between Monroe and Hofu, Japan. Since then, more than 100 Monroe County students have visited Japan. The last trip was in 2019. MIFA has been an online only program since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Monroe students and their chaperones are shown at a Japanese airport during a previous visit to Hofu, Japan.
Monroe students and their chaperones are shown at a Japanese airport during a previous visit to Hofu, Japan.

“We had virtual meetings with members and former students joining from both cities. We shared different traditions, stories, special presentations and discussions during the meetings," said Kim Steve of Monroe County, MIFA president. "It was a bit challenging with the time difference, but it was quite interesting for both sides."

One offering was a virtual book club hosted by David Ross from the Monroe County Library System. That virtual activity will continue. Last fall, MIFA officials in both countries decided to resume in-person activities.

“We met with delegates from the city of Hofu, who came to Monroe for four days,” Steve said.

Monroe students visited a temple in Japan and wore traditional kimonos during a past trip to Hofu.
Monroe students visited a temple in Japan and wore traditional kimonos during a past trip to Hofu.

At the meeting, the annual summer trip to Japan was planned for July 9-23. The annual trips also were shortened from three weeks to two.

Monroe County high school students can apply for July's trip by completing an application, writing an essay and submitting three letters of recommendation. Students don't need to speak Japanese. Interviews will be conducted April 22.

"The student will participate in a panel interview with community leaders and the mayor of Monroe," Steve said. "We are looking for students who are interested in another culture and are open to experiencing it. We want students who want to partake in the exchange as a 'community/family member' of Hofu, not just as a tourist."

The cost is about $2,500 for each traveler.

"Basically, what the students will pay for is the airfare," Steve said. "Once they arrive in Hofu, they will have all their meals and activities provided. Students will buy gifts for their host families."

In Japan, Monroe students will take part in activities like a traditional Japanese tea ceremony, visit Hiroshima shrines and temples, and interact with their host families.

"Not only do they get to experience a different culture halfway across the world, but they get to learn and enjoy the Japanese culture as part of a Japanese family. Many students just love this opportunity," Steve said. "They also like visiting the Japanese high school, which is very different than American schools. For example, Japanese students wear uniforms, and when the students arrive to school, they remove their shoes and wear slippers during the day."

Students from Hofu, Japan, are shown at the Lotus Fountain in downtown Monroe.
Students from Hofu, Japan, are shown at the Lotus Fountain in downtown Monroe.

Students from Hofu will visit Monroe July 25-Aug. 6. Ten Monroe County host families are needed.

"It is only a week commitment for the family, and students will have activities during the day," Steve said. "Families would need to provide drop-off and pick-up in Monroe and spend evenings and weekends sharing our 'American life' with them. It’s a way to experience another culture in your own living room."

MIFA also hopes to find an adult who speaks Japanese.

"It's a long shot, but we are also looking for an interpreter for when the Hofu chaperons and students come to town," MIFA's Sandra White added.

While in Monroe, the Japanese students traditionally visit places like a police station, fire station, the Monroe County Fair, the Monroe County Museum, the River Raisin National Battlefield Park and Greenfield Village, Steve said.

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She has been to Hofu five times.

Monroe students visit a Japanese garden during a previous trip to Hofu.
Monroe students visit a Japanese garden during a previous trip to Hofu.

“One of the most wonderful things that I enjoy is seeing and meeting our Hofu friends," Steve said. "I get to see many former students as well; it is great to hear about their fond memories of their time in Monroe. I love seeing Hofu city, which has about the same size population as Monroe County. It has many shrines and Japanese gardens. Mori Museum and Garden, Amida Temple and Hofu Tenmangu Shine are beautiful places to visit. I love the different food in Japan and drinking the green tea."

To learn more, contat Steve at 734-755-6767 or jksteve007@gmail.com or visit the MIFA Facebook page.

— Contact reporter Suzanne Nolan Wisler at swisler@monroenews.com.

This article originally appeared on The Monroe News: Monroe County students can again travel to Japan