2017 High School Diplomat

I came into High School Diplomats (HSD) not knowing anyone and left with 79 best friends.

High School Diplomats is an all-expense paid, ten day cultural exchange program at Princeton University. Since 1987, this program has successfully brought together 40 American and 40 Japanese students. With the generous sponsorships from the AIU Insurance Company of Tokyo and the Freeman Foundation, students from America and Japan can form lifelong friendships with each other.

High School Diplomats is designed to promote growth and appreciation for diversity. During the ten days of the program, each American student is paired with one Japanese student. HSD centers around the created roommate relationship. Students from both sides of the world learn to value each other’s differences and similarities. I learned that my roommate, Maria, isn’t so different from me. Although Maria lives halfway around the world, I discovered that she likes the same foods and music as I do. I found that I can talk to her about many things and ultimately grow from her.

Each day at Princeton was something new and exciting. Maria and I would begin our day with Rajio Taiso, a Japanese morning radio exercise. After breakfast in the dining hall, we would split up into our language and culture classes. While my roommate was learning more about American society, I was mastering Katakana and the steps to making sushi. After classes, my roommate and I would reunite and participate in that day’s themed activity. Theme days of HSD 2017 included Pep Rally/Spirit Day, Independence Day, Bunka No Hi, Paula Chow Diplomat Talks, Date Night, and Talent Show Night.

My favorite theme day was the Paula Chow Diplomat Talks. Maria and I circled up with several roommate pairs and discussed the present issues that America and Japan are facing: immigration, gun control, gender discrimination, and nuclear warfare. High School Diplomats allowed me to acknowledge global issues and problem-solve ways to fix them.

I gained more than I could have possibly imagined. I not only gained 79 new friends, but a new intercultural awareness. Because my father is Japanese, I wasn’t sure how much of an impact HSD would have on me. But with HSD, I fully expanded my view on Japan and opened my heart to their people. I encourage everyone to apply to this program because HSD can be such a life-changing experience.

This year’s High School Diplomats application is now open. All current sophomores and juniors nationwide are eligible to apply. High School Diplomats 2018 will be held at Princeton University from July 25th, 2018 to August 5th, 2018. The online application and further instructions can be found at http://www.highschooldiplomats.com/america.php. The deadline is January 8th, 2018. Chosen applicants will be notified mid to late February 2018 for an interview. The final acceptance into High School Diplomats 2018 will be announced mid-April 2018. For more information, contact the American director, Celine Zapolski, at 571-234-5072 or celinezapolski@highschooldiplomats.com.