Teachers Invited to Participate in Toyota-Sponsored Study Program in Japan

TORRANCE, Calif., Dec. 11 -- Kentucky high school teachers are invited to participate in a fully sponsored two-week study program in Japan next summer. Now in its fourth year, the Toyota International Teacher Program sends 50 U.S. educators to Japan to promote international understanding while studying issues such as the environment, education, history and technology.

Sponsored by Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. and administered by the Institute of International Education (IIE) in Washington, D.C., the program seems particularly relevant today. Recently President Bush appealed to Americans to renew their commitment to international education when he commented that by studying foreign cultures ``we gain a better understanding of the many similarities that we share and learn to respect our differences.''

Tom Farrell, vice president of exchange programs for IIE agrees. ``Understanding and appreciation of other societies helps build critical international skills. Who better than America's educators to share this knowledge with our youngest citizens?''

The Toyota International Teacher Program is open to high school teachers of all subjects in seven states where Toyota operates major facilities: Ala., Calif., Ky., Ind., Mich., Mo., and W.Va. Participants will visit several cities in Japan including Tokyo, Toyota City and Kyoto, the ancient capital of Japan. The program will take place June 20 through July 5, 2002, including travel time and two nights in Los Angeles for orientation. All direct costs of participation (transportation, lodging, meals) will be paid by Toyota.

Applications can be received by calling toll free (877) TEACHJP, or e-mail: toyotateach@iie.org; or downloading an application from the website at ( www.iie.org/pgms/toyota ).

Over the past ten years, Toyota USA has invested more than $148 million in U.S. philanthropic programs with nearly 70% supporting education initiatives. This includes nationwide grants for K-12 grade math and science teachers (Toyota TIME and Toyota TAPESTRY), family literacy training for parents and children, environmental education programs, technical training and college scholarships, including The College Fund/UNCF and Hispanic Scholarship Fund.

The Institute of International Education is the oldest and largest international education and exchange organization in the United States. By enabling more than 18,000 outstanding men and women each year to study, conduct research, or receive practical training outside their own countries, IIE fosters mutual understanding, builds global problem-solving capabilities and strengthens the international competence of U.S. citizens.