Spark Exchange Program — Cultural Exchange Initiative

SUMMER PROGRAMS

Immerse yourself in Japanese culture, help local students develop English skills, and embark on a journey of self-discovery during your short stay in Japan.

The 2025 application is now open.

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Program Structure

CEI Spark programs offer specially designed activities that allow participants to spend 1 week in Japan. Participants can join either program, with ample free time to explore Japan and foster new relationships.

The 2025 Spark Summer Exchange Programs will take place in two cities: Fukuoka and Nagoya in Japan.

New in 2025: August 3-4, 2025

Negotiation Camp

Co-developed with a leading professor from MIT Sloan School of Management and industry professionals, this two-day interactive camp equips participants with essential negotiation skills through real-world case studies and hands-on practice.

WHAT TO EXPECT:

Engaging Learning: Icebreakers, expert-led lectures, and interactive exercises
Real-World Cases: Practice negotiation in four practical scenarios
Collaborative Experience: Pair-based and group negotiation challenges

Open to college students, graduate students, and professionals eager to enhance their negotiation skills.

August 6-8, 2025, Fukuoka

Active Presentation Camp

In partnership with Fukuoka Girls' Commercial High School, CEI facilitators lead interactive activities focused on team building, design thinking, and presentation skills, drawing from university and professional experiences. Japanese Students gain confidence in speaking English through our 3-day camp, finishing with group presentations at the end.

Activities: ice-breaking, Team-building, Brainstorming using design thinking methodology, Presentation skills lectures, Guest speakers, Mock presentations, Final group presentation competitions

August 9-11, 2025, Nagoya

Active Presentation Camp

In partnership with Nagoya University Affiliated High School, CEI facilitators lead interactive activities focused on team building, design thinking, and presentation skills, drawing from their university and professional experiences. Additionally, Japanese students gained confidence in speaking English through a structured team project where they were presented with a problem, conducted field research, tested hypotheses, and presented solutions in English at the end of the camp

Activities: ice-breaking, team-building, brainstorming using design thinking methodology, presentation skills, research methodologies, interviews, data collection, guest speakers, mock presentations, and final group presentation competitions

Previous years

Summer English Camp

CEI partnered with local teachers to lead interactive learning classes tailored for younger learners. The 2-week program emphasized English immersion through activities such as singing, dancing, and games.

*this program will not be offered in 2025 summer.

Program Video

How to Apply

Mid-November: Application opens

Late March/Early April: Online information session (updated)

Late May: Application deadline

Late July: Summer programs in Japan

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Apply now

Through collaboration with our local partner institutions and host cities, the CEI Spark program will cover the fees for:

Accommodations
Ground transportations
Scheduled program activities
Some international airfare & meals (the program will provide further details)
Travel insurance plan

Cost & Expenses

You will also need to budget for a number of expenses not covered by the program. The amounts listed below for these out-of-pocket expenses are approximate, and you may incur additional expenses not noted here. Your actual expenses will depend on a number of factors, including personal spending habits.