Sugai Intensive English & Leadership Development Program

The Intensive English and Leadership Development Program is a 17-day summer program sponsored by the Sugai Fund. This program seeks to give students the opportunity to broaden their horizons through educational and cultural experiences at GW.

Through this program, participants will enhance their communication, presentation, and leadership skills, and build a global understanding of cultural differences. They will also have an opportunity to meet students from all over the world and engage with experts in various fields in the United States.

Stay tuned for details about the summer program!

Translated Outline (Japanese) 日本語
 

Program Highlights

• Intensive English classes with GW professors from the English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Program
• Leadership seminars with professionals such as GW professors, a researcher from the National Institute of Health and an economist from the World Bank
• Field trips to major sites, including the Smithsonian Museums, U.S. Capitol and Library of Congress

Who Can Apply

Admission to the program is competitive and space is limited to eight students. All selected students will receive a full scholarship that covers round trip transportation to Washington, D.C., the cost of attendance and overseas travel insurance.

Eligibility Requirements

• Must be 18 years or older
• Must be a student at the college or graduate level
• Must fall into one of the specified categories:
  1. A victim of the Great East Japan earthquake of 2011, and/or have lost their parent(s) due to the earthquake
  2. A victim of the Kumamoto earthquakes of 2016, and/or have lost their parent(s) due to the earthquakes
  3. A victim of the Noto earthquake of 2024, and/or have lost their parent(s) due to the earthquake
  4. A victim of any other natural disasters that took place in Japan between 2011-2024.

Frequently Asked Questions (Japanese)

Application Process

Applications will consist of two selection rounds. Only those who have passed the first round will be eligible to proceed to the final round.

First Round

• Personal and educational information
• A letter of recommendation from a faculty member of the school that applicants are currently enrolled in
• An essay addressing a topic in Japanese (800–1200 words)

Final Round

• An online interview in Japanese and English

"I want to express my appreciation for the Sugai Program, which allowed me to study in the U.S. My journey started at Kumamoto University, I studied law in school and learned about the Sugai Program through the university’s information portal. I participated in the Intensive English and Leadership Development Program and the Sugai Summer Degree Program. A key feature of the Sugai Program is its focus on enhancing English skills, ranging from pronunciation to writing, before attending George Washington University.

In the Summer Degree Program, we took classes with GWU students. Each week involved significant reading, assignments, and intensive classroom discussions. I completed all my courses thanks to amazing tutors from the Sugai Program. After the Sugai Program, I continued my studies at the University of Massachusetts Boston for a master’s degree. I enrolled as a full-assistantship student, which allowed me to pursue my education in the U.S. Life in Boston was challenging, but the experience I gained from the Sugai Program gave me the confidence to tackle all difficulties. Additionally, the Sugai Community will always support you. During my studies, I learned that hard work opens doors.

I am currently applying for a research position with a think tank and consulting company, and my future goal is to conduct research and create a society in Japan that embraces diversity in the workplace and educational settings.
Once again, I want to thank the Sugai Program's funder, Ms. Noriko Sugai, who gave me this opportunity, the Sugai Program’s organizers and members who assisted me, and the support from my family members."

Takaki Shimokawa
2020 Sugai Online program & 2023 Summer degree program Alumni

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Past Sugai Programs

Browse videos for highlights from past trips.