Northern Michigan University is a proud supporter of the Marquette Area Sister City Partnership. The Marquette Area Sister Cities Partnership is a non-profit organization devoted to supporting and maintaining international relationships between the City of Marquette and its sister cities of Higashiōmi, Japan and Kajaani, Finland.
Marquette and Higashiōmi entered a formal Sister City friendship in 1979. Marquette and Kajaani entered a formal Sister City friendship in 1997. As part of the Sister City friendship with Higashiōmi, a student exchange was developed. Each year, one student from Higashiōmi studies at NMU and one student from NMU studies through Japan Center for Michigan Universities (JCMU) in Higashiōmi.
Higashiomi Sister City Scholar Exchange
About the Exchange Program
As a Sister City Exchange scholar, you are not only a representative of NMU, but also of Marquette. If selected, you will study for one academic year at at JCMU - Japan Center for Michigan Universities.
Scholars are expected to uphold academic rigor while also contributing to the Sister City relations. Activities as such could include:
- Making a courtesy visit to the Mayor of Higashiomi
- Visiting Schools with ALT (Assistant Language Teacher) to build a relationship with students in Higashiomi
- Being involved in the events when Marquette delegations are in Higashiomi
- Assisting and participating in Sister City relations events in Higashiomi
- Staying and spending time with host families during some weekends in Higashiomi. (This will not interfere with academics)
Sister City Exchange Scholarship Information
Application Process
- Complete the NMU application to be considered for selection to Sister City exchange program
- If selected, the NMU International Programs Office will work with you to complete the application for the JCMU program.
- JCMU Application Fee: $100 (no refund) - Scholars will be responsible for payment of this fee.
Scholarship Information
The following costs will be covered by the scholarship.
- JCMU Tuition for the academic year
- JCMU Housing for the academic year
- Stipend for food. (The JCMU program does not have an onsite cafeteria)
The following costs will not be covered by the scholarship.
- JCMU Application fee
- Airline ticket and transportation to JCMU
- Personal expenses during the program
Student Selection Criteria
- Demonstrate interest in the Japanese culture and language
- Willing to contribute to the Marquette & Higashiomi Sister City friendship to build a strong relationship between the two cities.
- Maintain and demonstrate good grades and hard work in their study
- Must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 including booster vaccinations
2024-25 Sister City Exchange Scholar
“I am incredibly fortunate to have the opportunity to experience my sister city’s culture and people. Although I have only been here for one month, I have met so many great people and been to many beautiful places. I still can’t believe that I have 7 more months of this!”
Ethan Ormsbee
