The origin of exchange program between Stanford University and Keio University was in winter, 1955, when one letter arrived at the office of IIR (Keio). It said that Stanford university wishes to establish an exchange program with Keio University, and first student, Mr.Oda, were sent in 1956.
At that time, Japan still suffered from materials and foreign currency shortages. Therefore most of Japanese were prohibited to go abroad by government. But it was rare opportunity for Keio students, so he managed to go Stanford by a military plane.
Next year, IIR decided to welcome students from Stanford University. But as mentioned above, Japan didn’t have enough money to host them. So they tried to raise money by arranging party. At long last, Keio welcomed Mr.Marshall as the first student from Stanford University. This is how the exchange program started!
However, unfortunately, exchange program from Keio to Stanford has not been actively run for more than decades.
But in 2011, SJEC requested IIR to start dispatching students from Stanford. Two years later, finally SKIP has started! The exchange program has restarted!
Message from alumni
( Ms.Kuno studied at Stanford in 1962)
53 years ago, only ten years after WW2, 9 fellow Keio University students and I visited Stanford University through the Keio-Stanford Summer Exchange Program. Under the same program, 10 Stanford students came to Keio University in Japan as well. I believe that the students on both side of the pacific ocean all had a once-in-a -lifetime experience through this student-ran program. The program changed our lives and many of us ended up choosing careers that involve communication between the two countries.
Please apply to SKIP 2014. This year, my young fellow Keio students has prepared to lead you to the same wonderful experience I had 53 years ago. Trust me, you will find your own Japan which will become an invaluable experience throughout your life!
