Meitoku Program

Meitoku Program

Dakota Collegiate's international initiative has involved several components, the most exciting of which is its sister school relationship with Meitoku Gijuku High School in Japan. To date, more than 400 Dakota students and staff have visited Japan for stays of anywhere from two weeks to nine months. Several Dakota graduates are now fluent in Japanese as a result of their experience and have shaped post-secondary programs and careers around their involvement in our International Program. At this point, approximately 150 Japanese students have attended Dakota for a year-long study and have lived with the families of students in the school. The latest development has been the implementation of the Dual Certificate Program, which has been accredited by Manitoba Education, and which has seen students graduate with high school diplomas from both Japan and Manitoba, allowing them to attend University in the country of their choice. In April 2006, a group of Dakota students travelled once again to Japan to participate in the International Goodwill Concert with students from Australia, Korea, China and, of course, our sister school. This is the sixth time we have participated in the joint concert, and again it was a spectacular experience.

Families who wish to participate in this program can host a Japanese student for a period of three months to one year. Host families are paid $450 monthly to cover expenses and their children are eligible to apply for a summer job in our language program, tutoring the Japanese students in English.

Dakota students are also eligible for a two-week visit to Japan which takes place every three years; although preference is generally given to students enrolled in special programs such as Band. Fundraising activities help students defray the cost. A number of Dakota graduates have also spent anywhere from three to six months in Japan after completing Grade 12, developing fluency in Japanese and a sensitivity toward the culture. The program is unique in Manitoba and has provided countless opportunities for our students. Should you have questions please contact the school.