Tacoma Community College (TCC) strengthened its educational partnership with Japan this week by welcoming the tenth group of exchange students from Kitakyushu, Japan, graduating the ninth group of students, and signing a memorandum of understanding allowing TCC students to study in Japan.

Since its inception in 2008, the six-month “Global Discovery” program has allowed approximately 250 students from the University of Kitakyushu to study at TCC. Students are placed with local families for “homestay” experiences. They study at TCC for two quarters, earning 30 credits which transfer directly to the University of Kitakyushu. When they sign up for the program, students pay a flat fee that covers everything from tuition and fees to trips to Mt. Rainier and Seattle Mariners games.

The partnership between the schools started because of the “Sister Cities” relationship between Tacoma and Kitakyushu, which has been in place since 1959.

Commencement and welcoming ceremonies were held March 20 on the TCC campus. University of Kitakyushu Vice President Kenichi Kihara signed the memorandum of understanding with TCC President Dr. Pamela Transue. Additional photos from this week’s event are available online here.