The JAEC, a non-profit organization in Japan, is subsidized by the Japanese government to operate the Japanese Agricultural Training Program (JATP) in the US, in cooperation with Big Bend Community College Foundation, the sponsoring agency in the US. Over 4,800 trainees have attended Big Bend Community College (BBCC) as part of the JATP.
BBCC and the JAEC - US Branch provide support and coordination from the Seattle JATP office, such that the trainees as well as host farmers can get the most out the program.
The ICP and Department of Agriculture & Environmental Sciences at Modesto Junior College provided the following:
Academic Training
Academic instruction tailored to trainee requirements continues to be a principal objective of the colleges involved in the academic portions of the program (Phase I and Phase II).
Host Families: College coordinators identify host families to provide the trainee with a non-agricultural American family experience during Phase II Institutional Training.
Field Trips: Field trips add to the educational value of the academic training and enhance coursework by providing real world exposure to topics discussed in the classroom.
Outside Activities: Trainees are given the opportunity to develop associations with Americans and their institutions. Participation in college organizations and other community groups in the college were encouraged.
