PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
 The world is a very competitive arena these days. I can understand completely why parents are interested in sending their children abroad. I sent my own children to Japan many years ago (my youngest daughter was 9 the first time; she's now a marriage, family and child therapist here in California.) Travel is the best education!
It's been some 33 years since my work with Japan began. I'm not a travel agent, so I don't think like one! I'm a wife and mother first, professional woman second. If you've read my book, YOKOSO AMERICA E, you already know a lot about my thinking and my lifestyle philosophy.
The motto of my association is, "The Family Touch." I personally believe that it's not only desirable but imperative to give personal attention to every member who participates in my educational programs. Every single human being is special and of great value to our world! And each of us needs to know that we are important and necessary to others today! With this in mind, I have designed all of my programs to teach:
 Confidence
Self-esteem
Independence
Common Sense
I feel it isn't enough for one to learn the international language and to meet foreigners. In order for all of us to have a true "International Sense," we must first know ourselves! Only then will we be able to clearly relate to the world around us!
If you or your child (parents often attend my programs with their children) wish to come to America and join one of my programs, please remember that they are learning programs. I personally accompany and teach each group while they are in The States. Of course we offer some sightseeing on each program, but sightseeing is NOT the program focus. If it's a strictly sightseeing program you desire, then JAN'S INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION, INC. is wrong for you. However...if you want to learn more about yourself and your world, it would be my sincere pleasure to help you achieve your goals.
YOKOSO AMERICA E!
PROFILE
Jan was born in Berkeley, California. She is the founder and president of JAN'S INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION, INC.(NPO)
Beginning as a church volunteer, she has devoted her life to international exchange between Japan and America...in the last 33 years placing 6,000 Japanese in suitable, individually selected homes in 35 California cities and towns.
She has made it possible for Japanese students, teachers, farmers, businessmen and career-oriented women, as well as housewives, to experience life abroad successfully. Her educational programs are well known throughout California and across Japan, and enjoy an excellent reputation.
In 1985 Jan focused her efforts on formalizing a sister city relationship between Kannami, Shizuoka and Kerman, California, and was awarded the title of "Honorary Citizen" by both mayors. She has also facilitated two "Friendship Links" for Soroptimist International of Japan and of The Americas.
Jan is the author of YOKOSO AMERICA E (The Simul Press, 1986) and is a member of Soroptimist International.
The unusual nature and scope of Jan's work has been frequently recognized and covered by leading Japanese magazines and newspapers, including Bungei Shunju, The English Journal, Lee Magazine, World Plaza, Mainichi Shinbun, Nihon Keizai Shinbun, Sankei Shinbun, Shizuoka Shinbun, English for Millions, Izu Nichi Nichi Shinbun, The Student Times, Asahi Weekly, and Hokubei Mainichi. She has also appeared personally on Nihon Television and NHK Radio Japan. (See press coverage below.)
Since first coming to Japan in 1975, Jan has given lectures and seminars to Rotary International, Lion's Club, Kiwanis Club, YWCA, YMCA, Soroptimist International, LAVIE Aoyama Global Forum, and numerous educational institutions.
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For many years Jan worked and wrote professionally under the name of Wilt; She is now known by her husband's name, Roth.
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OUR LOCATION
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NEVADA CITY is a renowned Victorian town in the gold country of California at 3,000 feet elevation. The town is full of family atmosphere and is a major Northern California artists' community just one hour from Lake Tahoe and Sacramento (the State Capitol). From here it is 90 minutes to Reno, Nevada and three hours to either San Francisco or the famous Napa Valley. Winter skiing is 45 minutes north. Our location is considered ideal by many Americans.
Four miles from our 13-acre property is the scenic Yuba River where you can picnic, sunbathe, swim, fish, kayak or pan for gold. Within an hour's travel, there are countless other lakes, rivers and streams as well as hiking trails and bike routes.
Nevada City is listed among the 100 great towns in America. Of all the 58 counties in California, we have the lowest crime rate, the greatest per capita percentage of senior citizens, schools top rated for excellence, and more community volunteers than anywhere else in the nation. It is truly a lovely place to live or to visit!
WHAT MAKES MY PROGRAMS
DIFFERENT FROM OTHERS?
My Specialty is "Counterpart Connections"
You will notice on my Application Form that I inquire as to your salient interests and specific goals.
Most Japanese come to me with a special dream or wish, usually in line with their educational or life goals. For instance, in previous years I have connected students of all ages with Americans of like interests in these areas: nursing, music therapy, dog training, horses, baseball/basketball/tennis/swim teams, study of handicapped services, social welfare, cooking, gardening, nursery school, 4-H, FFJ-FFA, choir competition, specific musical instruments, competitive gymnastics, and martial arts, among myriad others.
As for the ADULTS who have participated on my "independent-study" programs, I have successfully connected: golf pros, helicopter pilots, journalists, ham radio operators, female attorneys, supermarket owners, farmers, fashion designers, graphic artists, flower shop owners, teachers/professors, medical and dental personnel, veterinarians, housewives, YWCA, and members of Soroptimist International. Only last year I had the distinct pleasure of introducing a top-level Japanese theatrical dancer to an actor of musical comedy here in California.
WHAT IS YOUR DREAM?
IF YOU CAN DREAM IT, I CAN ARRANGE IT!
QUESTIONS? PLEASE CONTACT MY ASSOCIATION.
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