During the visit, Fulbright Memorial Fund Scholars are introduced to Japanese culture, the educational system, government officials and educators. Participants also have the opportunity to personally interact with local schools and their teachers, students and parents, in addition to visiting historic landmarks and museums.

The Fulbright Memorial Fund Teacher Program seeks residing US citizens from a broad cross section of the American educational community in order to reflect the cultural, institutional, and regional diversity of the United States. Qualifications for the program also include being committed to implementing a long-term plan to share experiences gained from the Fulbright Memorial Fund in the classroom, school, and community. Moreover, applicants must demonstrate a serious academic professional interest in curriculum development, teaching methodologies, and projects or activities related to Japan.

Clifton is a first-grade teacher and former Coweta County Teacher of the Year and Georgia Teacher of the Year finalist. She said she has "always been intrigued with (Japanese students') disciplined learning styles. Many years ago, I had a Japanese student with whom I remained in touch throughout her years in school. As a junior in high school, she came and lived with my family for the summer. She taught me a great deal about the Japanese culture, but I dreamed of going to Japan to experience the culture firsthand. Each summer I travel to a third world country - Romania, Russia, Nicaragua - to help abandoned, homeless children. Through an integrated curriculum, I have been able to vicariously bring the world to my classroom of first graders as we have learned to count, speak and read literature of different cultures where I have been.

"The largest Social Studies QCC requirement in first grade is the teaching of maps and globe skills. Through a first-hand experience in Japan I can authentically engage my children as they learn about the Japanese culture and more about map and globe skills through pictures, hands-on artifacts and hopefully via web-cam communication while I am there in Japan. It will be exciting to create a partnership exchange with a Japanese elementary classroom."