The MPC ESL Department has enjoyed a 15-year partnership with JYK Monterey Homestay in bringing students each summer from Osaka Jogakuin Junior and Senior High School located in Osaka, Japan to Monterey Peninsula College. During their two-week intensive program each summer, students stay with local host families and take classes at MPC from 9-4:00 pm daily.  The focus of the program is Monterey history and culture that includes classroom instruction, guest lecturers, and local excursions.  It’s a wonderful immersion program that has created life-long memories, friendships, and language acquisition. 

Osaka Jogakuin is a private Christian school that was established in 1884 by American missionaries.  As a result, studying English is an important part of their curriculum.  Students are also encouraged to participate in short-term cultural exchanges; specifically, the school has set up exchange program partnerships in Boston, New Zealand and Monterey. Monterey has become the most sought-after destination, based on its high-quality curriculum, staff, and beautiful location.