“Salisbury University is one of the great treasures of our state. You nurture future leaders; you arm students with the tools they need to thrive; you uplift our aspirations and our people. Today, we write the next chapter in that story and we do it in partnership with our friends overseas,”
said Gov. Moore. “For twenty-five years, the exchange between Salisbury and Japan has deepened the bond between the people of Japan and the people of Maryland. We are proud of the legacy this program has already established—and today’s expansion builds on that tradition.”
As the top contributor of international students to Maryland’s Eastern Shore, Salisbury University’s partnership with the Japan Study Abroad Foundation will provide a unique opportunity for students from some 50 colleges and universities in Japan to study abroad. As their first Maryland university partner, the program creates unique opportunities for Japanese university students to have one-semester and one-year international experiences.
The partnership is expected to bring 10 visiting students to Salisbury University during its first two years, with an expected annual contribution of $258,680 based on tuition, fees, room, board and related expenses. An additional local economic impact of approximately $40,000 per student is expected via student spending and travel. Total economic impact over the span of the partnership is estimated at $4 million, with the potential to grow.
“We are proud of our partnership with the Japan Study Abroad Foundation and are excited for the additional students who will benefit from this agreement,”
said Salisbury University President Dr. Carolyn R. Lepre. “We are especially grateful for the governor’s leadership in facilitating these opportunities that benefit Salisbury University students and the local economy, and foster meaningful global relationships.”
Earlier in the day, the governor and Maryland Secretary of State Susan C. Lee visited Yokota U.S. Air Force Base to greet servicemembers and enjoy lunch with a group of enlisted personnel, including those among the 56 Marylanders who are stationed at Yokota.
Yokota Air Force Base is located in Fussa, western Tokyo, and is the headquarters of the U.S. Forces Japan, the 374th Airlift Wing, and the 5th Air Force. The base plays a critical strategic role in military operations, airlift logistics, and disaster relief in the Indo-Pacific region and is home to more than 11,500 personnel including U.S. service members, their families, and Japanese employees.
To finish the day, Governor Moore, Secretary Lee, and Maryland Department of Commerce Deputy Secretary for Innovation and Growth Ricardo Benn met with Ambassador Arima Yutaka of the North American Affairs Bureau of the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Along with ministry senior leadership, the group connected on matters related to diplomacy, economic cooperation, and fostering bilateral relations to bolster economic development, trade and investment, and cultural and educational exchange.
###