48 U.S. Teachers Benefit From Cultural and Educational Enrichment Program In Japan - Courtesy of Toyota.

TORRANCE, Calif. -- From Kabuki theater, to the misty Iya Valley gorges, to the gardens of Kyoto, to the bright lights of Tokyo and the quiet of a small island in the Seto Inland Sea... For the past two weeks, 48 U.S. high school teachers have explored Japan from its traditional, agrarian roots to its place as a modern industrial nation. They traveled together as part of the Toyota International Teacher Program, a unique two-week immersion program designed by Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., and the Institute of International Education (IIE).

"Today's youth will go out into an ever-changing world where many different cultures influence their daily lives, making it vital that students develop a universal vision," said James E. Press, TMS executive vice president and chief operating officer. "This program aims to build global awareness via America's influencers -- its educators."

As Detroit teacher Patricia Simpson, who teaches food and nutrition at Western International High School, said, "This program is extremely valuable regardless of your field of study. The cultural, historical, and educational interactions were invaluable in allowing us professional personal development. Being able to interface with the people and the land, along with sharing and comparing, intensifies awareness. I haven't had a growth spurt like this since sixth grade!"

Chosen for their professional excellence, the high school teachers spent an intense two weeks exploring four core themes -- history,…