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Mazda Sponsors Nationwide Exchange Program to Japan

5 December 1997

Mazda Sponsors Nationwide Exchange Program to Japan

    IRVINE, Calif., Dec. 5 -- High school students across the
United States have from now through January 20, 1998, to apply for one of
14 Mazda scholarships offered as part of the company's 15th year sponsoring
the Youth For Understanding (YFU) International Exchange Program.  Mazda
announced today the start of the application process for the only national
corporate scholarship program to Japan offered through YFU.
    YFU will select 14 students from high schools across the United States.
Selected students will also include children of Mazda North American
Operations (MNAO) employees and Mazda dealership employees in the United
States.
    The program stems from Mazda's desire to "build bridges" between the U.S.
and Japan for future generations and strengthen existing relationships.
"Providing youth with the opportunity to discover a different culture instills
the spirit of mutual understanding.  These youth will be the future leaders of
the global community," said Richard Beattie, president of MNAO.
    YFU will select students on the basis of academic achievement,
extracurricular activities, volunteer and/or work experience, teacher
recommendation, written essays and a general suitability for an exchange
experience.  A panel of national business, community and educational leaders
assists in the selection process.  To be eligible, the applicant must be a
U.S. citizen and have a birth date between Sept. 1, 1979 and June 15, 1983.
    The exchange program includes round-trip domestic and international
transportation, orientation materials, counseling services, placement with a
host family and a variety of special activities.  Recipients are responsible
for arranging their own passports, medical insurance, excess luggage tariffs
and personal spending money.
    Since establishing its YFU program in 1984, 261 students have visited
Japan on Mazda scholarships.  Mazda also provides scholarships for Japanese
students to live with host families in the United States for one year.
Through this program, over 40 Japanese students have visited the United
States.
    Mazda sponsors the exchange program in conjunction with Youth For
Understanding (YFU) International Exchange, a private, non-profit educational
exchange organization.  Based in Washington, D.C., YFU is one of the world's
oldest and largest exchange organizations.  Information concerning the Mazda
summer scholarship program is available by calling YFU toll-free at
800-TEENAGE.  The application fee is $35.  Completed applications for the
summer 1997 program must be postmarked by January 20, 1998.  Winners will be
announced in April.
    Mazda North American Operations is responsible for the research and
development, sales and marketing. and customer parts and service support of
Mazda vehicles in the United States.  Headquartered in Irvine, Calif., MNAO
has approximately 850 dealerships nationwide and is owned by Mazda Motor
Corporation, Hiroshima, Japan.

SOURCE  Mazda North American Operations