The Japan Intercultural Academy of Municipalities (JIAM) is a Japanese governmental training institute for local civil servants from all regions of Japan and functions of government.  The goal of the study tour is to demonstrate best practices in US local government regarding specific policy issues.  In addition to the educational program, the trainees are also encouraged to participate in and learn about local culture. 

Open World has been forging lasting positive relationships between emerging and established leaders in the former Soviet Union and their American counterparts. The participants come from remote towns and urban centers, and each gains a better understanding of the practice of democracy and the rule of law. They are introduced to best practices in critical areas like sustaining NGOs, tackling corruption, promoting an independent judiciary, and so much more. This program is an important, cost-effective investment by the U.S. government in advancing democracy, building civil societies, and creating a better world for all of us. This is people-to-people exchange at its best.