The New Perspectives (NP) program, administered by The Laurasian
Institution,
is designed as a cross-cultural education program with the goal of assisting precollegiate
students and teachers in developing a meaningful understanding of other cultures.
To reach this goal, NP programs include three phases. During the first
phase, students and teachers study curriculum units designed for NP.
Students and teachers also select sites to visit in the country they
are studying. These sites are linked to the curriculum units the school
group studies. The second phase of the program consists of a "field
trip" to the country of study. Once in the country, groups tour
selected sites and participate in a host family homestay and, while
in session, experience classes at a Japanese school. Upon returning
to the United States, groups engage in follow-on activities that encourage
the students to reflect upon their experiences and distill their understanding
of the country visited.