Welcome to Southern Bridge International (SBI)!
Southern Bridge International (SBI) welcomes Japanese families to the Carolinas, provides them with tools and resources to successfully settle in their communities, and connects them with local residents to better integrate into American life.
Southern Bridge International (SBI) is a non-profit organization established in 2003 in North Carolina, serving as a “bridge” between the Japanese and American people. Our goal is developing a bridge between Japanese people who are living in North Carolina and American people who have an interest in the Japanese culture and lifestyle. Our missions are to promote Japanese – American cultural exchange, to conduct local service activities, and to provide practical information.
The objectives of SBI are:
- to promote Japan-U.S. cultural exchange,
- to assist with communication in Japanese/English, and
- to provide useful information on events and living in the U.S. and Japan
“Cultural Exchange”
SBI offers social and cultural events throughout the year.
For Japanese and locals
- “Carolina Meet’N’Talk”is designed to promote networking among people with an interest in and connection to Japan. The event is held once a month, so you can meet new people and share stories of your connection to Japan.
- “Hamami”is a one of most important cultural events in the spring. Gathering with food to share and eat together under the blooming cherry blossom trees to enjoy and feel the coming of spring.
- “Shodo (Japanese Calligraphy)”Every two or three months, SBI hosts a “shodo” class for the public. Please come and learn about Japanese calligraphy!
- “Kids Art Class”is for families with young children to learn “origami” and to play traditional Japanese games in the Japanese language. They can also enjoy listening to Japanese stories.
“Communications”
SBI provides Japanese-English translation and interpreting services for schools, businesses, and doctor’s appointments. SBI also arranges a tutoring service for Japanese students who need help with their schoolwork and homework, and for American students who want to learn the Japanese language or culture. If you are interested in being a tutor or taking Japanese tutoring, please contact us.
- Interpretation Rate starts from $35 per hour with travel fees from $3 up to $9.
- Translation Rate: please contact SBI and send a sample to get an estimate.
- Tutoring Rate starts from $35 per hour with travel fees from $3 up to $9.
- Babysitting with Japanese-English bilingual competency. Please ask SBI for the rate.
“Information”
Our “CAROLINA Web Magazine” features useful and interesting information associated with the Japan-U.S. communities in NC and SC, articles from local readers, and various events in NC and SC (in Japanese). If you want to find out more about Japanese restaurants or where to buy Japanese groceries in the area, please contact us. SBI will do research and post the answer your questions in the “CAROLINA Web Magazine”.
“Socialization”
For Japanese
- Prego Club”is a free club that is held every other month for expecting mothers and new moms. We invite Ms. Chihiro Kitazawa from NPO “Madre Bonita” in Japan to the meetings. She guides new moms to get though the postpartum period. Participants share information and thoughts to solve problems and support each other.
- “Café de Mama”is held once every two months for moms who have a child up to five years old to chat and to exchange information at a cafe in the Triangle area. We provide childcare during the meeting to give moms a breather to enjoy conversation with others.
- “Sweet Eighty” is a casual “tea time” and is held occasionally for people over eighty years old in the Japanese language. We arrange transportation for participants.
Donation:
Southern Bridge International (SBI) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, so your gift is tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. All contributions once accepted by SBI are irrevocable and nonrefundable. SBI reserves the right to review and approve all contributions.
Contact us:
Southern Bridge International (SBI)
OPEN: MonーFri 10am-4pm (EST)
Address: 110 Pheasant Wood Ct. Suite C, Morrisville, NC 27560
Phone: (919)830-7130
E-mail: sbi@southernbridgeintl.org