Redlands Sister Cities Student Exchange Program Spring 2019

The Redlands Sister Cities Association is now accepting applications from students who are currently attending high school in Redlands, or who are between the ages of 14 through 19, to visit Redlands’ sister city of Hino, Japan.
The home stay/visitation will be for approximately 12 days, leaving around March 16, 2019 and returning around March 30, depending on airline reservations. During this time, students will be staying with host families, participating in the city’s cultural activities, and traveling to some historic sites in the country.
Along with the application, students must submit an essay of 500 words or more and interview about why they would like to visit Japan. The tentative cost per student will be approximately $1800-$2400, which will cover airfare, railway transportation, and other expenses. The student and his or her family are responsible for the cost; however the Redlands Sister Cities Association will assist students in organizing fundraisers to help defer some of the costs. Students who are accepted into the program will need to join sister cities (a two year membership) and participate in activities before and after the trip.
The students selected will be required to attend orientation meetings and participate in fundraising activities prior to the departure date. The application deadline is Friday, December 7, 2018. Students will be notified of their selection shortly thereafter. Students will also need a valid passport (with no expiration date within 6 months of departure).