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2024 Sister City Student Exchange Program Application
GENERAL INFORMATION:
Since 1968 Seward has had a Sister City relationship with Obihiro Japan. Obihiro is located on
the northernmost island of Japan, called Hokkaido. Seward and Obihiro have exchanged students
since 1973. Students are flown to Tokyo then on to the Obihiro Airport where they meet with
their homestay host. They stay in homes of Japanese citizens in the community. They share
stories, learn their cultural ways, experience the food culture, and other activities. Below is a list
of information and expectations:
Exact dates TBA by end of April. Typically, the exchange is during the timeframe of mid-July
to mid-August and is approximately 5-7 days not including travel days.
• All Sophomores, Juniors and graduating Seniors in Spring of 2024 who are attending Seward
High School and Connections(homeschool) in the Seward/Moose Pass area are eligible to
apply as an exchange student and participate in the local exchange program activities.
• Up to four students may be selected.
• Applicants will be interviewed by the Sister City Coordinator or City Clerk staff, and
students will be notified of their acceptance within two weeks of the interviews.
• The Seward's Sister City Coordinator will travel with the students and participate with the
students and their planned activities. The coordinator will stay at a hotel.
• The Sister City Coordinator is available to answer any questions or concerns about the
program: Jodi Kurtz, Deputy City Clerk_jkurtz(acityofseward.net or (907) 224-4046.
• After selection is made, the Sister City Coordinator will hold a mandatory student/parent
orientation to start planning for this exciting adventure.
• Financial responsibilities of Parent/Guardian and Student
o Obtain a passport prior to travel to Japan.
o The Sister City Coordinator is responsible for coordinating travel. Travel will be
discussed in orientation after the selections have been made.
o Airline tickets will be purchased by the city, to ensure the entire group travels
together. The estimated cost of the airfare is $2400. The actual cost will need to be
reimbursed to the city prior to travel.
o It is a kind gesture to provide small gifts to the host family from the student to show
appreciation for hosting them. Simple, inexpensive and something that normally
wouldn't be available in Japan. This will be discussed in the parent/student
orientation meeting)
o Funds for spending money for personal expenses. Note - meals are provided by the
host family.
• As this is an exchange program, the Seward family will be asked to host one of the Japanese
exchange students when they travel to Seward. This is not a requirement to participate in the
program.
APPLICATIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED TO THE SISTER CITY
COORDINATOR IN THE CITY CLERK'S OFFICE
The deadline for applying will be Monday, April 1, 2024, by 5pm
2024 Sister City Student Exchange Program Application
STUDENT APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
1. Completed Application Form (attached)
2. Signed Student Agreement& Parent/Guardian Acknowledgment& Consent
3. Two letters of reference: one from a teacher, and one from an adult (not a family member)
STUDENT AGREEMENT
I am interested in applying for the student exchange program between Seward, Alaska and Obihiro,
Japan. I understand that the exact dates of the exchange of both Japanese and Seward Exchange students
will not be known until approximately April 2024, and that the general timeframe for the program is mid-
July through mid-August. I will be available for participation in the program during this timeframe.
If selected as an exchange student, I agree to:
Pre-Trip Requirements:
• Attend the mandatory orientation session, and failure to attend could result in loss of my position as
an exchange student.
• Provide Insurance Waiver Signature and copy of Insurance Cards
• Fill out a profile sheet with information about yourself to help decide the best homestay fit. Please
include medical information, allergies, diet restrictions and other preferences. This profile sheet will
be issued later after selections have been finalized.
Post Trip Requirements:
• Provide the Sister City Coordinator with at least five (5) photographs of my experiences in Japan or
the Seward area, labeled with names and events,within two weeks of my return.
• Present at least one(1)oral report after my return at the time and place to be announced.
• Write a joint article with the other exchange students for publication within one month of my return.
• Participate in future activities to promote the exchange program.
Signature:
(Student Applicant) (Date)
Printed Name:
2024 Sister City Student Exchange Program Application
PARENT/GUARDIAN ACKNOWLEDGMENT& CONSENT
I am the parents/guardian, and I am aware that my child has applied for the 2024 student exchange
program with Obihiro, Japan. I acknowledge that I/we will cover the cost of the airfare and be required to
participate in the program during the time when Japanese students are visiting Seward.
I understand that the exact dates of the exchange of both Japanese and Seward Exchange students will
not be known until approximately April 2024, and that the general time-frame for the program is
mid-July through mid-August. I also agree to assist the Sister City Coordinator in their
efforts to plan/coordinate/chaperon activities and homestays.
Signature:
(Parent or Guardian) (Date)
Printed Name:
Signature:
(Parent or Guardian) (Date)
Printed Name:
2024 Sister City Student Exchange Program Application
City of Seward, City Clerk's Office
PO Box 167, Seward,AK 99664 907-224-4046 email: clerk@cityofseward.net
Name:
Grade Level for
Spring 2024:
Mailing address:
Physical Address:
Phone Number: 2nd Phone Number:
Email Address:
1 St Parent/Guardian
Name: Phone Number:
2nd Parent/Guardian
Name: Phone Number:
Special Interests:
Extracurricular Activities:
Honors&Awards Received:
Community Activity Involvement:
Previous Exchange Programs:
Attach a short narrative(250-500 words,typed,double spaced)explaining why you would like to participate in
the program. Tell us something about yourself and why you feel that you should be selected to represent your
community as an exchange student.Explain how you would promote Seward,Alaska to the Japanese people.
Application Received On: Is Application Complete:
Interview Scheduled On: Review Score:
Information Sheet
Applicant Selected? Received on:
Airline Ticket Cost Date Reimbursement
to be reimbursed: Payment Completed:
Post Trip Photos Received: Post Report Received:
Updated 2/2024 kmc