Calling all students studying Japanese in year 8 and above, who would like to travel to Japan on a trip of a lifetime?

Applications have opened for Northern Beaches Council’s annual Youth Exchange Program with Odawara City Council in Japan.

Participating students, accompanied by two chaperones, will depart Sydney for Japan on 29 September, returning on 11 October 2019.

Parents of participating Northern Beaches students must also agree to host an Odawara student in their home when the reciprocal visit takes place from 25 July to 3 August 2019.

Mayor Michael Regan said the exchange program enabled students of both countries to experience each other’s way of life, language and customs.

“This is a great ‘out-of-the-classroom’ opportunity to learn about Japanese culture and language for our Northern Beaches students.”

Every year up to 20 Northern Beaches students get the chance to improve their Japanese language skills and learn firsthand about Japanese culture travelling to Odawara in September for 10 days.

In 1990, Manly and Odawara formed a Friendship City relationship. From this came Council’s Sister Cities Program which included the reciprocal language and cultural student exchange program.

Payment of $2,200 covers return airfares, airport transfers, group travel insurance, uniform top, most meals, activities and sightseeing in Japan and some activities on the itinerary during the return visit

Applications can be downloaded on Council’s website. Students are required to submit completed applications to their Japanese language teacher at school for final assessment.

Teachers will then forward applications to Council’s Youth Services Team by Tuesday 7th May 2019.

Interviews for students and their parents will be held on Saturday 18th May at Dee Why Civic Centre.

Media Enquiries: media@northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au 9942 2678