Bloomington Normal Sister Cities
2008 Jr. High Exchange Program Information to Asahikawa, Japan
Student applicationChaperone application
- Tentitive Dates: July 12 - 25
- Approximate Cost: $1800
- April 7th Application and first payment of $600 due
- May 5th second payment of $600 due
- June 6th balance due
Each year, a group of students is selected from the Bloomington-Normal area to travel to Asahikawa for approximately two weeks. The trip usually takes place in July.
Applications are distributed to area schools in January/February or from committee members.
The size of the group is typically limited to no more than 15.
The group is chaperoned by two or three adults, usually including at least one member of the Sister Cities Committee.
Since participants pay their own way, the junior high exchange program is not limited to students in Bloomington-Normal schools. Students attending other area schools have participated in the past.
Prior to departing, students and chaperones meet on a regular basis for training classes.
Participants learn basic language skills, such as how to say simple phrases ("Hello, my name is...", How much does this cost?", "Can you tell me how to find…?"). The classes are also used for the sampling of Japanese foods and to learn about international travel procedures.
The Sister Cities Committee in Asahikawa plans the agenda for the junior high visitors. On previous trips students have visited schools, businesses, and government offices and toured Asahikawa-area attractions and landmarks.
Students and chaperones stay with host families in Asahikawa.