Bloomington Normal Sister Cities

2009 Jr. High Exchange Program Information to Asahikawa, Japan

Student application

Chaperone application
  • Tentitive Dates: July 7 - 23
  • Informational Meeting: April 26th 2:00-3:30 pm
  • informational meeting for students and parents at Normal Public Library Community Room
  • The Library asks people who use the Community Room to park in the College Avenue Parking Deck. Parking in the deck is free to library users.
  • Approximate Cost: $1900
  • May 6th Application and first payment of $600 due
  • May 20th second payment of $600 due
  • June 8th balance due
In cooperation with the Sister Cities Committee in Asahikawa, the Bloomington-Normal-Asahikawa Sister Cities Committee has been sponsoring a home stay junior high student exchange since 1985.

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.

On the trip the students stay with host families, tour cultural, historic, and recreational sites. This program offers students the opportunity to see another culture up close and personal.

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.