Rotary clubs in our area are joining together in a search for young adults to represent the region in a cultural exchange with Japan.  

The Ross Redmond Short Term Youth Exchange Program, now in its 34th year, offers students ages 16 to 20 the opportunity to experience life in another country.

This three week trip tentatively departing on June 27, 2013 and returning on July 18, 2013, is designed for students who want to learn about Japanese culture, interact with Japanese students and form friendships that will last a lifetime.  Our group of 28 students and 2 leaders will be met in Osaka by Japanese Rotarians who will be our hosts during our stay.

The group will visit major cities in southern Japan including Osaka, Kyoto and Nara. There will also be a separate trip to Hiroshima to visit Peace Memorial Park and Museum. The group will primarily stay on the island of Shikoku, the smallest of the four main islands in Japan.  Each young person will meet and live with four different host families in each of the island's four prefectures.  This trip provides an extraordinary insider's view of Japan since we are hosted by local Japanese people and stay in Japanese homes.  This type of trip cannot be duplicated as a tourist.

The cost of the trip is $2,950 all inclusive, including airfare.  Students are selected through an interview process that occurs during February and March.  Applications are now being accepted.  Interviews are scheduled based upon the order the applications are received.  There is a $500 deposit required at the time of interview/acceptance into the program and final payment must be made by April 1, 2013, the date for purchase of the group airline tickets.

Interested parties should contact their local Rotary Club, or Ross Redmond Short Term Youth Exchange Program chairman, Jim Allison at JRA188@aol.com or 201-213-6382.

For detailed information on the Ross Redmond Short Term Youth Exchange Program, including the application form, visit http://rrstye.rotarydistrict7470.org/

For more information about Rotary in your community, visit http://njrotary.org/