Students interested in a unique opportunity to experience Japan can apply for Rotary International’s 2012 short-term youth exchange program.

Area Rotary clubs are currently recruiting students ages 16 to 20 to participate in a three-week trip to southern Japan scheduled for this summer.

With 18 of 28 students already selected, there are 10 slots left. Remaining spots will be filled on a first-come, first-serve basis. Interested students must fill out an application and undergo an interview process.

The dates for the trip are Thursday, June 28 through Thursday, July 19.

According to a press release from the Rotary District 7470, the trip is designed for students who want to experience and learn about Japanese culture, interact with Japanese students and families, visit local high schools, participate in home-stays, and form friendships that will last a lifetime.

Students will visit major cities in southern Japan, including Osaka, Kyoto, Nara and others if time permits. The majority of the time will be spent on the island of Shikoku, the smallest of the four main islands of Japan. Participants will be paired-up and stay with four different Japanese Rotarian families.  

The price of the trip is $2,950, which includes airfare. 

For more information and an application form, visit Rotary District 7470 online, or contact Barry Kroll, Program Chair, at barrykroll@aol.com or 973-476-2772.