Each year, the City of Fairfield sends six students and a chaperone to Nirasaki, Japan, for up to 3 weeks during July. During the visit, the students live in the homes of host families and participate in a wide variety of activities sponsored by our Sister City. Students will visit schools in Japan, tour historical and cultural sites, and experience the culture and lifestyle of a Japanese family. Entering 9th graders through outgoing 12th graders during the exchange period are eligible to apply.
The exchange involves certain expenses: airfare to and from Japan, the cost of a rail pass and 3-day excursion, gifts to the host family, and personal spending money for the trip. These costs typically total no more than $3,500, depending on airfare costs and the current exchange rate. The City of Nirasaki and the host families pay for all other expenses while in Japan.
The selected students and their families are expected to participate in Sister City program activities and meetings for at least one year after the exchange trip and to host a student visitor from Nirasaki during their winter exchange (December/January).
Do you have questions about the upcoming exchange? Check out the 2024 Summer Exchange FAQs. Additional questions can be e-mailed to sistercity@fairfield.ca.gov.
2024 Summer Exchange Application
Applications are due no later than April 10, 2024. Email completed applications to sistercity@fairfield.ca.gov.
2024 Summer Exchange Chaperone Application
Chaperones must be at least 21 years of age. Fingerprinting is required for the selected chaperone. The application and reference list are reviewed on a rolling basis with the first round of reviews scheduled for April 12.
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