| Q. |
What is the deadline for
applications? |
| A. |
Interviews
begin in February. However, the 24 spaces are filled on a first
come, first serve basis, so the earlier you get your application
in, the better chance you stand of being selected. The committee
has determined that the pictures page of the application need
not be completed. Also, do not complete the "sponsoring Rotary
club" information on the bottom of page 2 or send the $350
application fee - neither apply to
this program. Download the application now from
http://www.njrotary.com.
|
| Q. |
Where do I send my application? |
| A. |
There is an address on the front of the application.
|
| Q. |
What is the selection criteria
for students? |
| A. |
There is no specific selection criteria (finances, grades,
etc.). We are looking for students open to diversity and
interested in other cultures. During the interview, we will
determine whether or not a student is a good candidate for a
cultural exchange program. Good candidates are open minded,
responsible, respectful of other people and their differences,
capable of being away from home and sufficiently independent.
|
| Q. |
When will the students depart
and return? |
| A. |
The exact dates cannot be know until the airfare is
purchased. We purchase the airfare from a major carrier by bulk
to receive discounts. Once the students that will be going are
identified, the tickets will be purchased. The students going to
Japan leave as close as possible to July 1st (usually on a
Thursday). The students
coming from Japan arrive as close as possible to August 1st.
Both trips are 3 weeks in duration.
|
| Q. |
When will I need to send in the
$2400? |
| A. |
You will be asked to bring a check for $2400 to the
interview. If you are not selected, your un-chashed check will
be returned to you. The money is used to purchase the airline
tickets and the tickets will be purchased immediately after the
group of students is selected. In addition to practical purposes
(i.e., purchasing the airfare) we collect the check early to
ensure the student is indeed serious about participating. It is
important that once a student is selected and commits to going,
(barring any unforeseen emergency) they do not change their
mind.
|
| Q. |
Why does it cost approximatley $2400? |
| A. |
The $2400 is basically for transportation costs (airline
tickets, exit taxes, and group bus transportation once in
Japan). All other costs are absorbed by Rotary and the host
families (the host families are expected to provide meals while
the students are not with the group).
|
| Q. |
When should I get my passport? |
| A. |
If you do not have a valid passport, you should begin the
application process as soon as possible. Many libraries and post
offices now provided passport services. If you do not know where
to go, contact your county or town municipal offices.
|
| Q. |
Where will the students stay? |
| A. |
All students (and group leaders) stay with host families - 2
persons of the same sex per family. Students going to Japan
- The first day or two after arrival, the group will travel
together and stay in a hotel. The group will then travel to
their first geographical area and join their first host family.
They will remain with the host family for approximately 4 days
and then rejoin the group, traveling together as a group to the
next geographical area (staying overnight in a hotel) and then
joining their next host family. Students will stay with 4 or 5
different host families in total.
Students coming to New Jersey - Travelers will stay with 3
different host families in three different geographical areas
for 1 week each.
It is organized this way for logistical reasons
as well as giving the students exposure to various family
settings in the new culture. Host families are either Rotarians
or well known friends of Rotarians and participating families.
Many host families have been involved in the program for years.
|
| Q. |
Will my family be required to
host an incoming student if I participate? |
| A. |
No. Hosting a student is not required to become an outgoing
student - although, your family will be asked if it is possible. This program cannot exist without the participation of host families.
|
| Q. |
How much time will students be
with their host family versus with the group? |
| A. |
Students going to Japan - students will spend
approximately 4 days and nights with each host family, joining
the rest of the group for a day or two of group travel in
between host families. Students coming to New Jersey - Students will spend evenings and weekends with their host
families. Each weekday morning, the host family will be
responsible for bringing the student to a central drop-off point
(to a bus) where the student will then participate in the
group's daily activity. The host family will then pick the
student up at approximately 5:00 - 6:00 pm.
|
| Q. |
What types of activities will
the trip include? |
| A. |
The region of Japan where the
students will be traveling is not a particularly touristy area.
Each year the activities can vary slightly and may include
visiting cultural centers, meeting government officials,
visiting Japanese schools, temples and castles, experiencing a
traditional high tea, martial arts instruction, going to
sporting events and much, much, more.
|
| Q. |
How much money should I bring? |
| A. |
Basically, all of your meals and activities will be paid for
by your host family or sponsoring Rotary clubs. The amount of
spend money you bring depends on how much you wish to purchase
as souvenirs and gifts. You will also be expected to purchase
international calling cards if you plan to phone home. During orientation, you will have the opportunity
to ask other students that have made the trip what they have found
sufficient.
|
| Q. |
What should I bring with me? |
| A. |
This will be discussed in detail during the orientation. Two
quick things to note: One, it is good manners to bring a small
gift for each host family (something typically American is
always appreciated). Two, whatever you bring you will be
expected to carry ("when in doubt, leave it out").
|
| Q. |
Do I need to speak Japanese? |
| A. |
No. Sometimes students do speak a little, however, it is not
a requirement. We do suggest, however, that you purchase an
English/Japanese dictionary and practice some basic
conversational phrases prior to going.
|
