Exchange Application Form
Please submit the form below if you would like to be considered for the summer exchange program and/or be a host family.
Exchange Student Requirements and Tips:
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High school students who attend schools in the Bethlehem School District are eligible to apply for the exchange visit to Japan. Students who attend charter or private schools within district boundaries, but who do not live in the City, are eligible
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Students are not required to live in the City of Bethlehem, but residence within the City limits will be given preference
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Hosting a Japanese student is not required to qualify for the exchange, but host families will be given preference
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Participating in group events, even if you do not host, during the visit of the Japanese students is encouraged and will boost your application
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Airfare and pocket money are the responsibility of the participating student/family. All costs associated with the homestay and activities while in Japan are paid for by host families and/or the sister city commission.
Host Family Requirements and Tips:
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Being a host family is not a prerequisite for consideration of your student for the exchange, but it is favorable
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See this Host Application page for more info and to apply to host a student for 7-10 days
Please fill in the information below and press "Submit application". Exchange student applicants must also send an essay and letters of recommendation from three people to bethtondachair@gmail.com.
Essay: Imagine that you have been selected to participate in the exchange program to Tondabayashi. Write a letter introducing yourself to your host family. Tell them about your family, hobbies and interests, and ask several questions about your host family to learn about their lives.
Letters of recommendation from three people: a teacher or coach, someone you work with in the community or church, your part-time job supervisor, etc.
The deadline for consideration, if you want to go to Japan, is generally the final day of May in the YEAR BEFORE an exchange:
May 31, 2025 for the 2026 program
May 31, 2027 for the 2028 program
The deadline for consideration of Bethlehem host families is usually the final day of May in the SAME YEAR as a visit:
May 31, 2025 for the 2025 program
May 31, 2027 for the 2027 program