Application Form
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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Host family applicants are not required to have a student in the Bethlehem Area School District, but preference will be given to families with students near the age range of visiting Japanese students
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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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Japanese students are required to attend several group events during their stay, so frequent transportation to various events in Bethlehem is necessary
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Host families usually host for about 7-10 days, either the first or second half of the exchange visit. Costs of specific group activities and travel that are incurred by visiting students will be paid for by the sister city commission. Other expenses (food, private activities by families with student, etc.) associated with hosting a student are the responsibility of the host family.
Please fill in the information below and press "Submit application." 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, 2021 for the 2022 program
May 31, 2023 for the 2023 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, 2021 for the 2021 program
May 31, 2023 for the 2023 program