An opportunity of a lifetime awaits students who wish to live abroad and learn first-hand what it is like to experience a foreign culture and day-to-day life within a different community.
Dubbo Regional Council are pleased to relaunch its Sister City Student Exchange program for the first time since the pandemic spread across the globe and restricted travel in 2020.
Applications for the Exchange program are now open to students aged between 15 and 18 who attend high school in Dubbo. Selected students will be hosted by families in Dubbo's Sister City, Minokamo, in Japan and have the unique opportunity to experience Japanese culture and customs.
Sister City Officer Daisy Wang said ten student positions are available for the Minokamo exchange and two chaperone positions, encouraging interested students and community members to apply.
"We are excited to resume the Exchange program after a three-year hiatus, which will see the students and chaperones travel to Minokamo later this year in September, "Ms Wang said.
"The students can step outside their comfort zone and participate in local cultural activities and sightseeing tours. Side trips organised for the group include visiting Tokyo and Tokyo Disneyland," she said.
"Attending school abroad will also open their eyes to a different way of learning and provide an opportunity to make new friends." Ms Wang said.
The Sister City Student Exchange Program, is very affordable. A subsidy of $1000 is provided by Council for all successful students and chaperone applicants to the program to offset airfares and travel costs.
"There are few accommodation costs as student's homestay with local families in Minokamo. Living with their host family gives students a support base and a close-up experience of different traditions and customs." Ms Wang said.
"The exchange is reciprocal, so all participating Dubbo exchange students and chaperones also host a visitor from Minokamo in July/August 2023 when the exchange groups visit Dubbo, which is an enriching experience for the whole family,"' she said.
Applications for the Sister City Exchange program are now open and close Friday 19 May 2023. For more information and to apply, interested students and community members can visit www.dubbo.nsw.gov.au.
