TRAVELERS
Each year the Sister Cities organization chooses a group of 7th grade through 11th grade students from Greenfield-Central Schools
to travel to our sister city in Kakuda, Japan, and live with a host family for approximately ten days. They are accompanied by
adult chaperones who are Greenfield-Central teachers or who have hosted a Japanese visitor in the past.
There the students learn and experience, firsthand, the culture of another country. They will tour Japanese schools and businesses.
They will meet with city government officials, and the students will speak to a number of groups during their stay. They will
also answer questions from their Japanese student counterparts about their lifestyle in America. The students also will enjoy
wonderful sightseeing trips and festivities. The students visit one of the world's largest cities, Tokyo.
Many students and adults who have traveled to Japan through this exchange in the past comment that this trip is an once-in-a-lifetime
experience. The value of firsthand experience with a different culture, as well as how the USA is viewed from another country
cannot be understated. While the Sister City program realizes that the events in our nation and world within the past few years
have changed our lives, we believe it is important to continue to offer this cultural exchange program.
Costs for this once-in-a-lifetime experience are minimal. Many expenses are paid through donations by local business and civic
organizations. All participants pay a fee of approximately $750 due before departure. They will be responsible for obtaining a
passport, other travel expenses, and for any spending money they wish to take. Most all meals while in Japan are provided.
The current travel schedule for the Greenfield delegation is planned for early June 2009.
Applications are only available on the Sister Cities of Greenfield website. Applications must be mailed to
Kim Kile, 1114 Grayson Drive, Greenfield, IN 46140. The envelope must be postmarked no later than midnight December 15, 2008.
Selected students and adult chaperones will be called for an interview with the selection committee, and participants will be
chosen in late February 2009. All participants will be required to attend a series of language and culture classes to prepare for
their trip. All chosen will be responsible to attend all classes with one excused absence. Failure to attend will eliminate
your opportunity to travel. For the following year, the delegation will also represent Sister Cities of Greenfield, Inc. at area
civic meetings and will present and speak publicly about their Sister City experience.
For further information, please contact Kim Kile at 462-4073.
HOST FAMILIES
Visitors from Kakuda City are housed with Greenfield "host" families during their stay. Each "host" home serves as the "family"
for one Japanese guest. While not required, it is preferred that the "host" families for visiting Japanese students have a middle
school and/or high school student to pair with the visiting Japanese student. The "host" family will provide the Japanese guest
with lodging, some meals, and transportation. In addition, a number of group activities are planned, and the "host" family is
encouraged to participate with their guest in those activities, such as a welcome and farewell party, and a sporting event.
Keep an eye on this space in the future for more information about applying to become a host family!
DOWNLOADS
Application Letter and Form for Students
Application Letter and Form for Chaperones
Application Letter and Form for Host Families