Each year the City of Fairfield sends six students and a chaperone to Nirasaki, Japan, for a three-week student exchange during the month of July.  During the visit, the students live in the homes of host families and participate in a wide variety of activities sponsored by our Sister City.  Students have the opportunity to visit schools in Japan, tour historical and cultural sites, and experience the culture and lifestyle of a Japanese family.  Students who have entered 9^th grade as of Fall 2017 are eligible to apply.

The exchange involves certain expenses: airfare to and from Japan, the cost of a rail pass and 3-day excursion, gifts to the host family, and personal spending money for the trip.  These costs normally total no more than $2,800, depending on airfare costs and the current exchange rate.  All other costs while in Japan are paid by the City of Nirasaki and the host families.  Fundraisers may be organized by the students and their families, working with the Sister City Committee, to help with these expenses.

The selected students and their families are expected to participate in Sister City program activities, fundraising activities, and meetings for at least one year after the exchange trip, and to host a student visitor from Nirasaki during their winter exchange (December-January).

A completed application form and two reference letters (to be filled out by teachers, school administrators, or community members who know you well) are required.  At least one letter must be from a teacher who has taught you in a classroom setting.  The application can be picked up at the City Manager’s Office at 1000 Webster Street or requested via email at [email protected]. The application and reference letters must be returned by Wednesday, February 14, 2018 to:

 Arletta Cortright, Chairperson

Fairfield-Nirasaki Sister City Committee

City of Fairfield, City Manager’s Office

1000 Webster Street

Fairfield, CA   94533

All applications will be reviewed and ranked, based on the responses to the questions in the application, reference letters, and the applicant’s participation in the Sister City Program so far.  Top-ranked applicants will be invited to attend an individual interview.  Interviews are normally scheduled within three weeks after the application deadline, and are conducted by members of the Sister City Committee, usually on a Sunday.  All applicants can expect to be notified of their status by letter or e-mail within three weeks after the application deadline.  Selection of the members of the student group will be completed by the end of March.  If you have any questions, please contact Arletta Cortright, committee chairperson at [email protected].