Application

2026 Student Application - DUE Friday April 17th

2026 Dates (tentative):  September 14-23 

• Students will be required to get a short term independent study contract while traveling. 

Price (tentative): 

• Families will be held accountable for inclusive trip prices up to $3000 with a payment plan available. This will include flights, lodging and transportation in Tokyo and transportation to and from Otsuchi. We hope to make this as financially available to students as possible and will be working diligently to keep the price well under this amount. However, due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, flight prices are currently quite volatile and we cannot predict how much the final cost will be when we book. 

Requirements:

• Valid U.S. passport that does not expire within 6 months of travel

• Participation in screening and application process 

• Commitment to payment of trip prices 

• Commitment to maintaining active communication throughout the summer as we plan the trip (replying to emails within 48 hours, availability for fundraising meetings, etc.)

• Participation in any potential fundraising activities that we have to help offset cost of tickets (these might take place during the summer)

• Participation in weekly, after school educational meetings that include etiquette and language lessons beginning at the start of the the 2026-2027 school year and go until we leave in September 

• Ability to request a short term independent study contract at least 3 weeks prior to leaving in September

• Create a presentation about trip experience to be presented to school board and city officials upon return 

• Good standing in school/classes 

• No disciplinary issues/citations

• Signing and returning the attached student/parent acknowledgment 

Expectations: 

• Fulfillment of above requirements 

• A good attitude towards new experiences 

• Enthusiastic desire to learn about Japanese culture 

• Understanding of cultural differences that require adaptability and stepping outside one’s comfort zone

• Ability to conduct oneself appropriately as a representative of our school, community, county and country

• Awareness of personal behavior in public and private and ability to positively modify behavior if required