The application period for the 2025 trip is now closed.

The Menlo Park Sister City Association (MPSCA) seeks qualified high school students aged 14–18 years old who show maturity, responsibility and leadership skills to represent Menlo Park in its sister city of Bizen, Japan in Summer 2025.

Established in 2015 to promote friendship and cross-cultural understanding, our relationship with the Bizen community has grown and this opportunity to visit Japan has been a wonderful experience for dozens of Menlo Park students over the years.

2025 Trip Details

This year’s trip is expected to be in late June/early July and last one week. We typically depart from San Francisco International airport on Saturday and then return on the following Sunday.

While the exact itinerary and activities can vary each trip, typical experiences have included:

• Homestay with local family
• Visit to Bizen City Hall and visits with officials
• Bizen yaki (Bizen ware) pottery making experience
• Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum
• Hinase Island Ferry ride
• Soy sauce factory visit with soy sauce ice cream tasting
• Visits to local temples and shrines
• And more!

Qualifications

1. A high school student who is 14-18 years old at the time of the trip at the time of application.
2. The student must be a full-time resident living within the city limits of Menlo Park, California (Verify your address online at menlopark.org/districts).
3. The student must be mature enough to benefit from the experience and be a creditable Ambassador representing the Menlo Park Sister Cities Association, the city of Menlo Park, and the United States of America.
4. The applicant must be a student in good academic standing at his/her school.
5. The student must be interested in learning about Japanese customs, culture and language. This trip is far more than a vacation in a foreign country; it’s a cultural experience!
6. If selected, the student’s family must be able to fund or fundraise enough to cover travel costs to and incidental expenses while in Japan.

Expectations of all applicants

Each applicant and his/her family are expected to attend an orientation meeting before the trip where they will meet with MPSCA board members, including former exchange students, and learn more about the student exchange program.

Expectations of selected students

Each student and his/her parents shall sign an Agreement about their obligations, a letter of permission to participate in the program, a medical release form, and other required paperwork.

Financial obligations

1. The trip cost is $3,000 and includes roundtrip airfare, accommodations, meals and ground transportation in Japan.
2. The student and their family shall provide his/her own spending money during the one-week stay in Japan, as well as gifts for their host family.
3. The student must have a current, valid passport at least 60 days before leaving for Japan. Passport must also be valid for at least six months from the departure date (June 2025 or later). Please indicate expiry date.

Selection procedure

1. The MPSCA Selection Committee will review all applications.
2. The Committee may interview applicants.
3. Final selections will be made by the Committee by early March.

Student selection criteria

1. A sincere interest in Japanese culture, language and customs.
2. A willingness to participate in MPSCA pre-selection activities.
3. Good citizenship.
4. The ability to handle new or stressful situations gracefully.
5. The ability to get along with others and work together.

Apply

The application period for the 2025 trip is now closed.