Letter of Introduction Dear Principals, Teachers, Parents and Students of Thurston County, The Olympia Kato Sister City Association invites high school students in Thurston County to apply for the thirty-second annual Student Ambassador Program. This exchange is sponsored by the Olympia Kato Sister City Association. Established in 1980, The Association sponsors and coordinates numerous activities throughout the year with our Japanese Sister City. Kato is located in the Hyogo Prefecture, approximately thirty miles northwest of Kobe, Japan. The Student Ambassador Program was initiated in 1987 and has continued each summer on an alternating basis between the two communities. After the application and interview process, sixteen to eighteen high school students, from Thurston County school districts, will be selected to participate in the program. These students will travel to Kato, Japan, Olympia's Sister City. The trip will be from late July to early August. Two community adult chaperones will accompany the students. Students will pay for their own airfare, through OKSCA, arranged by a local travel agent. We travel as a group, and students will need a minimum of $100 spending money. During the visit, the Student Ambassadors will be guests of the people of Kato and will be staying in Japanese homes. Most meals and transportation, while in Japan, will be provided by host families or the Kato Sister City Association. Daily group activities, planned by the Kato Sister City Association, will provide excellent opportunities for students to experience the cultural, historical, social and recreational flavor of Japan. The purpose of the trip will be to promote understanding and goodwill between the youth of Olympia and Kato. Students participating in the 2014 Student Ambassador Program will be chosen by a committee of Olympia Kato Sister City Association members. Selection will be based on a written application and a personal interview. Deadline for applications will be March 15. Students will be notified of their selection in late March. Interested high school students, in Thurston County, are encouraged to apply. Completed applications can be submitted by mail or email to: Myrna Lance attn: OKSCA Student Ambassador Program 4315 Sinclair Loop NE Lacey, WA 98516 myrnalance@aol.com 360-491-2978 We thank you again for your commitment to supporting OKSCA and the Youth Ambassadors Program. Feel free to contact us by email or phone if you have any questions. Sincerely, OKSCA Student Ambassador Committee
Student Information Please Print and Complete in Ink. Name: Age: Date of Birth: Home Address: Home Phone: Cell: Email Address: School: Grade: GPA: What school activities do you participate in? What are your hobbies and interests? Do you speak Japanese? If yes, please explain. Yes No Do you have any allergies? If yes, please explain. Yes No Do you take prescribed medication? If yes, please explain. Yes No Would your family consider hosting a student from Kato in the future? Yes No Please attach a photo of yourself. We share photos and certain information with the host families prior to your arrival in Japan.
Liability Agreement LIABILITY AGREEMENT The applicant and parents or guardians agree not to pursue a liability claim of any sort, for any reason, against any public or private entity, domestic or foreign, in the selection process of implementation of this student travel program. Student s Signature: Date: Parent s Signature: Date: The Olympia School District does not sponsor this event and the district assumes no responsibility for it. In consideration of the privilege to distribute materials, the Olympia School District shall be held harmless from any cause of action filed in any court or administrative tribunal arising out of the distribution of these materials, including costs, attorney's fees and judgments or awards.
Emergency Information Emergency Information Authorization of Medical Treatment of a Minor Name of Student: Parent s Name: Home Phone: Cell Phone: Email Address: Home Address: Parent s Name: Home Phone: Cell Phone: Email Address: Home Address: PARENT'S PERMISSION: I hereby accept that the assigned group leader, host family, or local coordinator may act as responsible guardian for my son or daughter and may decide on emergency medical treatment without personal liability. Parent s Signature: Date: Parent s Signature: Date:
Essay Prompt Write an essay regarding your interest in making the trip to Kato, Japan. At a minimum you will need to answer the following questions. Be prepared to discuss your essay during a personal interview. 1. Why do you want to participate in the Student Ambassador Program? 2. How will you profit both academically and personally from this experience? 3. What interests you most about Japan and why? 4. How will you adjust to different customs, food, culture, and language during your visit to Japan? 5. How will you positively represent the Olympia Kato Sister City Association?
Interview Questions After submitting a completed application packet, selected students will then be asked to participate in a panel interview. During the interview, the student may be asked the following questions: 1. Describe yourself. 2. Have you had any direct contact with other cultures? In what way? 3. Do you have any prior travel experience? Have you ever traveled by yourself? 4. What do you know about Japan? 5. What skills, strengths, and characteristics make you a strong applicant? 6. What will you want your host family to learn about you? About the United States? 7. How would you address any challenges on the trip? (e.g., being in an unfamiliar place, communicating with your host family, eating unfamiliar foods, etc.) 8. Would you like to host a Japanese student in your home? 9. What activities would you plan during your guest's visit? 10. Do you have any questions about the program?