Ashikaga, Tochigi, Japan and Springfield, Illinois, USA have been sister cities since 1990. Over that time 167 delegation of students and citizens have flown across the Pacific Ocean to learn about each other's culture and History and to share hospitality and develop long lasting friendships.
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Ashikaga is on the northern fringe of the Tokyo megalopolis. To the south, about 40 miles distant, is the center of Tokyo and on a clear day the skyline can be seen from Ashikaga. To the north are green mountains, the foothills of which cradle the city of Ashikaga
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Visit the official Ashikaga website
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Dates for the 2024 High School Student Delegation
June 21 - July 1
Application Deadline Extended - March 29th
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A unique opportunity open to Springfield area high school students.
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· 10-day total immersion student exchange. Students will live with a family in Ashikaga
· Basic Japanese Language instruction
· ​Meet the Mayor of Ashikaga and other dignitaries
· Participate in a local festival - Japan Night!
· Visit historic and cultural sites in and around Ashikaga
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The delegation will include 10 high school students and 2 chaperones.
Application deadline - March 29th ($200 deposit due)
Notification of Acceptance - First week of April
Orientation Sessions – April and May (attendance is mandatory)
Final Payment of program fees – First week in May
Estimated program fees - $3000 (travel, health insurance, incidentals)
Chaperones:
Natalia Galica, nrgalica@gmail.com
Rachel Lee, rachlee2141@gmail.com
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Application material can be found through the "Apply" link above.