Edmonds-area high school and middle school students have a unique opportunity to experience the day-to-day life, language and traditions of Japan through an exchange program coordinated by the Edmonds Sister City Commission.

The Sister City Commission is now accepting applications for students, 14-18 years of age, to participate in this annual student exchange. Deadline to apply is March 23, 2016

For 15 students each summer, the Sister City program is the adventure of a lifetime. While in Japan, they live with a Japanese family and travel to see the sights and sounds around Hekinan, Japan. Upon their return, they and their families offer the same consideration to the Japanese students, introducing them to American culture.

Edmonds students will travel to Hekinan for the last two weeks in July 2016. Student cost for the trip will range between $1,600 and $2,000 depending on the cost of airfare. Students from Hekinan will travel to Edmonds for 14 days in early August.

The annual exchange has been an integral part of Edmonds-Hekinan Sister City relationship since 1988. For an application or more information please contact Carolyn LaFave at 425-771-0247 or Carolyn.lafave@edmondswa.gov or visit the webpage.