Cultural Student Exchange Opportunity

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Eniwa Exchange

Do you love Japanese culture? Well, you could have a chance to live there for a short while thanks to our sister city Eniwa in Japan!

There is an amazing opportunity for three secondary school students to go on a three week escorted Educational and Cultural Exchange to Eniwa, Japan in June 2024.

This year, Year 13 student, Clare Scarlett, went to Eniwa as part of the Timaru District Council Eniwa Sister City Exchange. At the moment the council is looking for students to apply to take part in the exchange in 2024.

  • These are some of Clare’s memories:
  • became an assistant English teacher at her exchange school, Eniwa Minami High School
  • met the Mayor of Eniwa
  • went to Hakusan Falls
  • tried a martial art, Kendo
  • went on the local radio station
  • tried lots and lots of delicious Japanese food, including fresh sushi, takoyaki balls

“Overall this experience was something I will remember for a very long time and is definitely an opportunity to look out and apply for because you never know.”

Applying is easy. You’ll need a current valid passport and permission from your parents/guardians. You can either write us a submission (150-200 words) or do a short video (1-2 minutes) on why you would be the best person to represent our district in Japan. Approximate airfare cost for the student is $3,000 + taxes and optional personal spending ($250-500), but travel subsidies may be available. There will be no accommodation cost as students will be home-hosted with a Japanese family.

Applications close on Friday 8th December 2023. https://www.timaru.govt.nz/council/council-information/sister-cities/eniwa-exchange