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Information about the program:
The Ketchikan–Gero Kanayama Exchange Program began in 1986 with teacher exchanges, expanding to include annual student exchanges the following year. Initially part of a school district initiative, the program gained its own dedicated support in 1989 with the formation of the Ketchikan–Gero Kanayama Exchange Association. This non-profit, volunteer-run organization is committed to sustaining the exchange program. Financial support from the school district and borough is limited, likely covering only the costs associated with the teacher exchange.
FINANCIAL COMMITMENT:
Participating in the exchange is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, but travel to and within Japan is costly. It’s important to understand both the financial and time commitments required. Students selected for the program must contribute a base amount of $2,500, which helps cover airfare to Japan. This amount does not include personal spending money or costs for uniform items.
The payment is divided into four monthly installments of $625, due in December, January, February, and March, to ensure timely travel planning and ticket purchases.
FUNDRAISING COMMITMENT:
Participating in the exchange program is a unique and rewarding experience—not just for the students, but for their families as well. However, it comes with both financial and time commitments that are essential to the program’s success. Below is an overview of the required fundraising activities and expectations for participating families. The anticipated total travel budget for the exchange is approximately $65,000, with a little over half covered by participants’ personal financial contributions. The remaining funds help cover costs such as gifts for school and city officials, as well as additional travel within Japan after the group’s stay in Kanayama and Gero.
All selected students and their families are expected to actively participate in fundraising efforts. Fundraising begins shortly after the group is selected in October. Families are responsible for filling time slots for events (such as gift wrapping and bake sales), selling raffle tickets, and helping with calendar sales and other activities. Past activities have included:
Raffle Ticket Sales
Each family is required to sell a set number of raffle tickets.
All tickets must be sold—families are financially responsible for any unsold tickets at a rate of $10 per ticket.
Calendar Fundraiser
Each family must complete one month of a donation calendar.
Donations match the date (e.g., the 4th = $4, the 23rd = $23).
Families are responsible for collecting all assigned donations and covering any unsold dates.
Bake Sales
Families must provide baked goods (store-bought or homemade) for bake sales and auctions.
These events may include school dances and other fundraising opportunities.
Gift Wrapping (December)
Each family is required to commit approximately 20 hours to the gift-wrapping fundraiser.
Participation is mandatory for all families.
Time Commitment
In addition to helping with fundraising activities, parents are also expected to serve on one or more of the following committees:
Fundraising
Publicity & Gifts
Events
Performances
These committees play a vital role in organizing logistics and supporting the overall success of the exchange program.
Important Note:
Any excess funds remaining after travel is complete will be retained by the Ketchikan–Gero Kanayama Exchange Program to support future exchanges. There will be no refunds issued after the trip concludes.
Final Thoughts
We understand this may seem like a significant commitment—and it is. But we don’t want to discourage you. The exchange is truly a life-changing opportunity. While only the student travels, the process leading up to the trip often becomes a meaningful and enriching experience for the entire family. Many families find that the preparation strengthens their bonds and creates lasting memories.
We encourage you to support your child’s desire to be part of this extraordinary program and join us in making the upcoming exchange a success.