Student Application Information

Student Exchange Program – Ketchikan, Alaska ↔ Kanayama, Japan
Travel Dates: June (2–3 Weeks)

Application Process & Selection Criteria

This student exchange program offers up to 15 eighth-grade students from Schoenbar Middle School, Ketchikan Charter School, Fast Track, and Home School the opportunity to visit Kanayama, Japan, in June following the end of the school year. Students and their chaperones will stay with host families and participate in cultural and educational activities in Kanayama and Gero City.

This program is made possible through the sister city partnership between Ketchikan and Kanayama, with support from participating families.

Application Deadline: October 1 at 5:00 PM

Required for Submission:

1. Completed Student Application

2. Three sealed blind references from unrelated adults – one must be from a teacher who has taught the student.

3. If applicable, a signed permission form from a parent living out of town.

Selection Process

Step 1: Application Submission

• Submit all forms by the deadline.

• Ensure reference letters are sealed and meet requirements.

Step 2: Application Review

• The selection committee will:

  • Verify application completeness.

  • Review references, academic records, and overall readiness.

  • Consult additional teachers if needed.

• Incomplete applications will not move forward to interviews.

Step 3: Interviews

• Selected applicants will be contacted for a 20–30 minute interview.

• Interviews are conducted by 3–5 board members and the current Japanese teacher.

• Bring at least one parent/guardian to the interview.

• Be punctual – late or missed interviews may affect your eligibility.

• During the interview, the committee will:

  • Provide background on the exchange.

  • Explain expectations.

  • Answer questions from you and your parent(s).

Step 4: Group Selection

• The committee will evaluate how each applicant fits within the group dynamic.

• Up to 15 students and 4 chaperones will be selected.

Step 5: Notification

• All applicants will be notified by phone within three days of the final interview regarding their selection status.

Step 6: Orientation Meeting

• A meeting for selected students, parents, chaperones, and board members will be scheduled to begin preparations.

Participant Expectations

Academic Requirements:

• Maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA (C average).

• No failing grades (F's) allowed.

• Grades will be monitored through PowerSchool.

• Failure to meet academic standards will result in disqualification from travel.

• Airline tickets are non-refundable – refunds (if any) are the responsibility of the family.

Behavioral Expectations:

• Be respectful, honest, responsible, and a team player.

• Attend and participate in all program events and fundraisers.

• Be punctual and well-prepared for every activity.

• Full participation is required during the Kanayama students’ visit to Ketchikan in March.

• Communicate clearly and respectfully with chaperones, who serve as the primary points of contact.

• Notify chaperones in advance if you’ll be absent or need to leave early from any event.

Cultural Participation:

• Attend orientation sessions to prepare for your time in Japan.

• Learn and deliver a self-introduction speech in Japanese.

• Join the group in preparing and performing songs, dances, or skits.

• Engage fully in Japanese school and cultural experiences.

• Follow the program’s code of conduct at all times.

• Embrace your homestay with a Japanese host family.

If you have any questions about the process or your application, please reach out to the Ketchikan Gero Kanayama Exchange Association.