Rotary Seeks Students to Represent Region in Japan

Rotary District 7470, which includes Madison, is looking for 28 students to represent the region in an annual cultural exchange with Japan.

The Ross Redmond Short Term Youth Exchange Program, now in its 35th year, offers students ages 16 to 19 the opportunity to learn about Japanese culture, interact with Japanese students and form lasting friendships, according to an announcement about the program.

The three-week trip, tentatively departing June 26 and returning July 17, will visit major cities in southern Japan including Osaka, Kyoto and Nara. There also will be a separate trip to Hiroshima to visit Peace Memorial Park and the Holocaust Museum. The group will stay on the island of Shikoku, and each student will meet and live with four host families in each of the island's four prefectures, the news release says.

The total cost of the trip including food, lodging and airfare is $2,700.  Students are selected through an interview process that occurs during February and March. Applications are now being accepted.  To apply visit  http://rrstye.rotarydistrict7470.org/ 

Last year, Madison was among the stops when Japanese students visited the U.S. They made pizzas at Rocco's Tuscany Grill, played bocce at the Madison Area YMCA and visited Hartley Dodge Memorial.

For more information about the program contact Ross Redmond Short Term Youth Exchange Chairman Jim Allison: JRA188@aol.com or 201-213-6382