Dublin-Osaki Student Exchange Program

Cover Letter & Application Packet

Osaki Educational Exchange Program of the International Committee Release

2024 DUBLIN-OSAKI, JAPAN SISTER-CITY EXCHANGE

A Sister-City relationship was established between Dublin and Osaki on May 29, 1998 to foster good
relations between the cities, as they are both home to YKK. Since 1998, more than 100 students and adults
have traveled between the two cities, building lifelong relationships . YKK-AP, the City of Osaki, Japan and the
City of Dublin’s International Committee work together to provide this opportunity to share their unique
culture with one another. In 2023, Dublin had the honor of hosting Japanese students and chaperones. In
2024, we will be sending nine students and three chaperones to Japan to tour Tokyo, and visit Osaki, staying
with host families. Students are to be ambassadors for our city; therefore, they should be in good standing
academically and have knowledge of our local area. They should be friendly, flexible, cooperative, responsible, attentive, and have a sense of adventure. Selected students must be willing to attend informational meetings, and on return, willing to share highlights of the trip with civic or school organizations.  The cover letter and application completely and follow the instructions carefully. Only complete applications will be considered for an interview. Nine students will be selected as ambassadors by a community panel using application information, references, transcript and interview.

Before you proceed, ensure that you qualify by meeting the following minimum requirements:
● Current resident of Laurens County
● A student in 10th, 11th or 12th grade for the 2023-2024 school year.
● In excellent standing both behaviorally and academically with a minimum GPA of 3.0
● No restrictions on international travel from April 13-23, 2024 with a passport that does not
expire before January 2025 OR willing to apply for a passport BEFORE interview date.

Cost paid by student participant: $2,000.
In addition, students are also responsible for the cost to obtain a passport, and spending money for souvenirs and incidentals.

Important Dates:
August 1, 2023 - Applications available on CityofDublin.org; School Counselors notified.
September 5, 2023 - Reminders go out about the Application deadline to school counselors.
September 11, 2023 - Application Deadline. No incomplete or late applications will be accepted. Application must include references and current high school transcript.
September 18, 2023 - Students, parents, and school counselors are notified of selection for interview and
interview time by email. Maximum number of students interviewed is 20 for the nine positions.
September 25, 2023 - Selected students interviewed at Dublin City Hall from 3-6 pm. Last date for students to provide a copy of passport or passport application AND parent/guardian permission slip acknowledging
cost, dates, and requirements of trip.
September 26, 2023  - All interviewed students, parents and counselors are notified of selection status by
email.
November 1, 2023 - First Payment ($800) Due.
January 1, 2024 - Second Payment ($600) Due.
February 1, 2024 - Third and Final Payment ($600) Due.
March, 2024 - 2-3 trip & cultural informational sessions; dates/timeTBD
April 13 - 23, 2024  - Trip to Osaki, Japan