The Redlands Sister Cities Association is now accepting applications from students who are currently attending school in Redlands, or who are between the ages of 14 through 19 in 2023, to visit Redlands' sister city of Hino, Japan.

The home stay/ visitation will be for approximately 12 days leaving around March 18th and returning around April 2nd, depending on airline reservations. During this time, students will be staying with host families, participating in the city's cultural activities, and traveling to some historic sites in the country.

The tentative cost per student is approximately $1,800- $2,400, which will cover airfare, railway transportation, and other travel expenses. The student and his or her family are responsible for the cost; however, the Redlands Sister Cities Association will assist students in organizing fundraisers to help defer some of the costs. Students who are accepted into the program will need to join sister cities (a two year membership) and participate in activities before and after the trip.

Along with the application, students must submit an essay of 500 words or more and attend an interview about why he/she would like to visit Japan. The students selected will be required to attend orientation meetings and participate in fundraising activities prior to the departure date.

The application deadline is December 2nd, 2022.

Please call/ email Roy Cencirulo, Redlands Sister Cities President, at 909-798-0939, if there are any questions. Email address is Roy_Cencirulo@yahoo.com