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2023 Spring Online Workshop

“Navigating Renewed Opportunities for Sister Cities”

May 19, 2023 | Zoom

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May 2023…. How is everybody doing?

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Q1. �Have you restarted outbound in-person exchanges (from California to Japan)?

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Have you restarted outbound in-person exchanges (from California to Japan)?

Data collected through workshop registration as of May 15, 2023

Yes 37

No 10

Total 47

(# of California-Japan relationships that responded)

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Q2. �Have you restarted inbound in-person exchanges (from Japan to California)?

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Have you restarted inbound in-person exchanges (from Japan to California)?

Data collected through workshop registration as of May 15, 2023

Yes 32

No 15

Total 47

(# of California-Japan relationships that responded)

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Data collected through workshop registration as of May 15, 2023

From California

to Japan

From Japan to California

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Q3. �If you have not restarted any in-person exchanges, please explain the reasons why

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US Cities

Data collected through workshop registration as of May 15, 2023

  • New Mayor in Japan
  • Lack of resources; budgetary constraints
  • Too long a delay due to the pandemic, slow to start
  • Working to resume in 2024
  • Japanese counterpart still hesitant. Waiting for their approval (inbound and outbound)
  • Difficulty finding host families in the U.S. (inbound)
  • Concerns about travel safety and logistics (outbound)

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Japanese Cities

Data collected through workshop registration as of May 15, 2023

  • The city hasn’t officially approved it yet
  • Prefer online exchanges – less expensive and easier to participate
  • Still concerned about COVID and students’ safety. 2023 is too soon
  • Still watching how other cities are conducting programs
  • Can’t really assess if our sister city counterpart organization and citizens are ready to resume

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Common Concerns

Post Pandemic Uncertainties

  • Logistical challenges
  • Need for COVID contingency plans
  • Need for travel protection (travel insurance)

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Thank you!