Long Beach teachers and high school students who would like to represent the city in Yokkaichi, Japan from July 22-Aug. 11 for the 44th Annual Trio Cultural Exchange are invited to submit an application by Friday, March 13.
The Long Beach-Yokkaichi Sister City Association will select two students and a teacher to accompany them for a three-week cultural visit. This delegation of three Long Beach ambassadors will travel as a group and follow an itinerary to be developed by officials of Yokkaichi.
The Long Beach-Yokkaichi Sister City Association will pay all transportation expenses to Yokkaichi and back, and the host city, Yokkaichi, or the Japanese host families, will provide transportation, food and lodging in Japan.
Yokkaichi, located about 20 miles from Nagoya in central Japan, is Long Beach’s sister city. A major port city and industrial complex, Yokkaichi also is known for its production of fine tea and exquisite pottery.
Among the requirements, applicants must be citizens of the United States, possess a record of good citizenship in school and community, have participated in school and community activities, have a passport or have applied for one, be in good health and free of serious food allergies and have a commitment to further the relationship between the two cities. In addition, students should be in grades 10 or 11 and reside in Long Beach or attend a Long Beach Unified School District high school, charter school, private school or home school. Teacher applicants must be employed as teachers by the Long Beach Unified School District or by another private or parochial school in Long Beach.
All applicants should be prepared to commit to a calendar of public appearances, both before and after the trip. The ability to speak Japanese is not a requirement. For eligibility concerns, applications, guidelines and further instructions, visit www.longbeach-yokkaichi.org.
