Are you interested in Japanese culture or in making a friend from another country? Does having the chance to experience daily life in a different culture appeal to you? Would you like to try new food, listen to different music and see new places? 

If you answer yes  to any of these questions, and you are between the ages of 13 to 18 by July, you might be interested in the Alaska Traveling Exchange Program to Japan. As part of the Alaska 4-H and Youth Development program here at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, the Traveling Exchange, or "Outbound," program has been operating for over 40 years. Alaskan youth who participate in the traveling program are matched with a Japanese youth of the same gender and similar age and interests; be prepared to stay in Japan for one month during the summer, approximately July 11–August 9.  

During that time, you will stay with your host family (homestay) and share in the daily activities of your Japanese “brother” or “sister." You will also have many opportunities to share with them things that you like to do and interesting things about your culture and life here in Alaska. Being a delegate, you’ll bring along a photo album to share with your host family, and at least once prepare them something to eat that is special to you or that you really like to eat (like macaroni and cheese or hamburgers or tacos). Before the month is over, you and your host brother or sister will also go to camp, where you will participate with other Alaskan and Japanese delegates in activities such as hiking, story-telling and singing– activities that are fun, build friendships and give you the chance to learn new things about different cultures and places in the world.

Presently, the program cost for a delegate is roughly $3900 (the price varies according to airfare costs, and is broken into payments). Included within this fee is roundtrip airfare from Alaska (Fairbanks, Juneau or Anchorage) to Japan, all in-Japan costs during the program month, medical insurance and orientation materials. Not included in this cost are expenses such as passport fees, souvenir money, luggage or clothing needed for the trip, or gifts for your host family. The program coordinator and other volunteers and participants can help you with money-saving tips and ideas on how to raise money to meet your program costs.

It's also not a program requirement that you know any Japanese - all you really need to participate is a curiosity  about other cultures and the interest and willingness to try new things, live in a different place for a month, make new friends and have a lot of fun. 

You do not need to be a 4-H member at the time of applications; all outbound delegates will be enrolled in 4-H prior to departure to Japan.

• Application forms and contact information