March 13, 2015 – Midland high schoolers have two more weeks to apply for the chance of a lifetime – to visit Midland’s sister city of Handa, Japan this summer.
Two or three Midland students will be selected for a three-week, whirlwind stay between July 20 and August 11. If selected for the program, students will receive a free round-trip flight to Japan and stay with three different host families during the exchange.
In order to qualify, candidates must live in the city of Midland and be entering their junior or senior year of high school in the fall of 2015. Students must have a grade point average of 3.0. Candidates should have a genuine interest in the Japanese culture.
Applications can be submitted online at http://bit.ly/sistercityexch2017 or by picking up a paper application at City Hall, the Grace A. Dow Memorial Library, or the counseling offices of Midland high schools. The Sister City Committee will interview candidates in mid-April with final selections being made shortly thereafter.
Since the Midland-Handa Sister City Student Exchange began in 1982, more than 80 students from both communities have participated in the program. The exchange was established to provide an opportunity for the youth of Handa and Midland to learn about each other’s culture. Midland students travel to Handa in odd numbered years, and during even numbered years, Handa students are hosted by Midland residents.
For more information on the Sister City Student Exchange, visit www.cityofmidlandmi.gov/sistercity and click on “Student Exchange” or call the City Manager’s Office at 989-837-3307.
-30-
