Applicants Sought For Encinitas Sister City Student Exchange Program

ENCINITAS, CA — The city of Encinitas is seeking applicants for the Sister City Program with Amakusa, Japan.

The cultural exchange program is open to ninth- and 10th-grade students in Encinitas. According to the city, the program aims to foster international cooperation and understanding between the youth of Encinitas and Amakusa.

"My experience as a delegate pushed me to grow in a mindset of flexibility when approaching unknown situations, especially when living in and adapting to a foreign culture," Isaac Trotta, Encinitas delegate from 2012, said in a statement.

Since its inception in 1987, the Encinitas Sister City Program has connected the community with cities around the world, including the formalized relationship with Hondo, Japan, which has now become the city of Amakusa.

This year's student exchange program is scheduled to take place from July 23 to Aug. 1.

Participants will get to experience life in Amakusa firsthand by staying with host families and engaging in cultural activities. The experience is designed to broaden students' horizons, enhance their cultural awareness, and foster lifelong connections between Encinitas and Amakusa, according to the city.

The program includes airfare, trip lodging, and homestay accommodations during the nine-day trip.

Interested students can download the application from the city's website. Applications are due by 4 p.m. April 19.