As visiting another country for three weeks is not always the easiest task for a student, you may want to know a few things about the program and if you're eligible to apply before you consider packing your bags. At the end of this section you will find information for contacting STYEP board members in order to apply for the program.
Q. How old do I have to be to apply?
A. Students who are ages fifteen to twenty-four at the time of the trip are accepted into the program. Certain exceptions may be made.
Q. How much does this cost?
A. Usually the transportation costs you about $2000 dollars in total. It may vary slightly. The two-thousand dollars pays for your plane tickets, transportation, all meals and activities in Japan. All of this will be arranged for you when you submit your money at the request of the chairperson. An initial deposit must be made, followed by the balance around April.
Q. Do I need to speak Japanese in order to be accepted?
A. Although speaking Japanese will help you enjoy the experience even more, speaking Japanese is not required, and in many cases, only a few of the students going on the exchange actually speak Japanese. However, you will be expected to memorize a few helpful phrases and greetings. You will not be tested but it will be to your benefit if you do.
Q. How much luggage can I take with me?
A. A simple question with a long answer. Technically you may bring as much luggage as you wish. However if you bring more than the standard number of check-in bags, (usually two), then you will have to pay extra for them. Also keep in mind that you will be responsible for transporting your luggage at all times. This means if you bring six bags each weighing the max amount permitted by the airline company, then you will be at times running with six bags weighing you down. Don't do that to yourself or your host family who will inevitably bend over backwards to assist you. If I may slip into first person, I brought with me probablly the max amount that anyone should have: two check-in bags, a rather large camera bag and a backpack. If you are not up to the task of lugging this kind of weight around in 80+ degree humid weather then do not bring it. The ideal amount of baggage would be an adequate check-in bag and a sturdy backpack. You are allowed to have the following maximum luggage without any extra charge: two check-in bags, a carry-on bag and a purse/camera-sized bag. The STYEP board will provide you with exact measurements and weights that your airline will accept. Adhere to them. You will come home with much more than you leave with!! It would be advantageous to leave plenty of room for the presents and sourveniers that you receive. This will save you a headache at the airport on your return trip.
Q. I don't live in New Jersey. Can I still be a part of the District 7470 STYEP?
A. You may, as long as your provide your own transportation to New Jersey at your expense, and show up at the alotted time and place the day of embarking.
Q. Are there any personal requirements for going? (ie. grades, etc.)
A. No, however, when you set foot in Japan as a member of this program, your are acting as an ambassador of good-will from America. Zero-tolerance will be enforced by your American Group Leader and at his or her discretion you may be sent home by yourself, this has been done in the past. Do not embarrass yourself, or your country.
Q. Do I have to eat with chop-sticks?
A. You are not expected to eat with "hashi" or chop-sticks. Your host families are usually willing to accomodate you with forks and knives as they are also commonly used in Japan. However, you will be in Japan for three weeks and it is not likely you will go that entire time without using chop-sticks at least once. Don't be embarassed! Practice at home, or better yet have a member of your host family teach you!
Q. I'm a vegetarian, will there be any conflicts with meals because of this?
A. There shouldn't be. After introductions and you feel comfortable with your host family, tell them that you are a vegetarian. They will be sure to accomodate your eating style.
Q. How much money should I bring for myself?
A. As little as 300 US dollars is a good idea. However, you are not limited to bringing any amount. Simply be aware of the fact that your money is your responsibility.
Q. Do I need a passport?
A. Yes!! If you do not already have a US Passport you must obtain one before the trip! Also of note is the fact that you will be asked to hand your passports into the STYEP board at the final orientation meeting for safe-keeping. Do not forget to make Xerox copies of your passport at home and bring one with you! You will not have access to your passport at all times when you need it for money exchange but a copy of it will be accepted. Passports will usually be kept by the American Group Leader. Students have lost passports in the past, and the process of getting a passport in time for the return at the end of three weeks is not a desireable task.
Q. Who is going with us?
A. A Group Team will be assembled to lead the students in Japan. It usually consists of four members. Two Group Leaders and two Group Sub-Leaders. The Group Leaders are always Rotarians, while the Sub-Leaders are usually, (but not limited to), Rotary Members. In addition to the American team, there will also be a group of Rotarian leaders in Japan. They will serve as the main chaperones and will take care of any difficulties that may arise with the language barrier.
Q. When the Japanese students come here, may I host them in my home?
A. Requests to be a host families are usually accepted. But you must be aware that you must get your student to the alloted time and place each day. You may act as a host family for a week or slightly shorter than that.
Q. Do I need any shots or vaccinations from my doctor before leaving?
A. As of this writing there is no need to receive any sort of inoculation for your stay in Japan.
Q. Should I require medical attention, will it be made available?
A. Yes, medical attetion will always be made available when necessary and more than likely, there will be a Rotarian doctor in each club you visit.
Q. What about any insurance?
A. The STYEP board will provide you with information to obtain a special insurance that covers a student from "The moment they leave the house on the day they leave, to the day they step foot back in America."
Q. As a parent, I want to know where my son/daughter will be and how can I contact them?
A. You will receive e-mails from a member of the STYEP board, updating you on where your child is, and what they are doing. Students will have access to phones in Japan, either through the host family or payphones which they can buy phone cards for. Ten and five-minute phone cards are sold at almost every phonebooth in Japan and work like punch-cards, they are very simple to use. It is strongly reccommended that you not contact your child, let them contact you. The STYEP board in America and in Japan are in constant communication, if anything happens you will be notified by e-mail and if neccessary phone at once. Host families are usually only confirmed when the students are in Japan, so prior to leaving you will not know who your Rotary host-family is, (this may or may not be the case.) Sometimes one of your families may even contact you in America before you leave.
Q. Can Japanese summer nights get chilly like in America? Should I pack a coat?
A. What you pack is your decision, but if I may suggest from personal experience, do not waste the room a coat takes up. It is very hot and humid every day and every night in Shikoku. You will not need one.
Q. How many students will I be traveling with?
A. On an average, about twenty to twenty-four American students will be on the trip.
Q. Should I bring presents for my host families?
A. Your host families are normal people who accept strangers into their home and treat them like gold for the duration of their stay. A present is the least you can do as thanks for their kindness. Whatever you get them is your business. Here are some tips. You may want to purchase souveniers that are very "American". For example: Yankees T-shirts or hats, Backstreet Boys posters for the children of the family, or better yet, something Japanese and American. Almost everyone in Japan knows Ichiro Suzuki. American merchandise with his name on it will make many middle-aged host families extremely happy. It's your present, have fun selecting it and making it meaningful.
Q. Will I get a chance to be on Japanese television?
A. This program is a great tradition, there is a decent chance you may see your group on the afternoon news sometime, and most certainly in the newspaper.
Contacting District 7470
Now that we have answered some questions you may have had, please contact us to obtain an application or ask some more questions not answered here.
Please address your inquiries to Bill Siudmak: RoselandRotary@comcast.net 973-403-1583
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