Elementary Students Sought for Two-Week Japan Exchange Program 

A long-running program allowing Atlanta 10- or 11-year-old students to travel to Japan for two weeks is seeking applications for this summer’s four open slots. 

The fully funded exchange program will take the group to Fukuoka, Atlanta’s sister city on the southern island of Kyushu, allowing them to spend a week at camp, followed by another week of homestay with a Japanese family. 

The Asian-Pacific Children’s Convention was formed after the 1989 Asian-Pacific Exposition in Fukuoka as a commemoration of the event, which also marked the city’s centennial. 

Attracting some 225 children annually from more than 40 Asian countries, the event is billed as the largest gathering of children worldwide designed to foster peace and understanding.

The goal is to instill a spirit of omoiyari, a Japanese idea embodying empathy, thoughtfulness and compassion, in the participants, who organizers say will come away from the experience more dedicated to global citizenship. 

While the program is generally geared toward intra-Asian engagement, Atlantans are invited to send so-called “junior ambassadors” thanks to the city’s special relationship with Fukuoka, which marks its 20th anniversary in 2025. 

One Atlantan also be tapped as a chaperone to travel with the children and liaise with the organizers of the conference on the ground. 

When the junior ambassadors return, they become part of the Atlanta chapter of the Bridge Club International, an network of clubs helping program alumni sustain their links upon returning home. They are eligible to return to the convention in the future as Peace Ambassadors. 

Debra Owen, who served as chaperone for multiple years, said in a video testimonial that the cross-cultural experience benefited her as well. 

“I made amazing friends and connections from all around the world, and I continue to foster these relationships with my involvement with Bridge Club International — some of my best friends are from Tahiti, Fiji, the Cook Islands, Papua New Guinea and of course, Japan.” 

Past students and parents have praised the program as opening their eyes to the world and helping them gain confidence.

In the same video, Atlanta attorney Dina Khismatulina said she first afraid when her daughter, Sasha, brought the idea of traveling to Japan alone. Eventually, however, Dina saw how well the program was organized and the hospitality of the Japanese hosts.

“She experienced Japanese culture, tried new food, made many friends, and had experiences she would not have otherwise had,” Ms. Khismatulina said. 

The Japan-America Society of Georgia is managing all pre-departure aspects of the trip. 

To apply before the deadline on Feb. 10 at 5 p.m., go here. Students will need a sealed recommendation letter from a teacher or another adult, a drawing the depicts the theme of the convention and a short essay on why they would make a good ambassador for Georgia. 

To log your interest in sending a future student, reach out to the society at Admin@JASGeorgia.org or learn more at https://www.jasgeorgia.org/apcc.