TSCA

Student Cultural Exchange Program Experience Japan

TORRANCE, CA & KASHIWA, JAPAN

Student Exchange

Student Ambassadors
We are pleased to announce the 2024 student Ambassadors who will be representing the City of Torrance in Kashiwa, Japan this summer!
Colin, 11th grade, West High,
Jordan, 11th grade, Redondo Union High,
John-Milo, 12th grade, South High,
Aidan, 11th grade, Bishop Montgomery High,
Maria, 10th grade, Bishop Montgomery High,
Mia, 10th grade, Torrance High,
Kyra, 11th grade, South High,
Anoop, 10th grade, Torrance High

Send questions about applying or the program to: torrancesistercityinfo@gmail.com

CLICK HERE for the application.


CLICK HERE FOR THE 2025 APPLICATION

Click here to see past exchange videos.

WHAT
The annual student cultural exchange program with Kashiwa, Japan.

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
Torrance and its sister city, Kashiwa, Japan, have had many rewarding civic, educational, and cultural exchanges since February 20, 1973, when the two cities became affiliated. Under this program, over the past forty years, the Torrance Sister City Association has sponsored hundreds of exchange students.

QUALIFICATIONS
1. Any high school student who is a sophomore, junior or senior at the time of applying. (19-year old maximum age at the time of the trip.)
2. The student must be a FULL TIME resident of the City of Torrance.
3. The student must be mature enough to benefit from the experience and be a creditable Ambassador representing the Torrance Sister City Association, the City of Torrance, and the United States of America.
4. The applicant must be a student in good academic standing at his/her school.
5. The student must be interested in learning about Japanese customs, culture, and language. This trip is far more than a vacation in a foreign country; it’s a cultural experience! 6. If selected, the student’s family must be able to host a Kashiwa student in their home for 10-12 days during August.

EXPECTATIONS OF ALL APPLICANTS
1. Each applicant and his/her family are expected to attend an Alumni Reunion potluck luncheon hosted by the TSCA on Saturday, January 11, 2025. At this luncheon the applicants and their families will meet many TSCA members, including former exchange students, and learn more about the student exchange program.
2. Each applicant and his/her parents will be interviewed by the Student Selection Committee on a Saturday in January, beginning at 8 a.m.
3. Each applicant is expected to participate in TSCA scheduled selection activities during December, January, February, and March.
4. Each applicant’s family is required to submit a TSCA family membership application and dues of $40.00 when the student applies for the Exchange Program. Make check payable to: TSCA. Electronic payment accepted on membership page of website.

EXPECTATIONS OF SELECTED STUDENTS
1. Each student and his/her parents must participate in Bunka Sai, a festival of Japanese culture (the major fund-raising event for TSCA). This is a three day event starting Friday April 4, 2025 evening, Saturday, April 5, 2025 and Sunday, April 6, 2025.

2. Prior to departing for Japan, each student shall attend a minimum of eight orientation meetings which cover the language, customs, clothing, protocol, etiquette, behavior, etc. in Japan, as well as facts about the City of Torrance. (If a selected student fails to participate in the TSCA activities or does not attend Bunka-Sai or the orientation meetings, he/she may be dropped from the program.)
3. Each student shall participate in activities planned for the Kashiwa exchange students visiting Torrance in August. Most admission costs for students to activity events will be paid by TSCA.
4. Each student and his/her parents shall sign an Agreement concerning their obligations, a letter of permission to participate in the program, and a medical release form.

FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS
1. The student’s portion of the airfare shall be $1200, payable in two checks ($600) at the first and last orientation session.
2. The TSCA is to provide the balance of the airfare costs and all expenses related to the three-day tour of other areas in Japan.
3. The student shall provide his/her own spending money during the three-week stay in Japan, as well as gifts for their host families.
4. The student must possess a current, valid passport at least 60 days before leaving for Japan. Passport must also be valid for at least six months from the departure date (January 2026 or later). Please indicate expiry date. If a visa is also required, the student is responsible for obtaining such visa.

PROCEDURE FOR SELECTION
1. The TSCA Student Selection Committee will review all applications.
2. The applicants and their families shall attend the Alumni Reunion potluck lunch in January
3. The Committee will interview applicants and their parents on a scheduled Saturday in January. See date above.

4. On a mutually convenient date after the interview, a committee member(s) will conduct a home visit interview with each applicant and his/her family, during the month of February.
5. The applicants shall participate in all the scheduled activities during December, January, February and March.
6. Final selections will be made by the Committee in early March.

CRITERIA FOR STUDENT SELECTION
1. A sincere interest in Japanese culture, language and customs.
2. A willingness to participate in TSCA pre-selection activities.
3. Good citizenship.
4. The ability to handle new or stressful situations gracefully.
5. The ability to get along with others and work together.

Revised 06/24