Rotary looking for students to go to Japan

Morris Plains — Rotary District 7470 is looking for 28 students to represent the region in a cultural exchange with Japan. The Ross Redmond Short Term Youth Exchange Program, now in its 35th year, offers students ages 16 to 19 the opportunity to learn about Japanese culture, interact with Japanese students and form friendships that will last a lifetime.

This three week trip, tentatively departing on June 26, 2014 and returning on July 17, will visit major cities in southern Japan including Osaka, Kyoto and Nara. There will also be a separate trip to Hiroshima to visit Peace Memorial Park and the Holocaust Museum. The group will stay on the island of Shikoku, the smallest of the four main islands in Japan. Each student will meet and live with four host families in each of the island's four prefectures.

The total cost of the trip including food, lodging and airfare is $2,700. Students are selected through an interview process that occurs during February and March. Applications are now being accepted. To apply, visit rrstye.rotarydistrict7470.org/. The Ross Redmond Short Term Youth Exchange Chairman, Jim Allison can be contacted at JRA188@aol.com or 201-213-6382 to answer any questions.