2019 Matsue - New Orleans Exchange Program
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About the Exchange Program
The 2019 Exchange Program is designed to foster continued friendship between New Orleans and Matsue in honor of the 25-year anniversary of our sister-city relationship. The professional trip offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience Matsue as representatives of Louisiana on behalf of the Japan Society of New Orleans while learning more about Japan’s rich history and culture.
The dates of the 2019 Exchange will be 9-16 October 2019. JSNO will select 2-3 young professionals to cultivate cultural appreciation and, through the association of our cities, encourage participants as leaders of our next generation to further strengthen international bonds of peace, understanding, and friendship between the United States and Japan.
Selected young professionals are required to attend 5 2-3-hour sessions, held between June and October, to prepare participants to represent JSNO, learn about Matsue, and become familiar with vital parts of Japanese protocol.
Those applicants who are chosen for the Exchange must submit payment for $275.00 to cover domestic airfare. All other major expenses, including international flight, housing, and events at Matsue, will be covered by the Exchange.
Exchange Program Eligibility
To be eligible for the 2019 Matsue-New Orleans Exchange Program, applicants must:
- Be 21-35 years of age at the time of the application deadline (31 May 2019)
- Have a current passport at the time of the application deadline that does not expire until a minimum of 6 months after the Exchange return date
- Be a resident of the Greater New Orleans Area (Orleans, Jefferson, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, Tangipahoa, St. Tammany, St. Charles, St. John the Baptist, and St. James Parishes)
- Be an active member of the Japan Society of New Orleans in good standing by the application deadline
- Retain membership in JSNO for a minimum of three years after the Exchange
- Demonstrate leadership experience as well as professional benefit from the opportunity to participate in the Exchange and further cultivate ties between Japan and New Orleans
- If accepted, delegates must attend 5 2-3-hour sessions to prepare for the trip to Matsue, held between June and October, and submit $275.00 to cover domestic travel before 14 June 2019.
We are eager to work with a diverse range of occupations and backgrounds who can benefit from this opportunity to expand an existing understanding of Japan. Ideal applicants will be able to demonstrate an awareness of and appreciation for Japan and its culture, Matsue, and the goals of the program.
No prior foreign language skills are required.