Experience Japan as part of Dubbo Regional Council's (DRC) Sister City Exchange Program with Minokamo. Applications are now open for students aged 15 to 18 who attend high school in the DRC Local Government Area, along with adults interested in chaperoning the group.
Selected students and chaperones will experience life in Japan by living abroad for two weeks and being hosted by families who live in Dubbo's Sister City.
The Sister City Exchange Program provides the experience of a lifetime where students learn about Japanese culture first-hand and the day-to-day life of a different community.
Dubbo Regional Council Arts and Culture Manager Jessica Moore said 10 student positions are available for the Minokamo Exchange Program and two chaperone positions.
"This is a unique opportunity to learn about Japanese culture and customs, and we encourage interested students and chaperones to apply," Ms Moore said.
The Sister City Exchange Program runs during the September school holidays. The trip includes three nights and two days in Tokyo, touring the city and visiting Tokyo Disneyland, as well as a homestay with a local Minokamo family.
"Successful student applicants will attend school abroad and see what school is like in Japan, where they will have the opportunity to make new friends," Ms Moore said.
This Sister City Exchange Program aims to be affordable, with DRC providing a $1,000 subsidy to each successful student and chaperone applicant to offset airfare and travel costs.
"Part of the experience sees students staying with local families which also provides them with a support base during their stay and a close-up experience of the host family's different traditions and customs," Ms Moore said.
The Sister City Exchange Program is reciprocal, with all participating Dubbo Region exchange students and their chaperones hosting a visitor from Minokamo in July/August 2026 when the exchange group visits Dubbo Region.
Applications for the Sister City Exchange program are now open and close on Monday 20 April 2026.
For more information and to apply, visit www.dubbo.nsw.gov.au/Community-Groups/Community-Awards-and-Tours/sister-city-student-exchange
