The Shelby County International Relations Council (SCIRC) in partnership with the City of Shelbyville is
once again planning to send a student delegation to our Sister City, Shizuoka City/Kambara, Japan in the
summer of 2026. Our Sister City program was established in 1988 to provide a cultural exchange of
students and adults between our communities.
SCIRC will assist with the planning and coordination for this trip along with the City. Although no specific
dates have been chosen yet, the student trip is planned for mid-June 2026. The trip will be approximately
one week and include a homestay experience in Shizuoka City/Kambara, as well as a few days in Tokyo.
Travelers are expected to personally pay 100% of all costs associated with the trip, which generally includes
roundtrip airfare, public transportation while in Japan, hotel costs in Tokyo, data/mobile phone costs while
traveling abroad, gifts to their homestay host families, special group activities, sponsored meals, and any
personal purchases. The cost of the trip is expected to range from $3,000 - $4,000 per traveler. Fundraising
for this trip is acceptable. The travel group will include several students currently in grades 8-12 along with
adult chaperones.
Students chosen for our delegation will be required to attend general orientation sessions prior to the trip on
Japanese culture, language, customs, and trip details. Guardians will also be required to attend information
sessions where additional forms and important information will be handled. Students selected must be
excellent representatives of Shelby County and will be expected to display good citizenship and community
values. Upon completion of the trip, all students and adults are encouraged to share their experiences with
community groups, service organizations, or school classes.
Students in grades 8-12 from Shelby County who are interested in this homestay, cultural exchange may
complete and submit an application and a $250.00 deposit by December 22, 2025. Two references must
also be obtained on the appropriate form and submitted by December 22nd.
The applications will be reviewed by the SCIRC selection committee and a student delegation will be
chosen by February 15, 2026 to represent Shelby County for the 2026 summer trip. Prior participation or
enrollment in a Japanese program is not required.
An information meeting will be held on Sunday, November 30, 2025 at City Hall, 44 West Washington
Street, in the Council Chambers at 6:30 p.m. for anyone who is interested in learning more about the
Sister City program. Additional information on the history of our Sister City relationship along with the
application can be found on the homepage of the City’s website at www.shelbyville.in.gov/sistercity.
Questions may be directed to Linda Sanders at 317-753-4319, lsanders@cityofshelbyvillein.com or the
Mayor’s Office at 317-398-6624.
