Sushi

Student Selection

The ability to pay for a trip should not be the sole criteria for student selection. Some students may not be suitable representatives of your school abroad due to their level of maturity. It is suggested that the candidates be screened in a two-step process.

The Application Form: Beside the basic family and medical information, the application should ask for the following information:

  • their academic achievements,
  • awards received,
  • community service,
  • personal valued,
  • interests and hobbies,
  • history of vacations,
  • three letters of recommendation (one current and one former teacher, and one community representative) and enjoys new challenges
  • a minimum 500-word essay that asks, "What are your expectations for the trip and how would you use the knowledge gained in Japan"

Promising candidates should be invited to the interview. The Application Form should state clearly the expectations of a successful candidate, and they must be aware of the contracts that they will be required to sign upon acceptance.

The Interview: The interview process will allow the candidate to expand upon the information in the application form and the essay. Several hypothetical scenarios should be posed that touch upon the issue of leadership, group consensus and self-image. The candidate should be able to clearly articulate their reasons for wishing to visit Japan and what they hope to learn. Upon acceptance, students and their parents/guardian should sign the following agreements:

  • A Participation Agreement & Code of Conduct
  • Fundraising Contract
  • Payment Schedule Contract

Here are a few qualities to look for in a successfull candiate:

  • self-motivated
  • consensus builder
  • flexible
  • trustworthy
  • articulate
  • good academic standing
  • problem solver
  • patient
  • compassionate
  • reasonable health

Successful candidates must realize that participation in the trip is a privilege that may be revoked if their academic standing is in jeopardy, if they are found to exhibit inappropriate behaviour, or if they have developed a serious medical problem.

Once the students have been selected, the coordinator should create a parent/teacher committee and a student committee to assist. Although a student committee may seem to be redundant, it is important that their participation is respected and their ideas are heard amongst their peers. The head of the student committee will sit as a representative on the parent/teacher committee and there will be a teacher advisor on the student committee.