OUTBOUND Yakima to Yamate Yokohama Japan

OUTBOUND Yakima to Japan

WHAT: The outbound portion of the exchange is an opportunity for students to pay to travel to Yamate Gakuin High School in Yokohama, Japan as the return trip to the inbound portion of the exchange that previously occurred in April with the Japanese visited Yakima.

WHO: Up to 35 students.

WHEN: July 18 - August 2, 2025

COST: The estimated total cost for the trip is approximately $2,400 per student (plus spending money), which includes airfare, transportation, meals during travel, travel insurance, and supervision fees. To keep a student's spot on the trip families are expected to pay in $400 installments beginning the first week of December 2024 then $400 monthly due the first week of each month with the final $400 payment on April 25, 2025. Once half of the trip cost ($1,200) is paid, students may apply for a low-income assistance scholarship. Thanks to community donations, five $1200 scholarships and an additional seven $500 scholarships are available to support Yakima School District families who qualify. Payments should be made at the Financial Services department of the Yakima School District, 104 N 4th Ave. Open Monday - Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., except for holidays.

Students will stay with host families at no additional fee. Host families, three program excursions, and Yamate Gakuin High School events will include meals and travel expenses. Students are expected to bring spending money to support themselves when out with friends and to purchase souvenirs. Based on past participant feedback, the recommended amount is approximately $400 (this is in addition to the $2400 mentioned above and should be carried by your student; in fact, if your bank will get Yin for you here in the States, we recommend you try to do that in advance of the trip).

QUESTIONS: If you would like more information or have questions, please get in touch with the Yakima School District at 509-573-7000 or email the coordinator.

Traveling Student Application

Important Information for Prospective Travelers
Before applying for the 2025 Yamate Japanese Exchange, families must ensure they have the necessary funds for the trip and an updated passport, as both are due by April 25, 2025. Please note that the passport must not expire before six months after the return date of August 2, 2025. Parent and principal approval is also required for participation.

Currently, the exchange is open to students from the Yakima School District and East Valley School District. If a student from another district wishes to participate, their district superintendent must reach out to the program coordinator to discuss participation.

Traveling Student Application

Support the Yamate Japanese Exchange Scholarship Fund

Help us make global connections possible for Yakima students! The Yamate Japanese Exchange offers a life-changing opportunity for Yakima students to experience Japanese culture and build lasting international friendships.

The total cost of the 2025 trip is $2,400 per student. The 2025 scholarship fund currently provides 20 partial scholarships of $500 each to families who qualify as low-income (thank you to our donors!). We aim to grow this fund to provide full scholarships, ensuring this incredible experience is accessible to every student.

How to Donate:
You can support the scholarship fund directly by delivering or mailing a check to:

Yakima School District
104 N 4th Ave
Yakima, WA 98902

Please write Yamate Scholarship in the memo field. A receipt will be provided or mailed to you.

Thank you for investing in the future of our students and fostering a greater understanding of diverse cultures.

Questions?

Kirsten Fitterer, Executive Director of Communications and Engagement

Phone: 509-573-7000

Learn About the Trip to Japan

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Apply for a Passport?

What is the cost to the Yakima School District for the Yamate Japanese Exchange Program?

The Yakima School District is grateful for our long-standing relationship with Yamate Gaukin High School and our community partners who have financially contributed to the program in the past.

For the 2025 exchange, the district coordinator will seek contributions from the community, past participants, Yamate Gakuin High School, and families to support the program entirely.

Do I need to purchase travel insurance?

The Yakima School District will purchase Travel Guard insurance that includes travel protection, medical assistance protection, and more to protect from unfortunate situations. We will provide you with a Travel Guard identification card and a statement of benefits.

Should a student require medical attention in Japan, however, they will pay for that service out of pocket or borrow from a chaperone, with the student's family reimbursing the chaperone immediately upon return. Please note that medical costs for primary care in Japan are far less expensive than in the United States. A visit to a clinic for a fever and respiratory symptoms is around $25 US.

Can YSD provide a letter to help expedite a passport?

You must have proof of an active passport by April 25, 2025. Passports can take 8 weeks to receive. That means you should apply for your passport no later than March 1, 2025. It is highly recommended that a student apply for their passport immediately when they are considering going to Japan.

If you have missed this date, you need to pay to expedite your passport application. We are happy to provide a letter from the coordinator if it will help in this process.

Does a student need to be vaccinated for COVID to participate in the exchange program?

Can seniors (class of 2025) travel to Japan in July?

Can parents go to Japan as a chaperone?

What is needed to confirm a travel spot?

Applications will close when all 40 spots are full. To secure a spot, students must apply and pay in full by April 25, 2025. Families must build their student's travel account monthly starting in December 2024 with the following pace: Dec 2, $400, Jan 2: add $400 for a total of $800, Feb 3 :add $400 for a total of $1200*, March 1: add $400 for a total of $1600, April 1: add $400 for a total of $2000, April 25:ad d $400 for a total of$2400 (paid in full).

Payments can be made at the Yakima School District financial services department at 101 N 4th Avenue.

* after $1200 is paid, families qualifying with YSD as low income can request a $500 scholarship. Scholarships are available on a first-come, first serve basis.

Please note that to be eligible to travel to Japan in July/August of 2025, the expiration date of your passport will need to be February 2026 or later.

Who will have priority for a spot to travel to Japan?

YSD students in good academic and attendance status and with principal approval (class of 2026 first, then 2027, 2028) will have priority, siblings of past travelers will have priority, and families who hosted in April will have priority. Other local districts are welcome to send active students if space permits and if their district's superintendent has contacted the coordinator. Total spots: 40