The Student Exchange Program

The Student Exchange Program offers excitement and fun for students and participating families. It is an opportunity to make new friends and explore another culture. In addition, students who have gone on the exchange program have found that it also broadens their understanding of themselves and what it means to be an American.

In odd-numbered years, Bethlehem students, travel to Tondabayashi, which is located 18 miles southeast of Osaka . During the even-numbered years, Bethlehem hosts the Tondabayashi students. This has been happening since 1971 and has provided a wonderful experience for over 80 young people.

The program extends for three weeks, and generally occurs between late-July to mid-August.

Each student is welcomed by their first host family, with whom they stay for approximately ten days. The student then moves into the home of a second host family for the remainder of their stay. The Sister City organizations provide trips and activities during the three-week visit. Most of these events are open to members of the host families. It is expected that host families will include the students in all their normal, summertime activities.

Application Criteria

By viewing our photo album, student itineraries and student exchange updates, you will see and read about the experiences of our exchange students and host families. Our directory lists the names of former students and host families. If you should know any of them, feel free to ask for a lengthier account of their experiences.