Information Regarding 2026 Youth Delegation to Koshigaya, Japan
With the support of Campbelltown City Council, we are able to offer a student youth delegation to our sister city, Koshigaya, in Japan. The youth delegation is held in the September school holiday period.
Here are some basic criteria you must meet before you can apply:
1. Applicants must be aged from 14 to 18 at the time the delegation departs Sydney.
2. Applicants must live within the boundaries of the Campbelltown Local Government Area.
3. Applicants must show a willingness to adjust to a different lifestyle/culture while in Japan. A genuine interest in Japan and its culture is desirable.
4. Applicants must be able to eat and enjoy basic Japanese cuisine.
5. Applicants should demonstrate a reasonable knowledge of Campbelltown and Australia (places of interest and history), as applicants act as ambassadors and contribute to the ongoing success of the exchange program.
6. Applicants should demonstrate an understanding of how to support others in the group travelling to Japan.
7. A willingness to work harmoniously within a group situation while the delegation prepares for the trip and during the trip.
8. Successful applicants will need to provide a medical clearance from their family doctor which is to be provided after selection.
9. Successful applicants must be able to participate in the full exchange program, which includes the preparation and orientation sessions and the entire visit to Japan.
Only 15 students are selected for each delegation. Two adult leaders will always accompany and supervise the delegation. Leaders apply and are also selected based on their suitability, experience with youth and international travel. Everybody in the delegation will be an ambassador for Campbelltown.
The process for being accepted as a member of the delegation to Koshigaya is as follows:
• Your application must include the completed application form, a personal essay, and a reference letter. The reference letter should be written by an individual who knows you personally, such as a coach, community leader, school staff member or other.
If you were unable to obtain a reference letter at this time, you may leave this section blank.
• Attend a selection interview at Campbelltown Council Training Rooms.
• Be selected as a member of the delegation
• Agree to attend all Orientation nights and to sign the acceptance, withdrawal policy and payment plan forms.
The cost of the 2026 September delegation is $1,990 for each student. This includes the increased cost of airfares, travel insurance, delegation uniform, most aspects of the orientation process and around $AU300 in spending money. This will be converted to Japanese Yen and given to each student in 3 amounts while in Japan.
The accommodation while in Koshigaya is home-stay.
Each student and leader is hosted by a family who live in Koshigaya. Hosting Australian students is very prestigious for them.
The itinerary while the students and leaders are in Japan is set by Koshigaya International Association. The trip usually includes a school visit, cultural experiences,
shopping opportunities, an overnight trip and a day at Tokyo Disneyland.
The students from Campbeltown will be welcomed at a mayoral ceremony in Koshigaya. During the lead up activities for the trip, the students will prepare a culturally-relevant performance which will be performed at the mayoral reception and at one or two other times during the trip.
Key dates for this delegation are as follows (the dates will be confirmed at interview).
The selected students must attend all sessions.
• Applications close on Friday 8th May 2026 at 5.00pm
• Interviews for students who apply for the delegation – to be held on Saturday 16 May and Sunday 17 May 2026
• Student orientation and preparation sessions – from Friday 26 June on Friday evenings and the occasional Saturday.
• Attend the Campbelltown Mayoral Reception to welcome the students coming from Koshigaya to Campbelltown on Monday 27 July 2026 at 6:00pm to 8:00pm in Campbelltown.
• Attend the Campbelltown Mayoral Reception for our student group going to Koshigaya will be held on Wednesday 16 September 2026 at 6:00pm to 8:00pm in Campbelltown.
These dates and locations may change. If there are changes, we will endeavour to have any changes amended in the schedule provided at the first orientation session.
I really encourage students aged from 14 - 18 years to apply for this very unique and special opportunity to visit and experience Koshigaya and Japan with other
students.
If you have any questions regarding the application process, the orientation program or the trip itself, please contact Veronica at secretary@cksca.org.au
Regards
Terry Crotty
President Campbelltown – Koshigaya Sister Cities Association