New Providence High School-Koshi Super Science High School Science Exchange

NEW PROVIDENCE HIGH SCHOOL-KOSHI SUPER SCIENCE HIGH SCHOOL SCIENCE EXCHANGE

1) APPLICATION GUIDELINES

The Science Exchange seeks to promote mutual understanding between the people of Fukui, Japan and New Providence, New Jersey. The Science Exchange aims to enhance English and Japanese language education and promote international exchange at the local level through the fostering of ties between Japanese and American youth alike.

The Science Exchange is implemented by both New Providence High School and Koshi Super Science High School in Fukui, Japan. Acultural exchange withFukui Prefecture began in 1994 with cooperation from governments of both countries. In 2009, a Science Exchange was formally created as a means for students of both high schools to deliver science presentations in the target language of the host school.

As the Science Exchange has achieved an excellent reputation over the last six years, it is of great importance that this reputation be maintained and fostered. Participants are invited to Japan as representatives of New Providence High School, the state of New Jersey and the United States. As such, they are expected to be responsible in all their activities, especially those concerning the promotion of mutual understanding between nations. It is therefore desirable that participants be adaptable, mentally and physically capable of performing their duties and have a deep interest in Japan and international exchange.

Generally, participants are appointed by a committee of teachers who are well versed in the daily requirements and operation of the Science Exchange.
A student’s withdrawal prior to or during the Science Exchange should be avoided as it causes logistical issues for both New Providence High School and Koshi Super Science High School, in addition to severely impacting the administration of the Science Exchange itself.

2) ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Applicants must:

(A) Be both mentally and physically capable to handle international travel over a period of eight to 12 days.

(B) Have the ability to adapt to cultural differences and expectations in Japan, and be able to responsibly and successfully complete the Science Exchange.

(C) Be interested in Japan and be willing to deepen their knowledge and appreciation of Japan throughout the Science Exchange; actively participate in and initiate international exchange activities in the local community; make effort to study or continue studying the Japanese language prior to and during Science Exchange in Japan.

(D) Have a functional command of the Japanese language.

(E) Demonstrated an interest in helping the hosting or education of Koshi Super Science High School students during their stay in New Providence.

(F) To facilitate English language activities both at Koshi Super Science High School and at the homestay, student should be adept in contemporary standard pronunciation, rhythm and intonation in English, and possess excellent language ability that can be applied accurately and appropriately; have the ability to form sentences in a comprehensive and logical manner.

(G) Have a desire to proactively maintain relations with Japan, even after completion of the Science Exchange.

(H) Complete a panel interview.

(I) Complete Statement of Purpose Essays.

(J) Have both a guidance counselor and teacher (besides a teacher of Japanese) complete a Letter of Reference and Reference Form.

3. MANDATORY PRE-DEPARTURE ORIENTATION

Successful candidates will have apre-departure orientation along with parents and chaperones. Pre-departure orientations will take place at Room 521 at New Providence High School approximately one month prior to departure.
All successful applicants, at least one parent or guardian, and chaperones mustattend this orientation.

4. APPLICATION PROCEDURE

Early submission of applications and documents is strongly encouraged.

The submitted documents will not be returned. Applicants must carefully read all instructions for the proper submission of any/all required documents.☆For more details, see below:

(A) New Providence School District Overnight Trip/Activity Parent/Guardian Permission Form – Signed and dated

(B) Student/Parent Contract – Signed and dated by both

(C) Parent Authorization ForSelf-Administration Of Medication Form – Signed and dated

(D) Physician Authorization ForSelf-Administration Of MedicationForm – Signed and dated

(E) Guidance Counselor Letter of Recommendation and Evaluation Form (assessing academic achievement,intellectual promise,quality of writing,creative original thought, productive class discussion,respect accorded by faculty,disciplined work habits,maturity,motivation,leadership, integrity,conduct/discipline, reaction to setbacks,relationship to peers, concern for others,self-confidence,and initiativeindependence)

(F) Teacher (BESIDES JAPANESE) Letter of Recommendation and Evaluation Form(assessing academic achievement,intellectual promise,quality of writing,creative original thought, productive class discussion,respect accorded by faculty,disciplined work habits,maturity,motivation,leadership, integrity,conduct/discipline, reaction to setbacks,relationship to peers, concern for others,self-confidence,and initiativeindependence)

(G) Statement of Purpose Essay (CHOOSE TWO)

1)Evaluate a significant experience, achievement, risk you have taken, or ethical dilemma you have faced and its impact on you.

2)Discuss some issue of Japanese national or international concern and its importance to you.

3)Indicate a Japanese person who has had a significant influence on you, and describe that influence.

4)Describe a Japanese character in fiction (notanime or manga), a Japanese historical figure, or a Japanese creative work (as in art, music, or science, but not animeor manga) that has had an influence on you, and explain that influence.

5)Given your personal background, describe an experience that illustrates what you would bring to the Science Exchange.

☆Please note that failure to do so may result in disqualification.

5. DISQUALIFICATION

A short-list candidate or participant may be disqualified without warning for any of the following reasons:

A) When a participant has committed an inappropriate act or there is substantial reason to believe that a participant is likely to commit an inappropriate act.

B) When the candidate's application documents contain false statements.

C) When it is determined that a candidate's school disciplinary record or criminal history renders him/her unsuitable for participation on the Science Exchange. In principle, this includes suspension, expulsion, or conviction of *any* crime. Allmay be grounds for disqualification, inclusive of crimes committed after application submission.

D) When the New Providence School District Overnight Trip/Activity Parent/Guardian Permission Form, Student/Parent Contract, or other required forms are not submitted by the set deadlines.

E) If it becomes clear at a later date that the candidate or participant does not meet the eligibility criteria due to some reason attributable to the candidate himself or herself.

SCHEDULE FROM APPLICATON TO DEPARTURE

2015

November 4, 2015Deadline for Applicants

NovemberFirst stage of screening process (review of written applications)

DecemberSecond stage of screening process (interviews)

2016

JanuaryAnnouncement of short-list status

Notification of selection

Notification of alternates being upgraded to the short-list

MarchPre-Departure Orientation, preparation, etc.

April 8, 2015 (Friday)Departure from Newark Airport (EWR)

April 9, 2015 (Saturday)Arrival at Narita Airport (NRT), Tokyo

April 16, 2015 (Saturday)Departure from Narita Airport (NRT), Tokyo; arrival at Newark Airport (EWR)