How much does it cost?
The bottom line regarding costs: As a result of the high sponsorship of our program by the Chuo City Council and Chuo City Board of Education in Japan and Sutherland Shire Council, the Association is able to keep the cost of our program quite low relative to similar programs on offer.
The cost of the program has fluctuated according to exchange rates and activities. In recent years the cost has varied between $2800 and $3000. An estimate will be provided as the program is finalised. This will include everything except your own travel insurance, uniform black trousers and shorts, some lunches and spending money. The final figure of course is dependant on the number of students traveling - the more students, the lower the cost. It also relies heavily on the fluctuating exchange rate.
Sutherland Shire Sister City organising Committee will be responsible for the booking of airline tickets, train fares, cultural activities, accommodation (other than Host Family placement) and some tours. Families will be advised when their deposits and balance payments are due.
Owing to current booking arrangements with the airline, fares have often had to be paid quickly to secure the booking. For this reason, once a student is selected:
1) a copy of his/her passport must be provided so that names can be accurately entered on the booking form
2) a $1500 initial payment will be required within 1 week of acceptance (we will need to purchase airfares quickly)
3) The remainder of the cost is to be paid in 2 instalments approximately 3 weeks apart
The Sister City organisers will book the flights with a reputable airline, depending on cost and availability at the time of the flights. Families will also organise their own travel insurance or if the group chooses they can organise a Group Policy [travel insurance is compulsory]
Accepted students must meet their own additional costs for their visit to Japan. These additional costs include: cost of uniform trousers and shorts, costs of passport, gifts for host families, excess baggage, gifts/souvenirs to bring home, some lunches, incidentals and pocket money.
The cost of the program has fluctuated according to exchange rates and activities. In recent years the cost has varied between $2800 and $3000. An estimate will be provided as the program is finalised. This will include everything except your own travel insurance, uniform black trousers and shorts, some lunches and spending money. The final figure of course is dependant on the number of students traveling - the more students, the lower the cost. It also relies heavily on the fluctuating exchange rate.
Sutherland Shire Sister City organising Committee will be responsible for the booking of airline tickets, train fares, cultural activities, accommodation (other than Host Family placement) and some tours. Families will be advised when their deposits and balance payments are due.
Owing to current booking arrangements with the airline, fares have often had to be paid quickly to secure the booking. For this reason, once a student is selected:
1) a copy of his/her passport must be provided so that names can be accurately entered on the booking form
2) a $1500 initial payment will be required within 1 week of acceptance (we will need to purchase airfares quickly)
3) The remainder of the cost is to be paid in 2 instalments approximately 3 weeks apart
The Sister City organisers will book the flights with a reputable airline, depending on cost and availability at the time of the flights. Families will also organise their own travel insurance or if the group chooses they can organise a Group Policy [travel insurance is compulsory]
Accepted students must meet their own additional costs for their visit to Japan. These additional costs include: cost of uniform trousers and shorts, costs of passport, gifts for host families, excess baggage, gifts/souvenirs to bring home, some lunches, incidentals and pocket money.
