Unique Opportunity for High School Students

In the Summer of 2018, the Hastings International Exchange Organization (HIEO) is taking a select few to Ozu, Japan.

Hastings, Nebraska and Ozu, Japan have had a sister city relationship for many years. For a while now, students and teachers alike from both Japan and the United States have taken trips back and forth between cities. Fourteen Japanese teenagers visited Nebraska in 2017, and took part in truly Nebraskan activities as well as lived with local families. This year, Ozu has welcomed high school students to visit and stay with a host family in Japan. It will be around seven to nine days of visiting various sites in Japan. It could include, but is not limited to, touring the Kumamoto Castle, Suizenji Park, the Bunraku Center (puppetry), and much more. They will be fully immersed into the Japanese culture. Former travelers to Ozu even had the opportunity to make a trip to Nagasaki. They were able to tour the Peace Park and museum, ride a bullet train, view Mount Aso (an active volcano) and Shirakawa Springs, visit a J.H. school, and participate in the sweet potato planting festival. The goal of these trips is to build a bridge between Ozu and Hastings.

Students definitely need to consider the benefits of studying abroad.

Studying abroad as a high school student will benefit you in ways you would not expect. Traveling abroad will allow you to experience new cultures and experiences. It opens up the possibility of making new friends and having an appreciation for different people and cultures. Also, It will vastly improve college/job applications. While traveling, you will learn more about yourself. It will boost self confidence, among many other things.

The Hastings International Exchange Organization (HIEO) will select between six and twelve students to participate.

To be eligible to participate you must: