Lima Sister Cities
Youth Trip Q & A
11-1-2022 updated
1. What are the dates for each exchange?
Each exchange differs in dates and every year they are not the same. For the mostaccurate timeline look at the application for the program.
The average timeline for Lima to Visit Japan is early June. for Japan to visit Lima islate August on opposite years
If you need more information you can call Lima Sister Cities 419-303-9870
2. Is there a chaperone for the high school exchanges?
There is a chaperone for the youth exchanges, We have an Adult Male and Female tolook after and take responsibility for the well being of our travelers.
3. How much does the exchange cost?
The average cost it estimated to be $4000, depending on current airline prices
transport fees and more. Upon acceptance, a deposit is due to Sister Cities.
4. What are some other costs we may incur?
Other costs include spending money for gifts, souvenirs, et cetera, and obtaining apassport ect.
5. When are the interviews for the exchange?
Interviews will be scheduled around end of November. Interviews will last about
15-30 minutes per student. If possible, both parents/guardians should attend theinterview.
6. What should I expect at the interview?
A panel of committee members interview prospective students and their parents/guardians. There can be up to five committee members in an interview, so don’t bescared. The interview begins with the student and we ask questions about yourmotivation for the program, if you have any previous travel experience, what type ofstudent you would like to be matched with, etc. We look for maturity, flexibility,resilience, and general character traits that will ensure you are a successful
candidate. When interviewing parents we want to be assured that the parents
understand the commitment they and their student are undertaking.

7. What is provided while abroad?
For the high school exchanges, accommodation and meals will be provided by thehost family. The same is expected of the American host family that is hosting anexchange student. When site seeing as a group LSCA covers lodging majortransport (train Passes) and group meals.
(These cost are figured into our trip budget)
8. Does Sister Cities provide transportation to the airport?
Yes we arrange transport so all can travel together
9. What if I/my child gets sick while abroad?
Your host family or the Sister Cities committee in the other country will take care ofanyone who gets sick. We ask that you check with your insurance company before
you depart to make sure you are covered for international expenses.
10. Are there group activities planned by Sister Cities?
Yes, both in Lima and overseas the committees will plan several group activities.
11. Can I call/email/text my child while they are abroad?
Yes, but we ask that this is only done occasionally. The students are there to immersethemselves in the Experience and culture of another country, it is best to be present
in the moment. Also be aware of international phone rates
12. How does the committee decide how to match the students?
We gather information from their application and their interview and try to match
based on: common interests, age & gender (if you have specified you cannot host astudent of the opposite gender, you will not be expected to), and other specifications
such as pet allergies.
13. If we don't like our match can we change it?
No, we expect the students to be able to adapt to the situation even if they are not
become fast friends with their counterpart.