STUDENT EXCHANGE APPLICATION

Application is now open for students interested in visiting Izumo in June 2025. Exact dates are to be determined, but likely sometime between June 15-30, 2025. Applications are due Friday, February 28, 2025.

Application Requirements

Applicants for the SCSCA student exchange program must meet the following eligibility criteria:

  1. Applicant must be a freshman, sophomore, junior or senior in the Santa Clara Unified School District or a high school resident of the City of Santa Clara.

  2. Applicant must demonstrate commitment to the SCSCA organization and participate in monthly SCSCA Youth Commission meetings as well as participate in its fundraising and hosting activities.

Students who go on an exchange program are also committing to the following responsibilities:

  • Participate in SCSCA fundraiser events

  • Spend time with the students visiting from our sister cities

  • Attend orientation meetings to prepare for the trip

  • Make a trip report presentation to the members of the SCSCA

  • Make a trip report presentation at a Santa Clara City Council meeting

  • Continue involvement with SCSCA and help other students going on future exchange trips

Incomplete or late applications can jeopardize your acceptance into the exchange program. Please fill out the online application forms completely. The following documents are required:

  • A copy of a valid passport, which does not expire for at least 6 months after the visit ends

  • Responses to essay questions

  • TWO references about why the applicant would make a good ambassador for the City of Santa Clara, The State of California and the Unites States of America: references can be from a teacher, coach, mentor, employer, or advisor. These references can be emailed by the reference to the SCSCA VP of the country you are visiting. Email addresses can be found on the Board of Directors page.

  • A parent statement that includes one to three paragraphs on why the applicant would make a good ambassador for the City of Santa Clara, the State of California, and the United States of America

  • Signed application page

  • Signed behavioral contract

  • Signed waiver

Application finalists will be asked to come in for an interview on the date announced by SCSCA.

Links to the online application forms are below.

Selection Process

SCSCA will select the students based on the following:

  • Application documents completed in a timely manner (including valid passport) and commitment to and participation in the SCSCA activities. This will be one of the most important selection criteria.

  • Ability to focus on being a good representative for our city, state and country for the full duration of the trip.

  • Ability to attend orientation meetings scheduled after the selection process.

  • Interviews with the student with option of  their parent/guardian(s), which are to be scheduled after the application documents are submitted.

Application forms

There are 4 parts to the application. Please make sure you have gathered all the information before beginning each form.

Applicant information

This form requests the following information:

  • Student address, phone, email, country of citizenship, school

  • Parent phone, email

  • Sibling names and ages

  • Dates and length of time participating in any extracurricular activities

  • Dates and length of time participating in any community service, job, church, hobbies, etc.

  • Foreign languages studied, fluency, and number of years studied

  • Countries to which you have traveled or lived, including length and purpose of visits

  • Siblings who have participated in an SCSCA exchange program, including country and year

  • Any international exchange students your family has hosted

  • Any dietary or food preferences you might have

  • Assessment of health and any allergies or medical conditions

  • Any medications, frequency, and reason for taking

essays, parent statementS, Contracts

This form requires uploads of the following documents. You must be signed in to a Google account to use this form.

  1. Student essay responses

  2. Signature page of student and parent

  3. Signed student behavioral contract

  4. Signed parent waiver if applicant is a minor, or signed adult waiver if applicant is age 18.

  5. Parent statement. This should include one to three paragraphs on why the applicant would make a good ambassador for the City of Santa Clara, the State of California, and the United States of America.

passport upload

You must submit a photo of the first pages of your passport which include the signature page and the photo. The passport must expire at least 6 months after the dates of travel. You must be signed in to a Google account to use this form.

Letters of reference

Two letters of reference about why you would make a good ambassador for the City of Santa Clara, The State of California and the Unites States of America. References can be from a teacher, coach, mentor, employer, or advisor. The references can be emailed by the reference directly to the SCSCA VP of the country you are visiting.  Email addresses can be found on the Board of Directors page.