Sister City Fukuroi Student Delegation

Students in 10 - 12 grade are invited to apply for a week-long visit to Hillsboro's Sister City, Fukuroi, Japan in June 2025.

In the fall of 1988, the City of Hillsboro reached a formal Sister City agreement with Fukuroi, Japan. A signature element of the friendship is a student exchange between the two cities. In June 2025, a delegation from Hillsboro will travel to Fukuroi for a week-long cultural exchange.

About Fukuroi, Japan

Fukuroi is a blend of old and new. Its ancient history dates back to 15,000 BCE. It established itself as a municipality on November 3, 1958. Fukuroi is located in the Shizuoka prefecture, which is the home of the famed Mt. Fuji and is a quick 240 km on the bullet train to Tokyo.

The thriving rural community has a strong agricultural foundation, where muskmelons, green tea, and rice are raised. Alongside these agricultural fields, high tech companies have established their headquarters. The similarities between Hillsboro and Fukuroi make our sister city connection ideal.

Why Travel to Fukuroi, Japan

A Sister City student delegation offers the opportunity to exchange people and ideas to foster international understanding and friendship.

Education

Contact with people in our Sister City broadens the understanding of the world, which makes us better citizens of the global community. Student exchanges promote friendships among future leaders and open new horizons for increased knowledge. They develop cross-cultural experiences and maturity through short-term host family stays as a guest, and not as a tourist.

Culture

Exchanges among artists, authors, theatre groups, and athletes add to the appreciation and enjoyment of talents from diverse cultures, as well as providing an international showcase for local talents. Exchanges help gain understanding of history, values and lifestyle by connecting people with different backgrounds

Economic

Trade links with Japan are already strong in Hillsboro. A Sister City affiliation establishes another avenue of exploring and expanding economic ties. In an international marketplace, sharing ideas benefits everyone.

Watch a Video From Zoe Who Was a 2017 Fukuroi Delegate

Estimated Cost

Final costs will be determined after airfare has been purchased. The best estimate at this time is a cost of approximately $3000 per student based on the following:

• $1,700 - $2,300 estimated airfare
• $160 - $180 estimated ground costs in Japan (transportation, admissions, etc.)
• Passport fees range $135-$165
• Spending money
• Additionally, each student should plan to bring a few gifts for their host families.

Please do not let the cost be a deterrent to applying. City staff is working on funding alternatives. Information will be shared as it becomes available.

Apply to be a Delegate

The application process is now open.

To be eligible, applicants must be entering in their 10th, 11th, or 12th grade year and live in Hillsboro city limits. Applications are due by January 15, 2025, and will be reviewed and scored based on several qualification categories, including community involvement and interest in civic engagement.

After reviewing applications, a portion of candidates may be asked to participate in an interview process in late January. Selections will be announced in late January to early February. The delegation is a maximum of ten students.