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Youth invited to experience Japanese culture

Local group offers chance to travel to Japan, visit Abbotsford's sister city.

A local organization has teamed up Abbotsford's sister city to present a travel opportunity for local youth.

For the first time, the Canada-Japan Friendship Association of the Fraser Valley is working with the Fukagawa International Friendship Society to provide a travel experience for a small group of Abbotsford youth to visit Fukagawa for a two-week homestay and language study experience in July, 2012.

The CJFAFV is a non-profit organization promoting opportunities for local residents to learn about Japan and interact with people from Japan.

The travel program is open to seven young people, aged 14-16.

Depending on interest and the feedback from participants, this may become an annual opportunity for Abbotsford youth. This year's event will be led by Richard Janzen, a long-time Abbotsford resident, member of the CJFAFV, and Japanese language teacher at Langley Secondary School.

The program will include two to three pre-departure language and culture sessions, flights, language classes in Fukagawa, a two-week homestay with a Japanese family including all meals, daily activities, and two daytrips including a visit to Sapporo.  Estimated cost will be $3.000 per person.

There will be an information session held at the Robert Bateman Secondary library on Feb. 7 at 7 p.m.

More information and application forms can be requested by email at:

abbotsford_fukagawa@hotmail.com.