KAP Student Application 2026

KAP Student Application Summer 2026
Thank you for your interest in the Kanonji Appleton Partnership (KAP) Summer Exchange Program!

KAP and our sister program, the Kanonji International Exchange Association (KIEA), hold a shared belief about the importance of intercultural learning using a homestay model. Through our exchange program we hope for our communities to deepen intercultural understanding and appreciation, for the citizens of Appleton/Fox Cities to learn more about Japanese culture, and for the citizens of Kanonji to learn more about life in Appleton/Fox Cities.

The 2026 exchange is open to high school students who have completed 9-12th grade. If you are interested in being an adult chaperone, please contact KAP for the chaperone application.

By participating in the KAP exchange program, participants will:
- Become an international ambassador for Appleton/Fox Cities in Kanonji, Japan
- Learn about the people, culture, and language of Japan
- Develop skills to deal with future challenges, independence, and self-awareness
- Expand interests and experiences
- Build friendships that last a lifetime
KAP's Exchange Program includes:
- Placement in a carefully selected host family, room and board included
- Pre-departure language and cultural training and group bonding
- Pre-departure orientation information
- Travel and on-site chaperone-liaison
- Support of local representatives from KIEA
- Airport ground transfers to and from host family residence
- Supervision during the exchange program abroad
KAP’s Exchange Program does NOT include:
- International and domestic airfare costs to and from Kanonji, Japan
- Travel insurance costs
- Passport fees
- Entertainment and incidental costs incurred by the student
- Long distance telephone (Students can use WhatsApp, Line, email, or other apps to communicate for free.)
What is expected of the participant as a member of the host family:
- Act as an ambassador for Appleton/Fox Cities respecting the culture, customs, and habits of host family members
- Participate in family activities, dinners, and outings with host family
- Help with household chores with host family
- Share culture, language, and life experiences with household members
- Abide by host family rules, local laws, and customs
- Do not use alcohol or drugs, even if you are of age in Japan; and do not operate any motorized vehicles
- Attend all official KIEA events and programs
KAP Exchange Program Fees and Requirements

Applicants must be a minimum of 14 years old and have completed 9th grade.

Applicants must submit the online KAP Exchange Application Form and the $65 application fee by February 22, 2026. The fee covers KAP administrative processing, a KAP shirt, and host family stipends. Families that host will have their application fee partially refunded.

Two letters of recommendation must be submitted by March 1, 2026 (one week after the application deadline). One letter should be from a teacher. The second letter may be from a teacher, coach, supervisor, or other unrelated adult that can speak to the applicant’s readiness to participate in an international exchange.

The application fee can be mailed to Kanonji Appleton Partnership, 1121 N Superior St., Appleton, WI 54911. Recommendation letters can be emailed to kapappleton@gmail.com.

Applicants will also be required to participate in an interview. These interviews are conducted on a rolling basis as applications are submitted.

It is the sole responsibility of the participants who are traveling on an exchange with KAP to ensure they have current and appropriate travel documents for Japan.

Schedule for the 2026 KAP exchange

Exact dates for travel and meetings will be updated as they become available

February 14 & 15, 2026 - Information sessions at Appleton Public Library

Feb 22 - Online application and application fee due

Mar 1 - Two recommendation letters due

Feb 23 - Mar 6 - Rolling interviews

Mar 8 - Decisions sent

April-June - Weekly Japanese language and culture classes, monthly family travel prep meetings, monthly host family prep meetings

July - Appleton/Fox Cities group in Kanonji, Japan for two weeks

July-August - Kanonji, Japan group in Appleton/Fox Cities for two weeks

Personal Information
Name*

First NameLast Name
Gender*
Birth Date*

MonthDayYear
Date
Address*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code
Phone Number*

Area CodePhone Number
Email*
example@example.com
Name of School*
Grade*

Parent/Guardian Information
Parent/Guardian's Name*

First NameLast Name
Phone Number*

Area CodePhone Number
Email*
example@example.com
Birth Date*

MonthDayYear
Date
Second Parent/Guardian's Name

First NameLast Name
Phone Number

Area CodePhone Number
Address

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code
Email
example@example.com
Birth Date

MonthDayYear
Date

Personality Information
What three words would your friends use to describe you?*
I most closely describe myself as an:

extrovertintrovertin between introvert and extrovert
How do you think your personality will be beneficial for you in a foreign country? *
How do you think your personality will be challenging for you in a foreign country?*

Interests and Activities
What subjects do you enjoy in school, and why?*
Please list extracurricular activities (school, community etc.) and hobbies with a brief description of your participation in each and when you started/ended each activity.*
How do the skills and knowledge that you have gained in your classes and activities make you a strong candidate for an international exchange program?*

Cross Cultural Experience
As you answer the following questions, please bear in mind that travel to Kanonji, Japan is both challenging and rewarding. Kanonji is a semi-rural area with a population of about 60,000 people. You will be interacting regularly with people who do not speak much English, possibly including your host family. You will also be experiencing cultural norms and values that are different from your own, which can lead to culture shock.
What cross cultural interactions/experiences have you had before? These experiences could be at home or abroad and might include interactions at school or work, through travel, other exchange experiences, being hosted by another family, etc. Please explain each experience in detail.*
Why do you specifically want to participate in an exchange to Japan?*
Do you speak any languages other than English? If so, what are they, how long have you been speaking or learning each language, and how have you learned them? (e.g. I speak this language with my family. I study this language in school. I have been learning this language independently.) *
Has your family ever hosted or supported an international student with KAP or another exchange program before? (e.g. LU Friendship Family, Rotary, AFS) If yes, what program and for how long?*
What is the longest period of time you have been away from your home without your family? When? What were you doing?*

Essay
Please write an approximately 250 word essay on the following prompt. We strongly recommend writing the essay in Word and copying it into the application form.
As a participant in this homestay program, you will be representing yourself, your community, and the United States. What makes you a good fit to represent the Appleton/Fox Cities in KAP’s exchange program? *

Expectations and Safety
KAP runs weekly language and culture classes for accepted travelers in order to best prepare them for their Japanese homestay experience. These classes are mandatory for all participants, regardless of Japanese language ability or prior homestay experience. While we make every effort to take previous commitments into account when scheduling these lessons, travelers are expected to manage their school, activity, and work schedules so that they are able to attend. By submitting this application, you are agreeing to attend all classes and travel preparation meetings. (Applicant initial to show agreement)*
Applicant Initials
Hosting a student is the cornerstone of our program, delivering experiences that are pivotal to the cultural exchange between our cities. All participants must confirm whether they will or will not be able to host by April 1, 2026. Participants that are unable to host must be involved in finding an alternate host family. (Parent/guardian initial to show agreement)*
Parent/Guardian Initials
2026 Host Family Application
The exchange to Japan is self funded. Participants must cover their own airfare, travel insurance, passport, and spending money. We will work to find the most affordable and convenient flights, but we cannot guarantee cost due to fluctuating airfare. While in Japan, KIEA and host families cover the cost of most meals and activities. (Parent/guardian initial to show agreement)*
Parent/guardian Initials
For health and safety, accepted participants will be required to provide health and medical information to KAP which will be shared with KIEA and held by the adult chaperone in case of emergency. (Parent/guardian initial to show agreement)*
Parent/guardian Initials
At this time, Japan is NOT requiring COVID vaccination for entry. If requirements changes, participants may be required to show proof of COVID vaccination or negative test per Japanese regulations. (Parent/guardian initial to show agreement)*
Parent/guardian Initials

Recommendation Letters
One letter should be from a teacher. The second letter may be from a teacher, coach, supervisor, or other unrelated adult that can speak to the applicant’s readiness to participate in an international exchange.

It is your reposonsibility to request recommendation letters in a timely fashion. Please ask your recommenders to send their letters to kapappleton@gmail.com by Sunday, March 1, 2026.
Recommender 1 name and email address*
Recommender 2 name and email address*

Signatures
Applicant Signature*
Type signature
Parent/Guardian 1 Signature*
Type signature
Parent/Guardian 2 Signature
Type signature
Date*

MonthDayYear
Date
Application fee - $65. Please send check to Kanonji Appleton Partnership, 1121 N Superior St, Appleton, WI 54911. If you do not have access to checks, please contact KAP at kapappleton@gmail.com to make arrangements for a different form of payment.
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KAP Student Application Summer 2026