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A little background about AIIU
AIIU is a not-for-profit organisation that aims to foster friendship and international understanding through educational and cultural exchanges. We are an Australia-wide organisation with 21 years' experience in arranging reciprocal exchanges for young high school students. Our High School Programs are registered with Education Departments throughout Australia.
Scholarship Eligibility - Academic Year Program (AYP)
AIIU Scholarships are offered to all students who apply for our Academic Year Program. Successful applicants show that they are highly motivated students who are committed to becoming cultural ambassadors for AIIU and Australia. Students with demonstrated leadership skills, commitment to promotion of international understanding and sound academic background are invited to apply. Students completing the Academic Year Program (departing in March) are eligible to sit the Japanese Language Proficiency test while they are on Exchange, for more information visit Japanese Language Proficiency, held at the beginning of December.
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How long can I go for and when do I leave?
You can choose to depart for Japan in March (Coincides with the start of the Japanese school year) or in August (Coincides with the end of the summer holidays in Japan).
The program choices and return dates are as follows:
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Program Options ------>
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March 2010
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August 2010
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March 2011
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1. AYP Scholarship (10 Months) Return in -------->
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January 2011
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June 2011
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January 2012
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•2. Semester Program (5 Months) Return in -------->
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August 2010
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January 2011
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August 2011
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•3. Term Program (3 Months) Return in -------->
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July 2010
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December 2010
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July 2011
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Who can apply?
To become an AIIU exchange student, you need to meet the following criteria:
• You must have completed grade 9, 10, 11 or 12* & be aged 15 to 18 at Departure. (*Due to Department of Education Reciprocity Regulations in VIC & ACT students completing year 12 are ineligible. *Students completing Year 12 in other States/Territories are only eligible for the March Program)
• You are academically motivated and have maintained average or above average grades for 3 consecutive years.
• You have studied the Japanese language for a minimum of one year.
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How do I apply to become an exchange student?
It is quite a simple but lengthy process. You need to follow these steps:
•1. Preliminary Application - Apply Online
•2. Application Booklet - when we receive your Preliminary Application we will send suitable applicants the Full Application Booklet. This is quite detailed and needs to be filled out carefully. Your Application Booklet will be sent to our associate organisation in Japan, who must also agree to your acceptance. The Application Booklet will also assist them to select your Host School and Host Families. Once completed the Application Booklet is returned with a $50 non-refundable application fee.
•3. Interview - during the month following the closing date you and your parents will be invited to attend a 2 hour interview which will be held at your nearest capital city (**depending on number of applicants you may be required to fly interstate). During the interview you will be asked questions to ascertain your ability to adapt and your motivation and commitment to our Academic Year Program in Japan.
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When do I apply?
Our closing dates are as follows:
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Departure
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Online Preliminary Application
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Application Booklet
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March 2010
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July 31st, 2009
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August 31st, 2009
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August 2010
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November 30th, 2009
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December 31st, 2009
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March 2011
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July 31st, 2010
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August 31st, 2010
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When will I know if I have been accepted?
Our office will notify you of your acceptance 4 to 6 weeks after your interview. AIIU will send you a formal letter of acceptance and an agreement for you to sign, with an invoice for a $1000 non-refundable deposit.
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How do I prepare for departure?
AIIU Orientation - approximately 6 weeks prior to departure, you and your parents will be invited to attend an Orientation Day, which will be held at your nearest capital city (**depending on number of applicants you may be required to fly interstate). This day gives you and your parents the opportunity to meet other participants and to speak to some of AIIU's returnees who have already been on one of our programs. You will also be provided with information that will help you prepare for your exchange. This orientation is compulsory and will be at your own expense.
On arrival in Japan you will attend a 2-day Orientation in Tokyo prior to joining your Host Family. 
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Where will I go to school?
Host School - You will attend one high school in a country or a city area of Japan. There are no guarantees where you will be located as this depends on the school that is recruited for you. More than likely you will have to wear a uniform. You will be advised of this cost and other school related costs prior to your departure (e.g. books, school excursions, etc.). You will also have to pay daily transportation costs to and from school which can be up to $20 per day. Many students travel by train; some may ride a bicycle or catch a bus.
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Where will I live?
Host Family - You will stay with a caring volunteer Host Family. Most Host Families in Japan are part of the Host School community. You may have the experience of staying with as many as 6 Host Families during your exchange. This will give you the opportunity to experience Japanese life in a variety of family environments.
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Do I have any support?
AIIU/JFIE/Personal Counsellor - Yes, AIIU together with our associate organisation in Japan (JFIE) offer 24-hour support for you and your parents. You will have a counsellor appointed to you from your school, who in most cases will be an English Teacher.
Staffs from both the Japan Foundation for Intercultural Exchange (JFIE) and the International Student Advisers of Japan (ISA) are also available to counsel students in Japan. JFIE has their Head Office in Tokyo with branch offices in Osaka and Fukuoka. ISA has offices throughout Japan.
Reports - AIIU and JFIE provide written progress reports to Parents throughout their student's exchange.
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How much spending money will I need?
You will require approximately AUD$80 - $120 per week for your everyday living expenses. This amount varies according to the amount of public transport you require and of course how carefully you monitor your own spending. This cost will cover your daily transportation, school lunches and some spending money for clothes, souvenirs etc. $4500 is an estimated spending amount for a 10 month program and varies with each student.
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How much is the program?
Scholarship assistance through AIIU and JFIE is made available to all qualifying students. Participating students are required to pay only $5,000 for the 10 Month Program. The Semester and Term Program cost is $5,500.
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What does the program fee cover?
It covers:
• Allocation to your school and Host Families in Japan
• Visa application procedures
• Translation of documentation and information processing
• Orientation activities in Australia (Does not including travel to and from orientation)
• Medical and travel insurance
• Return airfare from Australia to Japan (departure and arrival ports can not be rerouted)
• Departure taxes
• Orientation on arrival in Japan
• Accommodation and meals whilst at Orientation
• Return travel between Tokyo and your host area (on arrival and departure)
• Counselling during your stay in Japan
• Regular reports sent to your parents (approximately three reports are completed during the year)
• Support and assistance from our associate organisation in Japan, JFIE, for you and your parents during your exchange
• Support from AIIU staff for you and your parents during your exchange
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Do I need to sign any agreements?
Once accepted on our Academic Year Program in Japan, students will be asked to complete a Statement of Commitment. The program fee is payable as follows:
Acceptance Deposit: a $1000 non-refundable Acceptance Deposit within 2 weeks of acceptance.
Final Payment: the balance of $4,000 for 10 month program and $4,500 for the 3 and 5 month program will be payable 2 months prior to departure.
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