FAQ's - Pacific-Japan Youth Connection

I do not have a passport. Can I still apply?

If you do not have a passport, you must be able to obtain a passport by August 2012. All passports must have an expiration date 6 months from the expected date of departure.

What are the departure dates?

Students will depart in groups by country, from late August to November 2012. For further updates, please check www.usp.ac.fj/kizuna

Are participants able to arrive in Japan earlier or stay in Japan longer?

All groups are to adhere to the prescribed itinerary. It is not possible to accommodate requests to travel from Japan to another country before or after this experience.

Should students take cash or exchange money in Japan?

Students are free to bring Japanese Yen (JPY) with them or exchange in Japan. Be mindful that part of the tour will be in remote areas of Tohoku and it will be difficult to exchange money outside of Tokyo. Please note that some banks may not recognize the currency from some countries, and there may be a limit on how much money you can take out of your country.

Do we need a physical exam to participate?

No, an exam is not necessary. Please specify any medical conditions, allergies and medications on your application form. If you will be taking prescription medication during the Kizuna trip, you may only bring the amount you will need for 2 weeks in the original labeled bottles.

How many students in total are participating in this programme?

There will be a total of 308 students from 14 Pacific Island Countries participating in this programme.

How much luggage are we allowed to bring?

We recommend that students bring 1 carry-on side hand bag and 1 suitcase only (usually a limit of 20kg per person).

What sort of travel insurance is being provided?

A common travel insurance for all participants will be arranged. We will be able to send more details once the itinerary has been confirmed.

What happens if I am accepted to take part in the Kizuna programme, but cancel later?

If you cancel before the plane tickets are purchased, then you will be replaced by another student on the wait-list. However, if you cancel after your plane ticket has been purchased, you will be replaced with another wait-listed student AND you must pay the penalty fee for the cancellation and also for changing the name on the ticket. We certainly hope that you all will travel to Japan under the programme once confirmed.

Can students save their information on the online application and resume filling it out later?

No. If you have internet connection problems and your application is unfinished, students must start again from the beginning.

How do I apply to participate in this programme?

You can apply online at www.usp.ac.fj/kizuna or fill in the manual application form which is downloadable from the website and also available at respective high schools, Ministry of Education or a USP campus. There are three ways you can send in your application.

You can either

Email it to vadapareti_s(at)usp.ac.fj;
Post it to c/o Kizuna Project Coordinator, Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration & Regional Campuses), University of the South Pacific, Laucala Campus, Fiji; or
Post or deliver your application form to a USP campus near you.

Who will be chosen as the supervisor for each country group?

The supervisors for each country group will be a designated USP staff member who will be selected by the Kizuna Project Committee.

I am a full-time postgraduate student. Can I still apply to participate in this programme?

Unfortunately, no. This programme is only for full-time high school students or undergraduate university students.

When will I be informed if I have been selected for this programme?

Applications will close on August 23, 2012 31st July. You will be informed if you have been selected to participate in this programme.

Frequently Asked Questions - Pacific-Japan Youth Connection