GWM 2023

A Michigan Delegation to SHiga, Japan

Overview

The Michigan-Shiga Sister State Board is excited to announce the resumption of Goodwill Missions between Michigan and Shiga with the sending of a Michigan delegation to Japan this fall! 

The delegation will travel to Japan together to enjoy 10 days in and around Shiga Prefecture, including a 4-night homestay with a Shiga host family. Welcome and farewell events will bookend the homestay and several days of local sightseeing will further round out the trip, creating lifelong memories and friendships. Whether you have been to Shiga before or not, this is an experience you will surely enjoy — all while contributing to the strong bonds between our two states. 

  • Dates: October 18 – 28, 2023
  • Cost: $2,820
    • $200 is due as a deposit at the time of application (refundable until 6/30/23) with the remaining balance due by August 18, 2023. 
    • The deposit must be paid by check or money order; the remaining balance may be paid via check, money order, or credit card (a 4% fee will be added to credit card payments).
    • Includes roundtrip airfare between Detroit (DTW) and Osaka (ITM), hotels (before and after the homestay period), all required ground transportation, many meals, and entry into several sights (temples, museums, and more). 
    • For additional details, view the current 2023 Goodwill Mission Itinerary.
 

Timeline

  • June 15: Application deadline (date by which all required materials must be RECEIVED)
  • June 30: Delegation must be finalized; Last day you can withdraw with a refund of the $200 deposit
  • August 5: Goodwill Mission Orientation in Lansing, MI (exact location TBD); Final day to submit passport copy
  • August 18: Payment deadline for remaining balance of travel fees

Application Process

In order to be considered for participation, the Michigan-Shiga Sister State Board must receive ALL of the following by June 15, 2023:

Selected delegates must also be able to submit a copy of their passport by August 5, 2023 (which must be valid for the full duration of the itinerary).
 
Mailed materials should be sent to:

Attn: Michigan-Shiga GWM
P.O. Box 4715
East Lansing, MI 48826

Questions?

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your Michigan-Shiga sister city board/organization or email the 2023 Goodwill Mission coordinators at: gwm@michiganshiga.org