ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — A St. Petersburg foreign exchange student program with Japan is starting back up after a four-year hiatus.

What You Need To Know

  • The St. Petersburg International Folk Fair Society hasn't sent students to Japan for four years

  • Between border closings and vaccine requirements due to the pandemic, it wasn't until this spring the decision came to send students again

  • In total, three students are heading to Japan and three are coming to St. Petersburg from Takamatsu, each staying with a host family

Paused because of the pandemic, the St. Petersburg International Folk Fair Society (SPIFFS) is thrilled to send students across the globe once again. 

Madison Schmitz is one of the students embarking on a journey to Takamatsu, Japan.

From Japanese manga, pop culture, to music, Madison said she's always been fascinated by Japanese culture.

"It's one thing to research their culture, any sort of culture from a distance," she said. "It's entirely different to actually be immersed in it."

Between border closings and vaccine requirements due to the pandemic, it wasn't until this spring the decision came to restart the program.

Madison is thrilled to explore Takamatsu, but she's just as eager to welcome a Japanese student to the area.

"One of the biggest things I'm excited about with this program is being able to have the chance to show off St. Pete," she said.

In total, three students are heading to Japan for ten days and three are coming to St. Petersburg from Takamatsu, each staying with a host family.

After the trip is finished, Madison will create a project about what she learned and share it with other students.

Applications for the 2025 exchange program will open Dec. 1.