Young people from Asia Pacific and North America have been selected by the Japanese government to visit affected areas during a ten-day stay to witness the effects of the disaster and learn what is being done as part of the revival efforts.

The students aged between 15 and 18 will not be visiting the restricted area and deliberate evacuation area for safety reasons. 

Georgia, 15, learned of the opportunity through the American Field Services exchange program. 

Her visit, which includes home hosting with Japanese families will be paid for by the Japanese government.

Georgia studies the Japanese language at MacKillop College.

She said while she is very excited about this amazing opportunity, the orientation left her feeling a little nervous.

Georgia will be staying with a host family in the city of Yameshi. It will be her first time overseas by herself.

“We are going to help out with the local schools,” she said.

“I think it will be interesting seeing people coping with the recovery and I am really looking 

forward to meeting new people and improving my Japanese. 

“But it is really bad over there. I’ve never lost someone due to a disaster. I’ve never been involved in one. It will be difficult being confronted with that.”

Georgia said 1600 young Australians applied for the program but only 248 were chosen from across the nation. 

The successful applicants were selected, not just on their academic ability, but their charity work and Japanese language skill.

The Japanese government launched the program last year. By the end of March 2013 10,000 young people will have taken part.

Countries involved include China, South Korea, Mongolia, Chinese Taipei, East Timor, the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and 14 Pacific island countries. 

At the end of the program everyone will gather in Tokyo to share what they have learned through the program.