How can i save up for a summer trip to Japan?

Question

Im going to be in a foreign exchange program and im taking a trip to japan to learn about there culture and there life style. how can i save up 7,000 when im only 14?

Answer 1

OHh thats a hard one. Well since you're underage, most places won't even hire you. But you can try to get jobs from your neighbors. like do their lawns, take their pets on a walk, wash their car, stuff like that. or hold a lemondae stand tat says... support me!  

Answer 2

Don't be shy. Originally the plan was just to approach my family to ask that they put any money that they would spend on Christmas towards my trip to Japan. When mentioning this to some friends (those that I didn't even know so well at the time) they asked that I send them the information as they would like to contribute. Sometimes donations come from the least suspected areas. A self addressed envelope makes things much easier and a little clip outlining the procedure to make sure the donations go to Japan. Follow up is key. Hand written thank you notes, websites (if you are techie) and items brought back from the country are most appreciated. Ayacucho is known for its stone carving so I brought back Christmas ornaments for everyone that gave money. It was also in keeping with the fact that my travels were over the holiday period.

I was able to raise all the money I needed for my trip. My fundraising was done mostly via email and hand-delivered letters. I sent a mass email request to all my family, friends, and acquaintances in the form of a letter explaining about the program, and asking for support (without begging!). I put copies of the request in mailboxes at work also, and people heard me discussing the project because I was so excited about it. Another big help was that my mother and sister also work in a school system (where I also used to work, so people know me and my family), and spread the word, asking for donations. Throughout the course of my fundraising, I sent out a couple of email updates about how close I was to my goal, which also served as a reminder to people who wanted to give but hadn't yet. I did nothing through businesses, or publicity ... all my donations came from people I (or my mother/sister) know. I was so moved by people's support, generosity, and enthusiasm for the volunteer work.

I did an online blog of my trip, which I set up before leaving, and gave the address to everyone who had donated (and even others who hadn't) ... this way they could read about my trip while I was there, and see where their money was going. I was pleasantly surprised at how many people logged on every day, wanting to read the latest of my adventures

Best of Luck!