Fort Worth, TX – Sister Cities selects leaders for international youth exchanges

Twelve delegation leaders from area schools and organizations were recently selected to lead youth exchanges to five of Fort Worth’s sister cities next year.  Nearly 100 local students will be interviewed for approx. 80 slots on the exchanges starting Nov. 2, 2015.

Ambassador Educators selected to represent Fort Worth abroad are:

• Reggio Emilia, Italy: Sandy Yeandle, Daggett Montessori & Vicki Delgado, Leonard MS
• Trier, Germany: Marvin Vann Griffith, Southwest HS & Beth Weibel, Sr. Program Manager, Fort Worth Sister Cities
• Budapest, Hungary: Jay Kurima, FWISD TABS & Ana Castenada, South Hills High School
• Toluca, Mexico: Nathan Henderson, Stripling Middle School & Rachel Jenkins, UTA

• Guiyang, China, June 10-19:  Tracey Cravens, Northside HS & Cindy Vasquez, City of FW
• Nagaoka, Japan, June 22-July 1: Kathy Roemer, Fort Worth Country Day & Maria Saucedo, World Languages Institute
• Nagaoka, Japan: July 27-August 4: Kimberly Tezak-Daus, Diamond Hill Jarvis High School & James Gleaton, Paschal High School

“International exchanges give students possibly their first opportunity to travel abroad, which is almost always described as a life-changing experience. Without these amazing teachers and professionals to lead the students through sometimes difficult and unfamiliar circumstances, this would not be possible,” said Michael Bennett, Chairman of the Board of Sister Cities.

Local educators benefit greatly from travel abroad programs.  They have the opportunity to develop their craft by being exposed to different people and cultures, gain leadership skills by mentoring students outside the classroom, network with international educators, and travel to rich and interesting cultures.