Author: Fort Worth Sister Cities

2019-09-24 09:57

Fort Worth Welcomes International Students

FORT WORTH, TX— Sister Cities Partners with Five Local Schools

Fort Worth welcomes students from sister cities, Trier, Germany and Nagaoka, Japan, this October for youth ambassador exchanges.

Two educators and 12 students from Trier, Germany will be hosted by Trinity Valley School and Fort Worth Country Day School Oct. 6-20.

Six educators and 30 middle school students from Nagaoka, Japan will participate in a middle school exchange, partnering with Daggett Montessori School, McLean Middle School, and World Languages Institute. Students and teachers will be visiting Oct. 12-20.

Students will attend classes, participate in cultural activities and live with Fort Worth families from the participating schools while in Fort Worth gaining an even better understanding of Fort Worth and the U.S.A. Activities include visits to the Fort Worth Botanic Garden, Kimbell Art Museum, Stockyards Station and many other Fort Worth favorites.

“Sister Cities works closely with the Fort Worth ISD and local private schools to give Fort Worth students the best opportunity possible to be successful in a global society,” said Veronica Chavez Law, Chairwoman of the board. “Exchanges, like these, are more important than ever to teach our young people the importance of global understanding.”

2019-06-26 10:27

Fort Worth Students Attend Local Leadership Academy

Fort Worth, TX: Peace through innovation

This year marks the 15^th year of the International Leadership Academy’s middle school program, Jr. International Leadership Academy (JILA) to be held July 8—12 for students completing grades 6-8.  This one-week academy will be held in partnership with the International Newcomer Academy.

College students from Toluca, Mexico will serve as facilitators for the students who will experience cultural presentations and interaction with the university students gaining an international perspective.

As participants, students will be able to:

• Enhance global leadership, communications, teamwork, and problem-solving skills
• Enhance college and career opportunities
• Strengthen global perspectives and appreciation for other cultures
• Learn about citizen diplomacy

“The students will be challenged to improve and refine their leadership skills and learn how diverse cultures can support common goals. It’s a tremendous opportunity for personal growth and prepares these students for a global society,” said Nancy Marchant, JILA Coordinator.

The closing ceremony for JILA will take place at the International Newcomer Academy on July 12 at 5:00 pm and is open to the public. The keynote address will be given by Mayor Betsy Price.

2019-06-26 10:05

Scholarship Recipients Represent Fort Worth in Japan

Fort Worth, TX – Sister Cities provides unique opportunity for students

Since 1990, The Harashin Co. of Nagaoka, Japan has funded scholarships for eight Fort Worth students and two teachers to travel there for an educational and cultural enrichment experience. In return, the families of these Fort Worth students host students and teachers from Nagaoka in their homes.

This program and all the scholarships have been funded by the Hara family and Harashin Co. Ltd. of Nagaoka. For 27 years, it is estimated that over $2 million has been generously donated benefiting Fort Worth families.

Fort Worth Harashin scholars include DJ Carter, Erik Cura, Cameron Garcia, Lilian Hicks, Will Lourcey, Saleem Razack, Kyra Rhoades, and Bayan Williams; and will be led by Delegation Leaders Andréanne Annis and Angelia Ross.

“Exchange programs are a key element in the overall programs of Fort Worth Sister Cities and this unique opportunity for students is no exception,” said Veronica Chavez Law, Chairwoman of Fort Worth Sister Cities International. The students depart July 24 for a week-long exchange and the Japanese students will be in Fort Worth August 5-15.

All student applicants (9th-11th grades) participate in a vigorous selection process including teacher recommendations, essays and personal interviews. The Harashin Scholars are required to attend monthly cultural orientations to further enrich their international experience and prepare them for the exchange.

Exchanges with each of Fort Worth’s nine sister cities provide youth the opportunity to spend time with an international host family and experience their history, culture and customs. These students become citizen diplomats through this program.  It gives them a better understanding of other cultures providing them an international education only these programs can offer.