Category: Professional Development
Fort Worth Ambassadors Travel to China, Germany, Japan and Swaziland
Fort Worth, Texas – Sister Cities sends goodwill ambassadors to 4 Sister Cities
Exchange programs are what it’s all about for Fort Worth Sister Cities. This summer delegations are visiting four of Fort Worth’s eight sister cities including the inaugural exchange of educators with our high school students to Guiyang, China, a Service Adventure group of 14 students and adults visiting Mbabane, Swaziland; 12 students and teacher traveling to Trier, Germany; and 14 traveling to Nagaoka, Japan. Exchanges with each of Fort Worth’s sister cities provide youth, and adults the opportunity to spend 9-15 days with an international host family, meet other adults in their profession, attend schools, make presentations about Texas and the United States and experience the local history, culture and customs. This is done as citizen diplomats and gives participants a better understanding of other cultures and gives the host cities a better understanding of the U.S. “Students and adults who participate in outbound exchanges experience personal growth, expand their capacity to understand the world as seen through the eyes of others, and gain an appreciation of the interconnectedness of all humans regardless of geographical location,” said Sister Cities board member and Mbabane, Swaziland Chair, Dr. Staussa Ervin. Art teachers and school counselors from Fort Worth ISD will also accompany the group to China and meet Chinese educators to discuss teaching methodologies. The Mbabane group planned a visit to the newly opened Health & Social Center in Mbabane and will meet the U.S. Ambassador to Swaziland for a special briefing on the importance of international relations. The Trier, Germany group will join Fort Worth board members at the Trier Rathaus (City Hall) to celebrate 25 years of partnership, and the Nagaoka group will also celebrate the 25 anniversary during a closing dinner in Nagaoka.Students from Sister Cities to share their cultures at local youth academy 201
Fort Worth, Texas – The World in HD Theme of Sister Cities Leadership Academies
Since 1989, the award-winning International Leadership Academy (ILA) has brought young people from Fort Worth’s sister cities to the area to discuss pressing global issues. This year, over 100 participants will converge at TCU July 13-28 to share their cultures and learn about leadership. Students from Fort Worth, Italy, Germany, Japan, Mexico, Swaziland, and Indonesia will be in Fort Worth for this two week program. The Academy’s goal is to increase communication and leadership skills through teambuilding, problem-solving, and sharing cultures. The closing ceremonies take place on July 27th, 10:00 a.m. at TCU’s Ed Landreth Auditorium. The ILA Class of 2013 will demonstrate what they have accomplished during the Academy in an elaborate performance. The ceremony is free and open to the public. This year also marks the 9th year of ILA’s middle school program, Jr. International Leadership Academy (JILA) held at McLean 6th Grade campus July 8-12. College students from Toluca, Mexico will serve as facilitators, as the Fort Worth students discuss the same issues as their high school counterparts. The students will experience cultural presentations and interaction with high school students from Reggio Emilia, Italy; Trier, Germany; and Mbabane, Swaziland gaining an international education. “These 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,” said Nancy Marchant, ILA and JILA Coordinator.Sister Cities Ambassadors Visit Japan
Fort Worth, TX – Students to Japan to represent U.S. as goodwill ambassadors
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 exchanges. In return, the families of these Fort Worth students host students and teachers from Nagaoka in their homes for a reciprocal exchange. This program and all the scholarships have been funded by the Hara family and Harashin Co. Ltd. of Nagaoka. Exchange programs are a key element in the overall programs of Fort Worth Sister Cities and this unique opportunity for Fort Worth students is no exception. The students depart July 28–August 6th for a week long exchange and the Japanese students will arrive in Fort Worth the following week. Exchanges with each of Fort Worth’s eight sister cities provide youth the opportunity to spend 9-15 days with an international host family and experience the local history, culture and customs. This is done as citizen diplomats and gives students a better understanding of other cultures providing them an international education only these programs can offer. All student applicants (8-12th) 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. Harashin scholars include: Helen Brose, Meredith Johnston, Bailey Jones, Elise Lahoud, Nancy Martinez, Ricky Rodriguez, Sanish Shrestha, and Samuel Whiting, accompanied by delegation leaders Lorraine Bretthauer and Jaime Morris.Teacher Workshop: Connecting Educators Around the World
Connecting Educators from Around the World
Join Fort Worth Sister Cities International
and educators from Swaziland, Japan, Italy and Mexico for
conversations about how we can connect with each other
to improve global fluency for our students.
Mbabane, Swaziland – Nagaoka, Japan – Reggio Emilia, Italy – Toluca, Mexico
Wednesday, July 24th
9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Fort Worth Country Day School – Martin Center
4200 Country Day Lane, Fort Worth 76109
Cost – $45 (pay at door)
Includes lunch, resources, one-year membership to Fort Worth Sister Cities International, program certificate and the opportunity to talk with fellow educators from around the world.
RSVP by Wednesday, July 17th
eva@fwsistercities.org or call 817.632.7100
No shows will be invoiced and seating is limited.
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2013-06-24 01:46
Teacher Workshop: Connecting Educators Around the World
Connecting Educators from Around the World
Join Fort Worth Sister Cities International
and educators from Swaziland, Japan, Italy and Mexico for
conversations about how we can connect with each other
to improve global fluency for our students.
Mbabane, Swaziland – Nagaoka, Japan – Reggio Emilia, Italy – Toluca, Mexico
Wednesday, July 24th
9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Fort Worth Country Day School – Martin Center
4200 Country Day Lane, Fort Worth 76109
Cost – $45 (pay at door)
Includes lunch, resources, one-year membership to Fort Worth Sister Cities International, program certificate and the opportunity to talk with fellow educators from around the world.
RSVP by Wednesday, July 17th
eva@fwsistercities.org or call 817.632.7100
No shows will be invoiced and seating is limited.
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Fort Worth Sister Cities International has partnered with Blue Bridge International
ARTES DE LA ROSA AND SISTER CITIES TEAM UP
Mexican University Students Visit Area Engineering Companies
Arlington Heights High School hosting students from Trier, Germany
Welcome International Intern from Trier, Germany
2013-03-26 12:14
Welcome International Intern from Trier, Germany
Fort Worth Sister Cities International is excited to partner with the Fort Worth Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) on a tourism internship for two weeks in April. Alena Backes, from Fort Worth’s sister city of Trier, Germany, will be here April 4th-20th. While here Alena will work with Estela Martinez Stuart and Kayla Simpson in the tourism department of the CVB. Alena currently works in the city of Trier’s tourism office and is coming to Fort Worth to expand her international experience. She will be working on translation services, reaching out to the German media, and assisting in welcoming guests in the Fort Worth Stockyards. We know it will be a wonderful experience and we appreciate the CVB for providing this opportunity to her. We also thank her wonderful host family for opening their home to Alena. They will not only show her our Texas hospitality but will gain a cultural perspective themselves. If you have a chance stop by the CVB and welcome Alena to Fort Worth.