TRADE MISSION TO SOUTH KOREA PLANNED FOR FALL

Sister Cities Partnering with Chambers

Because of Fort Worth’s strong sister city partnerships with Toluca, Mexico and Bandung, Indonesia, the City of Suwon, S. Korea has suggested a future relationship be established between Fort Worth and Suwon.  Suwon is already sister cities with Toluca and Bandung. To look at this possibility and gather additional information, Sister Cities has partnered with the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce and Greater Dallas Korean Chamber of   Commerce on a trade mission to Suwon September 24-28.  Eight delegates will travel to Suwon led by Sister Cities Long Range Chair, Julie Johncox. “This is our first step in determining if partnering with Suwon will be beneficial for Fort Worth.  Fort Worth is eager to connect with the world and this could be very good for our city both economically and educationally,” said Ms. Johncox. “I’ve traveled to S. Korea several times and it’s a very interesting culture with a growing   economy. It could be interesting to partner with them,” said City Councilman Dennis Shingleton. This mission and a reciprocal visit to Fort Worth by South Korean companies this Fall are being sponsored by the Suwon city government.  A major city with over a million inhabitants, Suwon is an industrial center served by two motorways and the national railway network facilitating transport of commuters, tourists, and goods alike. Suwon is a major educational center, being home to 14 university campuses.

2013-08-21 10:21

TRADE MISSION TO SOUTH KOREA PLANNED FOR FALL

Sister Cities Partnering with Chambers

Because of Fort Worth’s strong sister city partnerships with Toluca, Mexico and Bandung, Indonesia, the City of Suwon, S. Korea has suggested a future relationship be established between Fort Worth and Suwon.  Suwon is already sister cities with Toluca and Bandung. To look at this possibility and gather additional information, Sister Cities has partnered with the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce and Greater Dallas Korean Chamber of   Commerce on a trade mission to Suwon September 24-28.  Eight delegates will travel to Suwon led by Sister Cities Long Range Chair, Julie Johncox. “This is our first step in determining if partnering with Suwon will be beneficial for Fort Worth.  Fort Worth is eager to connect with the world and this could be very good for our city both economically and educationally,” said Ms. Johncox. “I’ve traveled to S. Korea several times and it’s a very interesting culture with a growing   economy. It could be interesting to partner with them,” said City Councilman Dennis Shingleton. This mission and a reciprocal visit to Fort Worth by South Korean companies this Fall are being sponsored by the Suwon city government.  A major city with over a million inhabitants, Suwon is an industrial center served by two motorways and the national railway network facilitating transport of commuters, tourists, and goods alike. Suwon is a major educational center, being home to 14 university campuses.

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.

2013-06-24 04:31

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.

2013-06-24 02:46

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.

2013-06-24 02:23

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.

  • Participate in two breakout sessions
  • Learn about education in different countries
  • Hear how educators from other countries define global fluency
  • Connect and plan with educators from around the globe
  • Create lessons to enhance global fluency for you and your students
  • Make new and lasting friendships

Fort Worth Sister Cities International has partnered with Blue Bridge International

Fort Worth Sister Cities International has partnered with Blue Bridge International for the 2nd year and is welcoming an international intern from Nanjing, China to work on various international programs in our office July 22-August 16. Ms. Ring Tu just completed her Master’s degree in Media Management in the school of Communication at Hong Kong Baptist University. She is home hosted by volunteers with the Blue Bridge International program in Fort Worth.  Blue Bridge International is a student and professional cross cultural leadership development organization that provides programs designed for personal growth and development. Their  mission is to foster opportunity for this level of interchange through programs that are not focused on resume building or sight-seeing, but rather that challenge us to personally contribute to the positive change that occurs when we give, receive, learn, and develop friendships. We are excited to welcome her to our team.

ARTES DE LA ROSA AND SISTER CITIES TEAM UP

Fort Worth, TX—Sister Cities  Intern from Toluca, Mexico to Visit this Summer Gustavo Pereyra, an international theater arts student from Tec de Monterrey University in Toluca, Mexico,  will be interning  with the Artes de la Rosa staff this summer.  His main focus will be on the stage productions for the Artes de la Rosa summer program. Mr. Pereyra will report to the Director of Education, Yvonne Duque, and is being home hosted by Artes de la Rosa board members.  “Gustavo will be a welcome addition to our team and we look forward to having him on board this summer,” said Duque.  Fort Worth Sister Cities International is pleased to partner with Artes de la Rosa on this annual internship program beginning in May and running through August. Sister Cities internships are centered around international project management and provides students with hands on experience. Sister Cities has positions managing international projects and partners with other organizations such as Arts de la Rosa and the Convention and Visitors Bureau on specialized internships. Interns working on international exchange programs at the Sister Cities office this Spring include Katrina Elmasri, who just graduated from the University of North Texas; Christine He, who is from China and has served as an official interpreter for the Beijing Olympics; Larkin Churchill, Texas Christian University; Diana Muradyan, University of North Texas; and Ashton Myles, Tarrant County College. Toluca, Mexico is Fort Worth’s closest Sister City.   Signed in 1998, this partnership has      resulted in many programs such as: middle and high school-to-school partnerships including the Model U.N. program; municipal and economic forums; monarch butterfly  tourism exchanges; culture, language and mentoring programs; a medical school intern program and Fort Worth Police Department training exchanges.

2013-04-17 08:16

ARTES DE LA ROSA AND SISTER CITIES TEAM UP

Fort Worth, TX—Sister Cities  Intern from Toluca, Mexico to Visit this Summer Gustavo Pereyra, an international theater arts student from Tec de Monterrey University in Toluca, Mexico,  will be interning  with the Artes de la Rosa staff this summer.  His main focus will be on the stage productions for the Artes de la Rosa summer program. Mr. Pereyra will report to the Director of Education, Yvonne Duque, and is being home hosted by Artes de la Rosa board members.  “Gustavo will be a welcome addition to our team and we look forward to having him on board this summer,” said Duque.  Fort Worth Sister Cities International is pleased to partner with Artes de la Rosa on this annual internship program beginning in May and running through August. Sister Cities internships are centered around international project management and provides students with hands on experience. Sister Cities has positions managing international projects and partners with other organizations such as Arts de la Rosa and the Convention and Visitors Bureau on specialized internships. Interns working on international exchange programs at the Sister Cities office this Spring include Katrina Elmasri, who just graduated from the University of North Texas; Christine He, who is from China and has served as an official interpreter for the Beijing Olympics; Larkin Churchill, Texas Christian University; Diana Muradyan, University of North Texas; and Ashton Myles, Tarrant County College. Toluca, Mexico is Fort Worth’s closest Sister City.   Signed in 1998, this partnership has      resulted in many programs such as: middle and high school-to-school partnerships including the Model U.N. program; municipal and economic forums; monarch butterfly  tourism exchanges; culture, language and mentoring programs; a medical school intern program and Fort Worth Police Department training exchanges.

Mexican University Students Visit Area Engineering Companies

Fort Worth, Texas — Sister Cities provides unique experience for students Engineer and Biotech Students at UTA Fort Worth Sister Cities has welcomed 14 engineering students and 2 educators from Toluca, Mexico’s Tec de Monterrey University March 23 — 30 for a unique engineering mentorship program.  Toluca has been Fort Worth’s sister city since 1998 and this is the 5th year of this engineering program. The students are visiting area corporations including Alcon Laboratories, BNSF Railways, Bell    Helicopter, Lockheed Martin, Botanical Research Institute of Texas, TCU, the UTA Robotics Institute and Formula One Race Car lab, Cowboys Stadium, UNT Health Science Center’s   Forensics department and Human Movement lab, Fort Worth Police Department Crime Lab, and DFW International Airport. There are two groups of students from Toluca experiencing separate but concurrent exchanges; students studying biotechnical engineering specifically and students studying all areas of engineering including automotive, mechanical, electrical and more. The students  are here to learn about possible careers they might chose in the field of  engineering, as well as enhancing their academic experiences, as this exchange is considered a special class project for each student. All students and educators will be home hosted by Fort Worth Sister Cities host families in order to give them a glimpse into American life.  While here they will also have an opportunity to explore cultural attractions and experience true Texas hospitality. Sister Cities thanks all the businesses, universities, and host families for their generosity and hospitality during this program.

2013-03-28 08:50

Mexican University Students Visit Area Engineering Companies

Fort Worth, Texas — Sister Cities provides unique experience for students Engineer and Biotech Students at UTA Fort Worth Sister Cities has welcomed 14 engineering students and 2 educators from Toluca, Mexico’s Tec de Monterrey University March 23 — 30 for a unique engineering mentorship program.  Toluca has been Fort Worth’s sister city since 1998 and this is the 5th year of this engineering program. The students are visiting area corporations including Alcon Laboratories, BNSF Railways, Bell    Helicopter, Lockheed Martin, Botanical Research Institute of Texas, TCU, the UTA Robotics Institute and Formula One Race Car lab, Cowboys Stadium, UNT Health Science Center’s   Forensics department and Human Movement lab, Fort Worth Police Department Crime Lab, and DFW International Airport. There are two groups of students from Toluca experiencing separate but concurrent exchanges; students studying biotechnical engineering specifically and students studying all areas of engineering including automotive, mechanical, electrical and more. The students  are here to learn about possible careers they might chose in the field of  engineering, as well as enhancing their academic experiences, as this exchange is considered a special class project for each student. All students and educators will be home hosted by Fort Worth Sister Cities host families in order to give them a glimpse into American life.  While here they will also have an opportunity to explore cultural attractions and experience true Texas hospitality. Sister Cities thanks all the businesses, universities, and host families for their generosity and hospitality during this program.

Arlington Heights High School hosting students from Trier, Germany

German Sister City sending students to Fort Worth Fifteen high school students from Trier, Germany will spend two weeks hosted by Arlington Heights High School as part of the Sister Cities Ambassador School Program March 28 — April 13th. The goal of this exchange is to provide an international experience that will further inspire global understanding, provide an opportunity to share cultural heritage and traditions, learn about the U.S. educational system and gain a personal perspective of the United States by living with a host family in Fort Worth. The exchange begins by sharing the Easter weekend tradition with host families. The last two weeks will include the German students sharing their culture in various classes and club activities, as well as learning about Texas culture during local tours and site visits to the Stockyards, Amon Carter Museum and the Sid Richardson Museum. The students will also be hosted for a day by Leonard Middle School and Chisholm Trail High School who will be the Ambassador school for Trier in 2014. Several students from these schools will be traveling to Trier as part of the Sister Cities summer exchange program and will be home hosted while there. The students will conclude their stay in Fort Worth with knowledge of Texas history led by Arlington Heights German teacher Cody Cox who will lead them for a weekend trip to San Antonio. They will tour the Alamo and Institute of Texas Cultures and visit Sea World while there. They will also enjoy a boat ride along the San Antonio River.

2013-03-27 01:36

Arlington Heights High School hosting students from Trier, Germany

German Sister City sending students to Fort Worth Fifteen high school students from Trier, Germany will spend two weeks hosted by Arlington Heights High School as part of the Sister Cities Ambassador School Program March 28 — April 13th. The goal of this exchange is to provide an international experience that will further inspire global understanding, provide an opportunity to share cultural heritage and traditions, learn about the U.S. educational system and gain a personal perspective of the United States by living with a host family in Fort Worth. The exchange begins by sharing the Easter weekend tradition with host families. The last two weeks will include the German students sharing their culture in various classes and club activities, as well as learning about Texas culture during local tours and site visits to the Stockyards, Amon Carter Museum and the Sid Richardson Museum. The students will also be hosted for a day by Leonard Middle School and Chisholm Trail High School who will be the Ambassador school for Trier in 2014. Several students from these schools will be traveling to Trier as part of the Sister Cities summer exchange program and will be home hosted while there. The students will conclude their stay in Fort Worth with knowledge of Texas history led by Arlington Heights German teacher Cody Cox who will lead them for a weekend trip to San Antonio. They will tour the Alamo and Institute of Texas Cultures and visit Sea World while there. They will also enjoy a boat ride along the San Antonio River.

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.

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.