SISTER CITIES PARTNERING WITH FWISD ON SPANISH IMMERSION SUMMER CAMP

Fort Worth, Texas — Local students receiving Spanish Enrichment training Fort Worth Sister Cities welcomes 10 university students and 2 educators from Toluca, Mexico’s Tec de Monterrey University June 20—July 5 for a new program with the Fort Worth ISD — the  Spanish Immersion Summer Camp.  The Toluca students will act as international facilitators for the two-week camp. This is the first time for this Spanish enrichment program with the World Languages Institute (WLI), a new secondary school focusing on Dual Language Enrichment and Spanish Immersion programs. WLI students study Spanish and English by taking courses in both languages, and have the opportunity to study a third or fourth language.  Students will graduate from WLI multilingual and multicultural, a perfect match for the marketplace that awaits them. “As a bilingual instructional leader, I would like to inspire the staff, the students and the community to view bilingualism as the light of the world,” said Guadalupe Barreto, principal of the newly formed World Languages Institute. All Toluca facilitators and educators will be home hosted by local families from the WLI in order to give them a glimpse into American life and to give the hosting families more exposure to Spanish from native speakers.  While here the group from Toluca will also have an opportunity to explore cultural attractions and experience true Texas hospitality. Toluca, Mexico is Fort Worth’s closest Sister City.   Signed in 1998, this partnership has resulted in many exciting programs such as: middle and high school-to-school partnerships including the Model U.N. program; municipal and economic forums; monarch butterfly  tourism exchange; culture, language and mentoring programs; a medical school intern program; and City of Fort Worth Police Department training program.

2014-06-24 09:26

SISTER CITIES PARTNERING WITH FWISD ON SPANISH IMMERSION SUMMER CAMP

Fort Worth, Texas — Local students receiving Spanish Enrichment training Fort Worth Sister Cities welcomes 10 university students and 2 educators from Toluca, Mexico’s Tec de Monterrey University June 20—July 5 for a new program with the Fort Worth ISD — the  Spanish Immersion Summer Camp.  The Toluca students will act as international facilitators for the two-week camp. This is the first time for this Spanish enrichment program with the World Languages Institute (WLI), a new secondary school focusing on Dual Language Enrichment and Spanish Immersion programs. WLI students study Spanish and English by taking courses in both languages, and have the opportunity to study a third or fourth language.  Students will graduate from WLI multilingual and multicultural, a perfect match for the marketplace that awaits them. “As a bilingual instructional leader, I would like to inspire the staff, the students and the community to view bilingualism as the light of the world,” said Guadalupe Barreto, principal of the newly formed World Languages Institute. All Toluca facilitators and educators will be home hosted by local families from the WLI in order to give them a glimpse into American life and to give the hosting families more exposure to Spanish from native speakers.  While here the group from Toluca will also have an opportunity to explore cultural attractions and experience true Texas hospitality. Toluca, Mexico is Fort Worth’s closest Sister City.   Signed in 1998, this partnership has resulted in many exciting programs such as: middle and high school-to-school partnerships including the Model U.N. program; municipal and economic forums; monarch butterfly  tourism exchange; culture, language and mentoring programs; a medical school intern program; and City of Fort Worth Police Department training program.

FORT WORTH AND GUIYANG WIN 2014 YOUTH AWARD

FORT WORTH AND GUIYANG WIN THE 2014 U.S. CHINA SISTER CITIES YOUTH AWARD

City of Fort Worth Councilman Dennis Shingleton accepting the award. Thank you Councilman!

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Fort Worth and Guiyang have won Sister Cities International’s 2014 U.S.-China Sister Cities Award in the “Youth” category. The U.S.-China Sister Cities Awards recognize the accomplishments of outstanding U.S.-China sister city programs and their contribution in building strong people-to-people ties between the two countries.  Fort Worth City Councilman Dennis Shingleton accepted the award on March 27th at the U.S./China Summit in Washington, D.C.

To read about the youth exchanges between Fort Worth and Guiyang, click here

and the award is shown here:  Fort Worth and Guiyang 2014 Youth Award

  Fort Worth’s diverse youth programs with Guiyang create sustainable and meaningful friendships. Since 2011 Fort Worth Youth Ambassadors have visited Guiyang each year. While in Guiyang students visited schools and were immersed in global volunteerism focused on various community service projects.  Fort Worth has also accepted two Chinese interns since 2011 to help manage international projects, marketing, business and international relations. A joint U.S. and Chinese judging panel selected Fort Worth and Guiyang as the winners from a competitive pool of U.S.-China sister city program applicants. The U.S.-China Sister Cities Awards are awarded in several categories including Best Overall, Longest Relationship, Community Involvement, Youth, Arts & Culture, Economic Development, Most Innovative, and Outstanding Individuals. Award winners will be honored at a special Awards Ceremony on March 27 during the 2014 U.S.-China Sister Cities Conference, in Washington, D.C. The Conference, jointly hosted by Sister Cities International and the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, brought together hundreds of business leaders, government officials, and citizen diplomats from the U.S. and China. The Honorary Host Committee for this Conference included General Colin L. Powell, as well as several Governors, Members of Congress, and Mayors from around the country. Conference sessions provided exciting opportunities for U.S. and Chinese cities to learn about strengthening exchanges and business engagement through informative sessions from industry leaders. For more information on the 2014 U.S.-China Sister Cities Conference, please visit: www.sister-cities.org/USChina. ——————————————– Youth programs provide opportunities for students to develop relationships with students from other countries and gain essential skills to be successful in a global society.  “We had over 100 students apply this year.  It is a very competitive process and we have selected an outstanding class to represent Fort Worth and the U.S. next year,” said Eva Bonilla, Chair of the Programs and Exchanges committee of Fort Worth Sister Cities. The 2014 exchanges are scheduled for March and June/July 2014 to Italy, Hungary, Japan, Swaziland, South Africa and China. Visit our happenings page to find out what’s happening locally and abroad!    

2014-03-27 07:45

FORT WORTH AND GUIYANG WIN 2014 YOUTH AWARD

FORT WORTH AND GUIYANG WIN THE 2014 U.S. CHINA SISTER CITIES YOUTH AWARD

City of Fort Worth Councilman Dennis Shingleton accepting the award. Thank you Councilman!

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Fort Worth and Guiyang have won Sister Cities International’s 2014 U.S.-China Sister Cities Award in the “Youth” category. The U.S.-China Sister Cities Awards recognize the accomplishments of outstanding U.S.-China sister city programs and their contribution in building strong people-to-people ties between the two countries.  Fort Worth City Councilman Dennis Shingleton accepted the award on March 27th at the U.S./China Summit in Washington, D.C.

To read about the youth exchanges between Fort Worth and Guiyang, click here

and the award is shown here:  Fort Worth and Guiyang 2014 Youth Award

  Fort Worth’s diverse youth programs with Guiyang create sustainable and meaningful friendships. Since 2011 Fort Worth Youth Ambassadors have visited Guiyang each year. While in Guiyang students visited schools and were immersed in global volunteerism focused on various community service projects.  Fort Worth has also accepted two Chinese interns since 2011 to help manage international projects, marketing, business and international relations. A joint U.S. and Chinese judging panel selected Fort Worth and Guiyang as the winners from a competitive pool of U.S.-China sister city program applicants. The U.S.-China Sister Cities Awards are awarded in several categories including Best Overall, Longest Relationship, Community Involvement, Youth, Arts & Culture, Economic Development, Most Innovative, and Outstanding Individuals. Award winners will be honored at a special Awards Ceremony on March 27 during the 2014 U.S.-China Sister Cities Conference, in Washington, D.C. The Conference, jointly hosted by Sister Cities International and the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, brought together hundreds of business leaders, government officials, and citizen diplomats from the U.S. and China. The Honorary Host Committee for this Conference included General Colin L. Powell, as well as several Governors, Members of Congress, and Mayors from around the country. Conference sessions provided exciting opportunities for U.S. and Chinese cities to learn about strengthening exchanges and business engagement through informative sessions from industry leaders. For more information on the 2014 U.S.-China Sister Cities Conference, please visit: www.sister-cities.org/USChina. ——————————————– Youth programs provide opportunities for students to develop relationships with students from other countries and gain essential skills to be successful in a global society.  “We had over 100 students apply this year.  It is a very competitive process and we have selected an outstanding class to represent Fort Worth and the U.S. next year,” said Eva Bonilla, Chair of the Programs and Exchanges committee of Fort Worth Sister Cities. The
2014 exchanges are scheduled for March and June/July 2014 to Italy, Hungary, Japan, Swaziland, South Africa and China. Visit our happenings page to find out what’s happening locally and abroad!    

Local School Hosting Students From Indonesia

WESTERN HILLS HIGH SCHOOL NAMED SISTER CITIES AMBASSADOR SCHOOL

Fort Worth, TX — School hosting students from Bandung, Indonesia Western Hills High School was selected as a 2014 Ambassador School by Fort Worth Sister Cities and is hosting students from Bandung High School #5 in Indonesia.  Fifteen students and two educators are in Fort Worth March 17th– 29th. This is the first year of a two-year Ambassador School Program with Western Hills High School. While in Fort Worth, the Indonesian students are being home hosted by students and  families from Western Hills High School and attend classes with their host brothers and sisters. They experiencing Fort Worth’s culture by visiting the Stockyards, the cultural district, the Botanical Research Institute and the Museum of Science and History. Due to a longtime partnership with Sister Cities, Kids Who Care will also conduct a theater workshop for the students. In partnership with the Fort Worth Public Library, the Indonesia students will participate in a community service project by sharing their culture with the children at one of the library branches.  “This is a unique opportunity for Fort Worth children to learn more about other parts of the world.  This will open their eyes and show them the value of diversity,” said Ann Rice, Chairwoman of the Board. The Indonesian principal and vice principal are joining the group for the first two days of the exchange to experience the school program first hand.  While here they are visiting with the organizers of Sister Cities’ International Leadership Academy, Fort Worth’s two-week summer global issues program held on the TCU campus, to prepare for recruitment of their students.

2014-03-18 02:20

Local School Hosting Students From Indonesia

WESTERN HILLS HIGH SCHOOL NAMED SISTER CITIES AMBASSADOR SCHOOL

Fort Worth, TX — School hosting students from Bandung, Indonesia Western Hills High School was selected as a 2014 Ambassador School by Fort Worth Sister Cities and is hosting students from Bandung High School #5 in Indonesia.  Fifteen students and two educators are in Fort Worth March 17th– 29th. This is the first year of a two-year Ambassador School Program with Western Hills High School. While in Fort Worth, the Indonesian students are being home hosted by students and  families from Western Hills High School and attend classes with their host brothers and sisters. They experiencing Fort Worth’s culture by visiting the Stockyards, the cultural district, the Botanical Research Institute and the Museum of Science and History. Due to a longtime partnership with Sister Cities, Kids Who Care will also conduct a theater workshop for the students. In partnership with the Fort Worth Public Library, the Indonesia students will participate in a community service project by sharing their culture with the children at one of the library branches.  “This is a unique opportunity for Fort Worth children to learn more about other parts of the world.  This will open their eyes and show them the value of diversity,” said Ann Rice, Chairwoman of the Board. The Indonesian principal and vice principal are joining the group for the first two days of the exchange to experience the school program first hand.  While here they are visiting with the organizers of Sister Cities’ International Leadership Academy, Fort Worth’s two-week summer global issues program held on the TCU campus, to prepare for recruitment of their students.

Engineering Students From Toluca, Mexico in Fort Worth

Fort Worth, TX – Students visiting local companies on mentorship program Sister Cities will welcome 12 engineering students and 2 educators from Toluca, Mexico’s Tec de Monterrey University April 10-18 for a unique engineering mentorship program.  Toluca has been Fort Worth’s sister city since 1998 and this is the 6th year of this engineering program. The students are visiting area corporations including BNSF Railways, Bell Helicopter, the 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, DFW International Airport, XTO Energy, Oncor, and Rahr Brewery. 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 careers they might choose 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.  Several events are planned to welcome them along with the new mayor of Toluca and other distinguished guests visiting during the Main Street Arts Festival.  Events and ticket information can be found online at www.fwsistercities.org. Sister Cities thanks all the businesses, universities, and host families for their generosity and hospitality during this program.

2014-03-13 11:34

Engineering Students From Toluca, Mexico in Fort Worth

Fort Worth, TX – Students visiting local companies on mentorship program Sister Cities will welcome 12 engineering students and 2 educators from Toluca, Mexico’s Tec de Monterrey University April 10-18 for a unique engineering mentorship program.  Toluca has been Fort Worth’s sister city since 1998 and this is the 6th year of this engineering program. The students are visiting area corporations including BNSF Railways, Bell Helicopter, the 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, DFW International Airport, XTO Energy, Oncor, and Rahr Brewery. 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 careers they might choose 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.  Several events are planned to welcome them along with the new mayor of Toluca and other distinguished guests visiting during the Main Street Arts Festival.  Events and ticket information can be found online at www.fwsistercities.org. Sister Cities thanks all the businesses, universities, and host families for their generosity and hospitality during this program.

Mayor of Toluca, Mexico to Visit Fort Worth

Fort Worth, TX – New mayor and officials in Fort Worth to revitalize 16 year Sister Cities relationship Mayor Martha Hilda González Calderón, along with other officials  and citizens from Toluca, arrive in Fort Worth  April 10—13.  Throughout their visit they will meet with city officials,  chamber representatives, business leaders and members of Sister Cities to establish closer relations between the two cities and to discuss best practices. Mayor González took office as mayor of Toluca last year and has welcomed several Fort Worth Sister Cities leaders and Police Dept. representatives to Toluca.  This will be her first visit to Fort Worth and the first time the two mayors will meet. Richard Casarez,  ONCOR, and Asusena Rusendiz, Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, are Co-Chairs of the Sister Cities Toluca committee and have a packed itinerary planned for the group.  Several events are planned for the community to meet the delegation including a welcome reception, celebratory dinner and bike ride with the two mayors.  Information on these events are on-line at www.fwsistercities.org. Mayor Price and Mayor González are both bicycle enthusiasts and will be riding bikes to the Stockyards furnished through the Fort Worth Bike Sharing Program.  Mayor González is very interested in learning more about the bike sharing program and how to implement it in Toluca. While here our guests will also experience the Main Street Arts Festival and learn about staging a large festival.  Jay Downie, Director of the Arts Festival, will give the group a behind-the-scene tour to acquaint them with many logistical procedures.  

2014-03-13 11:11

Mayor of Toluca, Mexico to Visit Fort Worth

Fort Worth, TX – New mayor and officials in Fort Worth to revitalize 16 year Sister Cities relationship Mayor Martha Hilda González Calderón, along with other officials  and citizens from Toluca, arrive in Fort Worth  April 10—13.  Throughout their visit they will meet with city officials,  chamber representatives, business leaders and members of Sister Cities to establish closer relations between the two cities and to discuss best practices. Mayor González took office as mayor of Toluca last year and has welcomed several Fort Worth Sister Cities leaders and Police Dept. representatives to Toluca.  This will be her first visit to Fort Worth and the first time the two mayors will meet. Richard Casarez,  ONCOR, and Asusena Rusendiz, Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, are Co-Chairs of the Sister Cities Toluca committee and have a packed itinerary planned for the group.  Several events are planned for the community to meet the delegation including a welcome reception, celebratory dinner and bike ride with the two mayors.  Information on these events are on-line at www.fwsistercities.org. Mayor Price and Mayor González are both bicycle enthusiasts and will be riding bikes to the Stockyards furnished through the Fort Worth Bike Sharing Program.  Mayor González is very interested in learning more about the bike sharing program and how to implement it in Toluca. While here our guests will also experience the Main Street Arts Festival and learn about staging a large festival.  Jay Downie, Director of the Arts Festival, will give the group a behind-the-scene tour to acquaint them with many logistical procedures.  

Students Apply Now for International Leadership Academy

FORT WORTH, TX  –  Applications now available The 2014 International Leadership Academy (ILA), themed Social Ventures—Investing in Peace, will take place July 19—August 3 at TCU. High school students (grades 9-12) are invited to attend. Applications can be downloaded on the Fort Worth Sister Cities website. Participants will live on the TCU campus, and share a room with students from another country. They will attend classes that are designed to challenge stereotypes, highlight cultures, promote diplomatic dialogue, develop leadership skills, and solve global problems.  Activities will also include field trips to local museums, the Fort Worth Stockyards and a community service project. This unique youth leadership program promotes global understanding by building friendships and creating awareness of international issues.  Since 1989, this award-winning program has brought young people from Fort Worth’s eight sister cities to the area for leadership training. Middle school students are invited to attend the Jr. International Leadership Academy taking place July 14—18. Applications are also available online and will be accepted through April 21st. A full description of ILA and JILA, along with application information, is available at https://www.fwsistercities.org/programs/international-leadership-academy . For more information, individuals should contact Beth Weibel, Sr. Program Manager at (817) 632-7105 or email.

2014-02-11 01:00

Students Apply Now for International Leadership Academy

FORT WORTH, TX  –  Applications now available The 2014 International Leadership Academy (ILA), themed Social Ventures—Investing in Peace, will take place July 19—August 3 at TCU. High school students (grades 9-12) are invited to attend. Applications can be downloaded on the Fort Worth Sister Cities website. Participants will live on the TCU campus, and share a room with students from another country. They will attend classes that are designed to challenge stereotypes, highlight cultures, promote diplomatic dialogue, develop leadership skills, and solve global problems.  Activities will also include field trips to local museums, the Fort Worth Stockyards and a community service project. This unique youth leadership program promotes global understanding by building friendships and creating awareness of international issues.  Since 1989, this award-winning program has brought young people from Fort Worth’s eight sister cities to the area for leadership training. Middle school students are invited to attend the Jr. International Leadership Academy taking place July 14—18. Applications are also available online and will be accepted through April 21st. A full description of ILA and JILA, along with application information, is available at https://www.fwsistercities.org/programs/international-leadership-academy . For more information, individuals should contact Beth Weibel, Sr. Program Manager at (817) 632-7105 or email.

Trinity Valley School hosting students from Toluca, Mexico 2013

Trinity Valley Ambassador School 2013

Ten high school students from Toluca, Mexico’s Tec de Monterrey Multicultural Program will spend three weeks in Fort Worth hosted by Trinity Valley School Nov. 17 – Dec. 7th, 2013. TVS is one of several Ambassador Schools this year hosting student delegations from Fort Worth’s Sister Cities. Trinity Valley’s Director of Global Initiatives, Dr. Michael Roemer, has planned an enriched program as the 2nd year for this program. The exchange begins with sharing cultures in classes, discussion on “Leadership & Dignity”, local tours and a week of traditional Thanksgiving celebration with host families. The last week will include classes in Environmental Science , volunteer service activities and various club activities such as the World Cultures and Sustainability Club meetings. “Hosting this exchange at Trinity Valley School helps our students learn the value of diversity and to seek commonalities that tie us together,” said Dr. Roemer. Trinity Valley School’s Global Initiatives program is committed to educating K-12 students to become aware of and engaged with the world. The Toluca students will also take part in educational programs at the Botanical Research Institute of Texas and BNSF Railways. Cultural tours are planned to the Stockyards, Cowboys Stadium, the Amon Carter Museum and Kimbell Art Museum. Opportunities for the students to enjoy a true western experience on horseback are also planned. The goal of the exchange is to provide an international experience for the students that will inspire global understanding, as well as, an opportunity to share their cultural heritage and traditions. The experience will also provide opportunities for the Toluca students to learn about the U.S. educational system and develop new friendships through a home hosted experience with Fort Worth families. The Toluca students must complete an international exchange as part of their graduation credits and chose to visit Fort Worth. Sister Cities will facilitate this exchange through the Ambassador School Program conducted with various high schools for a 2 to 3 week period. The participating Fort Worth schools support the requirements of the students through academic, entrepreneurial and institutional visits.

2013-10-28 12:45

Trinity Valley School hosting students from Toluca, Mexico 2013

Trinity Valley Ambassador School 2013

Ten high school students from Toluca, Mexico’s Tec de Monterrey Multicultural Program will spend three weeks in Fort Worth hosted by
Trinity Valley School Nov. 17 – Dec. 7th, 2013. TVS is one of several Ambassador Schools this year hosting student delegations from Fort Worth’s Sister Cities. Trinity Valley’s Director of Global Initiatives, Dr. Michael Roemer, has planned an enriched program as the 2nd year for this program. The exchange begins with sharing cultures in classes, discussion on “Leadership & Dignity”, local tours and a week of traditional Thanksgiving celebration with host families. The last week will include classes in Environmental Science , volunteer service activities and various club activities such as the World Cultures and Sustainability Club meetings. “Hosting this exchange at Trinity Valley School helps our students learn the value of diversity and to seek commonalities that tie us together,” said Dr. Roemer. Trinity Valley School’s Global Initiatives program is committed to educating K-12 students to become aware of and engaged with the world. The Toluca students will also take part in educational programs at the Botanical Research Institute of Texas and BNSF Railways. Cultural tours are planned to the Stockyards, Cowboys Stadium, the Amon Carter Museum and Kimbell Art Museum. Opportunities for the students to enjoy a true western experience on horseback are also planned. The goal of the exchange is to provide an international experience for the students that will inspire global understanding, as well as, an opportunity to share their cultural heritage and traditions. The experience will also provide opportunities for the Toluca students to learn about the U.S. educational system and develop new friendships through a home hosted experience with Fort Worth families. The Toluca students must complete an international exchange as part of their graduation credits and chose to visit Fort Worth. Sister Cities will facilitate this exchange through the Ambassador School Program conducted with various high schools for a 2 to 3 week period. The participating Fort Worth schools support the requirements of the students through academic, entrepreneurial and institutional visits.

JAPANESE STUDENTS IN FORT WORTH FOR AMBASSADOR MIDDLE SCHOOL PROGRAM

Sister Cities Partnering With Three Local Schools

This year’s Ambassador Middle Schools include McLean Middle School, Fort Worth Academy and Trinity Valley School. These schools will host 36 students and teachers from Nagaoka, Japan October 19-27th on this annual international exchange initiative. Fort Worth Sister Cities established the Ambassador Middle School program in 1991 partnering with local public and private schools to promote global fluency. The goal of the Ambassador Middle School program is to prepare Fort Worth students to be globally fluent and give them the leadership skills needed to succeed in today’s connected world.  At the same time, teachers are given creative teaching tools and exposure to international cultures. “The Fort Worth ISD is proud to partner with Sister Cities on this program, as well as many other international initiatives. We want to give our students the best opportunity possible to be successful,” said Superintendent Walter Dansby.

The Japanese students will attend classes, participate in cultural activities and be home hosted by families from the participating schools.  In partnership with the City of Fort Worth Library, the students will present a Japanese enrichment program for Fort Worth youth at the Shamblee Library.  Through this unique experience the Japanese students will provide a glimpse into life in Japan and its unique culture.


If you want your school to be involved in a program like this, contact Irene Chase, Vice President at 817-632-7101 or send email.  Your school could be mentioned in our FaceBook page similar to this post:

Congratulations to McLean Middle School! (https://www.facebook.com/mcleanmiddle) They will be one of 3 Fort Worth schools to host students & teachers from Nagaoka, Japan as a part of our partner program with Fort Worth ISD to promote global fluency. (www.fwsistercities.org/news)

2013-10-15 11:16

JAPANESE STUDENTS IN FORT WORTH FOR AMBASSADOR MIDDLE SCHOOL PROGRAM

Sister Cities Partnering With Three Local Schools

This year’s Ambassador Middle Schools include McLean Middle School, Fort Worth Academy and Trinity Valley School. These schools will host 36 students and teachers from Nagaoka, Japan October 19-27th on this annual international exchange initiative. Fort Worth Sister Cities established the Ambassador Middle School program in 1991 partnering with local public and private schools to promote global fluency. The goal of the Ambassador Middle School program is to prepare Fort Worth students to be globally fluent and give them the leadership skills needed to succeed in today’s connected world.  At the same time, teachers are given creative teaching tools and exposure to international cultures. “The Fort Worth ISD is proud to partner with Sister Cities on this program, as well as many other international initiatives. We want to give our students the best opportunity possible to be successful,” said Superintendent Walter Dansby.

The Japanese students will attend classes, participate in cultural activities and be home hosted by families from the participating schools.  In partnership with the City of Fort Worth Library, the students will present a Japanese enrichment program for Fort Worth youth at the Shamblee Library.  Through this unique experience the Japanese students will provide a glimpse into life in Japan and its unique culture.


If you want your school to be involved in a program like this, contact Irene Chase, Vice President at 817-632-7101 or send email.  Your school could be mentioned in our FaceBook page similar to this post:

Congratulations to McLean Middle School! (https://www.facebook.com/mcleanmiddle) They will be one of 3 Fort Worth schools to host students & teachers from Nagaoka, Japan as a part of our partner program with Fort Worth ISD to promote global fluency. (www.fwsistercities.org/news)

TRADE MISSION TO SOUTH KOREA IN SEPTEMBER

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.

2013-09-23 12:07

TRADE MISSION TO SOUTH KOREA IN SEPTEMBER

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.

ITALIAN CULINARY STUDENTS VISIT FORT WORTH

Students from the Instituto de Motti at Fort Worth Culinary School Eight culinary students and teachers from the Instituto de Motti, a culinary school in Fort Worth’s sister city of Reggio Emilia, Italy, arrived yesterday for a two-week exchange. The students will be hosted by the Fort Worth Culinary Institute while visiting. This is the fourth inbound exchange with the Motti Institute. First day in Texas for the students from Reggio Emilia and they have already learned to make chicken fried steak at Trimble tech high school. ~Culinary School of Fort Worth The Italian students will have hands on experience and learn about Texas cuisine at internships that have been arranged for them by Heather Kurima, Director of the Fort Worth Culinary School. They will intern at the Worthington Renaissance Hotel, The Ashton Hotel and Reata Restaurant. “This is a unique experience for students from both schools to learn from each other while sharing their culture.  Plus we all get to enjoy some wonderful Italian cuisine,” said Kurima. In partnership with FWISD’s Gold Seal Program, the students will also visit area high schools.  Visits are planned to Trimble Technical High School where they will be introduced to some Texas cuisine including Chicken Fried Steak and South Hills High School for some Southwestern Chili.  In turn the Italian students will  demonstrate  how to make homemade pasta from scratch. The students are also preparing a special meal for invited guests to sample some of Italy’s delicacies.  The menu will include the famous Parmiggiano Reggiano cheese and Balsamic vinegar followed by a traditional Italian meal of anti pasta, primi and secundi dish and dolce all prepared by the students.  This event has been sold out for weeks. Reggio Emilia was Fort Worth’s first sister city partner signing an official agreement in 1985.  Since that time exchanges have occurred in sports, education, economic relations and culture.

Upcoming Youth Exchanges

2013-09-03 10:30

ITALIAN CULINARY STUDENTS VISIT FORT WORTH

Students from the Instituto de Motti at Fort Worth Culinary School Eight culinary students and teachers from the Instituto de Motti, a culinary school in Fort Worth’s sister city of Reggio Emilia, Italy, arrived yesterday for a two-week exchange. The students will be hosted by the Fort Worth Culinary Institute while visiting. This is the fourth inbound exchange with the Motti Institute. First day in Texas for the students from Reggio Emilia and they have already learned to make chicken fried steak at Trimble tech high school. ~Culinary School of Fort Worth The Italian students will have hands on experience and learn about Texas cuisine at internships that have been arranged for them by Heather Kurima, Director of the Fort Worth Culinary School. They will intern at the Worthington Renaissance Hotel, The Ashton Hotel and Reata Restaurant. “This is a unique experience for students from both schools to learn from each other while sharing their culture.  Plus we all get to enjoy some wonderful Italian cuisine,” said Kurima. In partnership with FWISD’s Gold Seal Program, the students will also visit area high schools.  Visits are planned to Trimble Technical High School where they will be introduced to some Texas cuisine including Chicken Fried Steak and South Hills High School for some Southwestern Chili.  In turn the Italian students will  demonstrate  how to make homemade pasta from scratch. The students are also preparing a special meal for invited guests to sample some of Italy’s delicacies.  The menu will include the famous Parmiggiano Reggiano cheese and Balsamic vinegar followed by a traditional Italian meal of anti pasta, primi and secundi dish and dolce all prepared by the students.  This event has been sold out for weeks. Reggio Emilia was Fort Worth’s first sister city partner signing an official agreement in 1985.  Since that time exchanges have occurred in sports, education, economic relations and culture.

Upcoming Youth Exchanges