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

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.