Category: Sister City Visitors
Ten high school students from Toluca, Mexico’s Tec de Monterrey Multicultural Program will spend three weeks in Fort Worth hosted by Trinity Valley High School Nov. 19 – Dec. 7th. 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. The exchange begins with a traditional Thanksgiving celebration with host families. The last two weeks will include classes in Environmental Science 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.
Arlington Heights High School Hosting Students from Bandung, Indonesia
Twelve high school students and two teachers from Bandung, Indonesia will spend two weeks in Fort Worth hosted by Arlington Heights High School as part of the Sister Cities Ambassador School Program October 20th – November 2nd.
The goal of the exchange is to provide an international experience that will further promote global understanding, provide an opportunity to share cultural heritage and traditions, learn about the U.S. educational system and develop new international friendships while gaining a personal experience of living with a Fort Worth host family.
As part of a reciprocal exchange, Bandung is inviting high school students from Arlington Heights and all area Fort Worth students to their city in June 2013 to further enrich this international program.
The Bandung students have also been invited by the Indonesian Consulate in Houston for a weekend to tour NASA and to participate in their local Indonesian Festival where they will perform a cultural dance. They will also tour Austin and the State Capitol. They will conclude their stay with a full knowledge of Texas history led by Arlington Heights German teacher Cody Cox for this weekend trip to Houston and Austin.
Danke Shon Simon Kohl
We have had the pleasure of working with a wonderful international intern from Trier, Germany for three months. Simon Kohl leaves us this month to return to Germany and his studies. We appreciate all his hard work managing the different international and educational projects in our office. Also, a huge thank you to his host families, Professor Jeffrey and Heather Todd and Katie Sherrod and Gayland Poole for making him feel so welcome and for giving him a place to call home. Danke and auf wiedersehen Simon. We’ll miss you.
Simon Kohl with Trier City Chair Michael Bennett and Director Emeritus Hilde Horchler
Ambassador Middle Schools Bring 35 Japanese Students to Fort Worth
FORT WORTH, TX— Sister Cities Partnering With 3 Fort Worth Schools
Fort Worth Sister Cities International announced the Ambassador Middle Schools for 2012 earlier this year. They include Daggett Montessori, Fort Worth Academy and Trinity Valley School. These schools will host 35 students and teachers in September 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 international education. The goal of the Ambassador Middle School program is to provide Fort Worth teachers with creative teaching tools in order to prepare students as future leaders. Through participation in the program, students gain critical skills and experiences necessary to succeed in a global society.
“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.
While at the Ambassador Schools the Japanese students will attend classes, participate in cultural activities and be home hosted by families from the participating schools. Through this unique experience they will learn about our language and culture, as well as educational system, and develop new friendships.
An Open Letter to the International Leadership Academy host families, teachers, facilitators, interns and volunteers
It is difficult to believe that the Fort Worth Sister Cities International Leadership Academy and Jr. Academy have come to a close and that the 125 participants have returned home – hopefully with wonderful stories of friendship and exciting activities they experienced while in Fort Worth. Because of this experience, you and they are forever changed.
On behalf of the board of directors, staff and our members, Sister Cities sends a heartfelt THANK YOU to each and every one of you. The things you did, from unloading linens for the dorms to taking a host son or daughter for the week or weekend, to teaching a hip hop dance or art class, your contribution exemplifies commitment to our mission of respect and understanding of other cultures and your desire to make the world a better place.
Danke, Domo, Xie Xie, Terimah Kashi, köszönöm , Gracias, Grazie, and Ngiyabonga, to each of you for contributing your time, energy, and financial resources to continue this award-winning academy. The Sister Cities community is an impressive one. Because of you and others in our network, we are recognized as having the best program in the United States.
Sincerely,
Students from eight countries in Fort Worth for Leadership Academy
Fort Worth, Texas – Visions of Peace Theme of Sister Cities Leadership Academy
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. 125 participants converged at TCU on July 14th to share their cultures and learn from one another.
Students from Fort Worth, Italy, Germany, Japan, Mexico, Swaziland, Indonesia and China are in Fort Worth for this 2 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 this Saturday, July 28th, 10:00 a.m. at TCU’s Ed Landreth Auditorium. The ILA Class of 2012 will demonstrate what they have accomplished during the Academy in an elaborate performance. The ceremony is free and open to the public.
More than 100 Fort Worth families opened their homes to the students this past weekend sharing our western hospitality. The international students were treated to horseback riding, Texas Rangers baseball games, pool parties and shopping. This is a unique experience for both Fort Worth families, as well as the visiting students and teachers.
“We will never forget the students who lived with us and have all made life-long friends. This is true citizen diplomacy in action and one of the most rewarding experiences for all of us, “ said Kelli Bartlett, Sister Cities board member and host family.
Annual Japan-America Grassroots Summit
Fort Worth to Host Welcoming for
Annual Japan-America Grassroots Summit
North Texas has been selected as the venue for the 2012 Japan-America Grassroots Summit, an annual gathering of Japanese and American citizens which aims to strengthen the peaceful relationships between the two countries by fostering friendships at the grassroots level. The Summit, held alternately in Japan and the U.S., honors one of the first friendships between a Japanese and an American, a unique bond begun in 1841 and continuing through their descendants to the present day. The 2012 Japan-America Grassroots Summit will take place in North Texas from Tuesday, August 28, to Monday, September 3. Opening in Fort Worth and closing in Dallas, the week-long Summit will span the scope of the Texas cowboy heritage as well as the region’s cultural and sports achievements. Residents of fifteen North Texas cities will open their homes and hearts to the Japanese visitors for a three-night local homestay program. The 15 North Texas host cities are:ArlingtonDallas Denton Fort WorthGainesvilleGlen RoseIrving | McKinneyMuenster & LindsayParkerPlanoRichardsonSouthlakeWaxahachie |
2012-07-24 09:08
Annual Japan-America Grassroots Summit
Fort Worth to Host Welcoming for
Annual Japan-America Grassroots Summit
North Texas has been selected as the venue for the 2012 Japan-America Grassroots Summit, an annual gathering of Japanese and American citizens which aims to strengthen the peaceful relationships between the two countries by fostering friendships at the grassroots level. The Summit, held alternately in Japan and the U.S., honors one of the first friendships between a Japanese and an American, a unique bond begun in 1841 and continuing through their descendants to the present day. The 2012 Japan-America Grassroots Summit will take place in North Texas from Tuesday, August 28, to Monday, September 3. Opening in Fort Worth and closing in Dallas, the week-long Summit will span the scope of the Texas cowboy heritage as well as the region’s cultural and sports achievements. Residents of fifteen North Texas cities will open their homes and hearts to the Japanese visitors for a three-night local homestay program. The 15 North Texas host cities are:ArlingtonDallas Denton Fort WorthGainesvilleGlen RoseIrving | McKinneyMuenster & LindsayParkerPlanoRichardsonSouthlakeWaxahachie |
Students from eight countries to share their cultures at local youth academy 2012
Visions of Peace 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, 125 participants will converge at TCU July 14-28 to share their cultures and learn about leadership. Students from Fort Worth, Italy, Germany, Japan, Hungary, Mexico, Swaziland, Indonesia and China will be in Fort Worth for this 2 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 28th, 10:00 a.m. at TCU’s Ed Landreth Auditorium. The ILA Class of 2012 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 8th year of ILA’s middle school program, Jr. International Leadership Academy (JILA) held at McLean 6th Grade campus July 9—13. 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; Guiyang, China 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.Spirit Airlines Launches Direct Route To Toluca, Mexico
New direct flight between DFW and Toluca
Spirit Airlines launched its inaugural flight between DFW International Airport and Toluca, Mexico on June 21, 2012. The Airport celebrated the inaugural flight when the Toluca flight arrived at DFW on June 22nd with a community breakfast. Toluca Chair Doug Harman spoke on the importance of this connection and members of Sister Cities and the Hispanic Women’s Network were in attendance, along with other community leaders. “Forth Worth has had a special relationship with Toluca since 1998 when we signed our Sister City partnership. This direct route will not only make it easier for citizens of both cities to continue this special relationship but will make it easier to develop economic relations. We welcome our friends from Toluca to visit anytime and often.” – City Councilman Salvador Espino “Toluca is an important governmental and business center, and having the new direct flight is an important step in creating new opportunities between the Fort Worth-Dallas region and the Toluca-Mexico City region.” – Doug Harman, Fort Worth Sister Cities Toluca Chair Effective June 21st, flight 161 leaves DFW at 11:20 p.m. arriving Toluca (TLC) at 1:45 a.m.+1 – Daily Effective June 22nd, flight 162 leaves TLC at 3:20 a.m. arriving DFW at 6:00 a.m. – DailyBNSF, UNT Health Science Center and more hosting engineering students from Toluca, Mexico
Fort Worth Sister Cities International is thrilled to be hosting a delegation of engineering students from TEC de Monterrey University in our sister city of Toluca, Mexico.
Five engineering students and one adult chaperone and, for the first time, seven bio-engineering students and accompanying professor arrived on Saturday, March 31. The students will have separate but concurrent programs and they will be here through April 7th.
While in Fort Worth, the group will visit several businesses and universities to learn about the variety of potential careers in their chosen field, and to learn about the sciences behind those fields.
The group will be hosted by: BNSF Railway, Oncor Electric Delivery, XTO Energy, Lockheed Martin, Bell Helicopter, Fort Worth Police Dept. Crime Lab, UNT Health Science Center School of Forensic Sciences and Human Movement lab, University of Texas at Arlington, Botanical Research Institute of Texas, Texas Academy of Biomedical Sciences, and DFW International Airport.
For more information, contact Beth at beth@fwsistercities.org