Category: Student Delegations

Arlington Heights High School Hosting Students from Bandung, Indonesia

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities
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.

2012-09-17 10:16

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

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities
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

2012-09-17 08:56

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

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities
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.

2012-08-30 03:04

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

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities
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,  

2012-07-30 08:50

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,  

Ambassadors Visit Japan

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities
Fort Worth, TX – Sister Cities sends 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 departed July 26th 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:  Blaine Edwards, Mariley Grissom, Morgan Killian, Brian Loredo, Meagan Moses, Daniela Silva, Alison Strickland and Katherine Super accompanied by delegation leaders Masaki Nakamoto and Renee Snoke.

2012-07-27 01:45

Ambassadors Visit Japan

Fort Worth, TX – Sister Cities sends 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 departed July 26th 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:  Blaine Edwards, Mariley Grissom, Morgan Killian, Brian Loredo, Meagan Moses, Daniela Silva, Alison Strickland and Katherine Super accompanied by delegation leaders Masaki Nakamoto and Renee Snoke.

Students from eight countries in Fort Worth for Leadership Academy

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities
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.

2012-07-24 11:32

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.

Students from eight countries to share their cultures at local youth academy 2012

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities

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.

2012-07-02 12:58

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.

Fort Worth Youth Ambassadors To Visit China

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities
Fort Worth, Texas – Sister Cities sends students to China to represent U.S. as goodwill ambassadors on inaugural exchange Fort Worth will reach a milestone in international exchanges this year sending 12 Youth Ambassadors to China for the first time to represent the U.S. and Fort Worth in a reciprocal educational program. Exchange programs are a key element in the overall programing for Fort Worth Sister Cities and this unique opportunity for Fort Worth students is no exception. The students depart June 6 for a two-week program in Guiyang, Fort Worth’s 8th sister city, along with a visit to Beijing where they will be briefed by U.S. Embassy staff.   While in Guiyang the students will be home hosted by local families for a unique experience and glimpse into the Chinese lifestyle. Exchanges with each of Fort Worth’s eight sister cities provide students 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. Youth Ambassadors to China include:  Spencer Bartlett, Claudia Carranza, Joshua Cristol, Matthew Dang, Zachary Harris, Zackery Kurima-Blough, Sanish Shrestha, Arian Martinez, Syed Madeeha Sadiq, Bitaal Syed Sadiq, accompanied by delegation leaders Glen Mears and Irene Chase, Vice President of Fort Worth Sister Cities and Associate Leaders Stephanie      Atkinson and Andrew Lockhart.

2012-05-25 12:30

Fort Worth Youth Ambassadors To Visit China

Fort Worth, Texas – Sister Cities sends students to China to represent U.S. as goodwill ambassadors on inaugural exchange Fort Worth will reach a milestone in international exchanges this year sending 12 Youth Ambassadors to China for the first time to represent the U.S. and Fort Worth in a reciprocal educational program. Exchange programs are a key element in the overall programing for Fort Worth Sister Cities and this unique opportunity for Fort Worth students is no exception. The students depart June 6 for a two-week program in Guiyang, Fort Worth’s 8th sister city, along with a visit to Beijing where they will be briefed by U.S. Embassy staff.   While in Guiyang the students will be home hosted by local families for a unique experience and glimpse into the Chinese lifestyle. Exchanges with each of Fort Worth’s eight sister cities provide students 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. Youth Ambassadors to China include:  Spencer Bartlett, Claudia Carranza, Joshua Cristol, Matthew Dang, Zachary Harris, Zackery Kurima-Blough, Sanish Shrestha, Arian Martinez, Syed Madeeha Sadiq, Bitaal Syed Sadiq, accompanied by delegation leaders Glen Mears and Irene Chase, Vice President of Fort Worth Sister Cities and Associate Leaders Stephanie      Atkinson and Andrew Lockhart.

Fort Worth Ambassadors Travel to Germany, Japan and Swaziland

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities
Fort Worth, Texas – Sister Cities sends goodwill ambassadors to 3 Sister Cities Exchange programs are what it’s all about for Fort Worth Sister Cities.  This summer    delegations will visit three of Fort Worth’s eight sister cities including a Service Adventure group of 9 students and adults visiting Mbabane, Swaziland; 8 students and teacher   traveling to Trier, Germany; and 28 traveling to Nagoaka, Japan including members of the Fort Worth Youth Orchestra celebrating Fort Worth’s 25th anniversary with Nagaoka with a gift of music. Exchanges with each of Fort Worth’s sister cities provide youth the opportunity to spend 9-15 days with an international host family, 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 from Fort Worth ISD will also accompany the group to Swaziland and work with the people of Mbabane on art projects to include painting a mural in the Central  Library of Mbabane.  The Trier, Germany group are taking a City of Fort Worth flag to be hung at the Trier Rathaus (City Hall) to celebrate 25 years of partnership.

2012-05-25 12:01

Fort Worth Ambassadors Travel to Germany, Japan and Swaziland

Fort Worth, Texas – Sister Cities sends goodwill ambassadors to 3 Sister Cities Exchange programs are what it’s all about for Fort Worth Sister Cities.  This summer    delegations will visit three of Fort Worth’s eight sister cities including a Service Adventure group of 9 students and adults visiting Mbabane, Swaziland; 8 students and teacher   traveling to Trier, Germany; and 28 traveling to Nagoaka, Japan including members of the Fort Worth Youth Orchestra celebrating Fort Worth’s 25th anniversary with Nagaoka with a gift of music. Exchanges with each of Fort Worth’s sister cities provide youth the opportunity to spend 9-15 days with an international host family, 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 from Fort Worth ISD will also accompany the group to Swaziland and work with the people of Mbabane on art projects to include painting a mural in the Central  Library of Mbabane.  The Trier, Germany group are taking a City of Fort Worth flag to be hung at the Trier Rathaus (City Hall) to celebrate 25 years of partnership.

Special “thank you” to hosts of Toluca engineering and Trier student delegations

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities
Muchimas Gracias to the fabulous families who hosted 12 students and 2 delegation leaders from Tec de Monterrey University in Toluca, Mexico.  Your hospitality made them feel so at home and welcome in Fort Worth during their exchange March 31-April 7th. We could not have done it without you.
Danke to the host families for the 15 students and one teacher from Trier, Germany April 9-24. What a treat to have such awesome students visiting Fort Worth.  Thank you especially to Cody Cox and Arlington Heights High School for an incredible job hosting these students as this year’s Ambassador school. Thanks also to Trinity Valley and All Saints Episcopal schools for hosting the German students for a day at their schools. It was truly a special experience for all. Home hosting is an amazing way to meet and get to know a student from another country.  Contact Beth Weibel, Senior Program Director, for more information.

2012-04-25 11:04

Special “thank you” to hosts of Toluca engineering and Trier student delegations

Muchimas Gracias to the fabulous families who hosted 12 students and 2 delegation leaders from Tec de Monterrey University in Toluca, Mexico.  Your hospitality made them feel so at home and welcome in Fort Worth during their exchange March 31-April 7th. We could not have done it without you.
Danke to the host families for the 15 students and one teacher from Trier, Germany April 9-24. What a treat to have such awesome students visiting Fort Worth.  Thank you especially to Cody Cox and Arlington Heights High School for an incredible job hosting these students as this year’s Ambassador school. Thanks also to Trinity Valley and All Saints Episcopal schools for hosting the German students for a day at their schools. It was truly a special experience for all. Home hosting is an amazing way to meet and get to know a student from another country.  Contact Beth Weibel, Senior Program Director, for more information.