Category: Student Delegations

2014 YOUTH AMBASSADORS SELECTED

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities

Area students selected to visit Fort Worth’s Sister Cities

77 students recently completed a vigorous selection process and have been selected to represent the City of  Fort Worth as Ambassadors to Fort Worth’s sister cities. Youth Ambassador exchanges help provide a global education for students giving them the opportunity to explore history and experience languages, culture and arts of the country they visit.  Students live with host families to develop an understanding of the culture and its traditions during exchanges that range from 9 to 14 days. The Ambassador selection process includes written essays, teacher recommendations, report cards and in-person interviews conducted by the teachers who lead the delegations abroad. This year’s Ambassadors represent students from FWISD, Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD, and  several private schools.  Scholarship assistance of nearly $80,000 is awarded annually ensuring a diverse group of students to  represent Fort Worth. On exchanges students 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.

2013-11-13 01:14

2014 YOUTH AMBASSADORS SELECTED

Area students selected to visit Fort Worth’s Sister Cities

77 students recently completed a vigorous selection process and have been selected to represent the City of  Fort Worth as Ambassadors to Fort Worth’s sister cities. Youth Ambassador exchanges help provide a global education for students giving them the opportunity to explore history and experience languages, culture and arts of the country they visit.  Students live with host families to develop an understanding of the culture and its traditions during exchanges that range from 9 to 14 days. The Ambassador selection process includes written essays, teacher recommendations, report cards and in-person interviews conducted by the teachers who lead the delegations abroad. This year’s Ambassadors represent students from FWISD, Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD, and  several private schools.  Scholarship assistance of nearly $80,000 is awarded annually ensuring a diverse group of students to  represent Fort Worth. On exchanges students 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.

Trinity Valley School hosting students from Toluca, Mexico 2013

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities

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

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities

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)

Zaji Girl Magazine Features Sister Cities Delegation to Swaziland

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities

Sharing stories is one of the best parts of the Fort Worth Sister Cities experience.  Denise, a young writer for Zaji Magazine, recently shared her favorite memories with us including a link to the article she wrote about her trip to Swaziland.

“I just wanted to get back with you and tell you how much I enjoyed my trip to Swaziland in June.  Staussa was a wonderful delegation leader and the kids were fantastic!

One of the projects that has been born out of my trip came from a wonderful experience I had with Staussa’s host mom, Ms. Ellen Matsenjwa. She took us to a recycling center to a women’s cooperative where the women are making jewelry out of recycled magazines and newspapers. I bought a couple of items and have had so many compliments on the jewelry. One of the needs, Ms. Matsenjwa pointed out was that especially in the Nkwalini community where the health center was built that clean water was still a major need.   

I discovered this Swedish company that makes solar-powered water purification units and thought that would be a wonderful fundraising goal for Nkwalini. To raise money to buy these solar-powered water purification units and by selling the jewelry being made from Swaziland. I promised I’d check out some hotels and boutiques for the women’s cooperative that might be interested in their jewelry and have had a couple of strong candidates.

It definitely gave me a chance to assess the country and the projects that I want to pursue personally and for my magazine.

I wanted to share the links with you for the magazine Summer/Fall 2013 issue which features HRH Princess Sikhanyiso Dlamini of Swaziland and also the photo story I did featuring the Fort Worth Sister Cities Mbabane delegation. Please feel free to share it with everyone.

     

A couple of the kids wanted me to feature their photographs in the magazine. I didn’t get opportunity to do that with this issue, but I was thinking we could put together a mini mag with their experiences and give them a chance to share their Swaziland adventure and continue with a global community service project back at home.

I really enjoyed my time in Swaziland and will definitely head back soon.

Thanks again.
 ~ Denise”
We’d love to hear your stories too!  Contact us or tag us in your facebook pics.

2013-09-23 03:11

Zaji Girl Magazine Features Sister Cities Delegation to Swaziland

Sharing stories is one of the best parts of the Fort Worth Sister Cities experience.  Denise, a young writer for Zaji Magazine, recently shared her favorite memories with us including a link to the article she wrote about her trip to Swaziland.

“I just wanted to get back with you and tell you how much I enjoyed my trip to Swaziland in June.  Staussa was a wonderful delegation leader and the kids were fantastic!

One of the projects that has been born out of my trip came from a wonderful experience I had with Staussa’s host mom, Ms. Ellen Matsenjwa. She took us to a recycling center to a women’s cooperative where the women are making jewelry out of recycled magazines and newspapers. I bought a couple of items and have had so many compliments on the jewelry. One of the needs, Ms. Matsenjwa pointed out was that especially in the Nkwalini community where the health center was built that clean water was still a major need.   

I discovered this Swedish company that makes solar-powered water purification units and thought that would be a wonderful fundraising goal for Nkwalini. To raise money to buy these solar-powered water purification units and by selling the jewelry being made from Swaziland. I promised I’d check out some hotels and boutiques for the women’s cooperative that might be interested in their jewelry and have had a couple of strong candidates.

It definitely gave me a chance to assess the country and the projects that I want to pursue personally and for my magazine.

I wanted to share the links with you for the magazine Summer/Fall 2013 issue which features HRH Princess Sikhanyiso Dlamini of Swaziland and also the photo story I did featuring the Fort Worth Sister Cities Mbabane delegation. Please feel free to share it with everyone.

     

A couple of the kids wanted me to feature their photographs in the magazine. I didn’t get opportunity to do that with this issue, but I was thinking we could put together a mini mag with their experiences and give them a chance to share their Swaziland adventure and continue with a global community service project back at home.

I really enjoyed my time in Swaziland and will definitely head back soon.

Thanks again.
 ~ Denise”
We’d love to hear your stories too!  Contact us or tag us in your facebook pics.

ITALIAN CULINARY STUDENTS VISIT FORT WORTH

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities
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

Fort Worth Ambassadors Travel to China, Germany, Japan and Swaziland

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities

Fort Worth, Texas – Sister Cities sends goodwill ambassadors to 4 Sister Cities

Exchange programs are what it’s all about for Fort Worth Sister Cities. This summer delegations are visiting four of Fort Worth’s eight sister cities including the inaugural exchange of educators with our high school students to Guiyang, China, a Service Adventure group of 14 students and adults visiting Mbabane, Swaziland; 12 students and teacher traveling to Trier, Germany; and 14 traveling to Nagaoka, Japan. Exchanges with each of Fort Worth’s sister cities provide youth, and adults the opportunity to spend 9-15 days with an international host family, meet other adults in their profession, attend schools, make presentations about Texas and the United States and experience the local history, culture and customs. This is done as citizen diplomats and gives participants a better understanding of other cultures and gives the host cities a better understanding of the U.S. “Students and adults who participate in outbound exchanges experience personal growth, expand their capacity to understand the world as seen through the eyes of others, and gain an appreciation of the interconnectedness of all humans regardless of geographical location,” said Sister Cities board member and Mbabane, Swaziland Chair, Dr. Staussa Ervin. Art teachers and school counselors from Fort Worth ISD will also accompany the group to China and meet Chinese educators to discuss teaching methodologies. The Mbabane group planned a visit to the newly opened Health & Social Center in Mbabane and will meet the U.S. Ambassador to Swaziland for a special briefing on the importance of international relations. The Trier, Germany group will join Fort Worth board members at the Trier Rathaus (City Hall) to celebrate 25 years of partnership, and the Nagaoka group will also celebrate the 25 anniversary during a closing dinner in Nagaoka.

2013-06-24 04:31

Fort Worth Ambassadors Travel to China, Germany, Japan and Swaziland

Fort Worth, Texas – Sister Cities sends goodwill ambassadors to 4 Sister Cities

Exchange programs are what it’s all about for Fort Worth Sister Cities. This summer delegations are visiting four of Fort Worth’s eight sister cities including the inaugural exchange of educators with our high school students to Guiyang, China, a Service Adventure group of 14 students and adults visiting Mbabane, Swaziland; 12 students and teacher traveling to Trier, Germany; and 14 traveling to Nagaoka, Japan. Exchanges with each of Fort Worth’s sister cities provide youth, and adults the opportunity to spend 9-15 days with an international host family, meet other adults in their profession, attend schools, make presentations about Texas and the United States and experience the local history, culture and customs. This is done as citizen diplomats and gives participants a better understanding of other cultures and gives the host cities a better understanding of the U.S. “Students and adults who participate in outbound exchanges experience personal growth, expand their capacity to understand the world as seen through the eyes of others, and gain an appreciation of the interconnectedness of all humans regardless of geographical location,” said Sister Cities board member and Mbabane, Swaziland Chair, Dr. Staussa Ervin. Art teachers and school counselors from Fort Worth ISD will also accompany the group to China and meet Chinese educators to discuss teaching methodologies. The Mbabane group planned a visit to the newly opened Health & Social Center in Mbabane and will meet the U.S. Ambassador to Swaziland for a special briefing on the importance of international relations. The Trier, Germany group will join Fort Worth board members at the Trier Rathaus (City Hall) to celebrate 25 years of partnership, and the Nagaoka group will also celebrate the 25 anniversary during a closing dinner in Nagaoka.

Students from Sister Cities to share their cultures at local youth academy 201

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities

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

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities

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.

Fort Worth Sister Cities International has partnered with Blue Bridge International

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

2013-06-24 12:27

Fort Worth Sister Cities International has partnered with Blue Bridge International

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

ARTES DE LA ROSA AND SISTER CITIES TEAM UP

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

2013-04-17 08:16

ARTES DE LA ROSA AND SISTER CITIES TEAM UP

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