2013-11-13 01:14

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.