2012-05-25 12:30 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.