2011-09-14 03:31 Fort Worth, TX –Student application deadline October 21 for travel to sister cities Fort Worth students in grades 8—12 are encouraged to apply now to become a 2012 Fort Worth Youth Ambassador and travel on one of eight exchanges to Fort Worth’s sister cities. The deadline to apply is October 21st. The planned spring and summer exchanges include: • Reggio Emilia and Florence, Italy • Budapest, Hungary and Vienna, Austria • Trier, Rotenburg and Frankfurt, Germany • Nagaoka, Japan • Mbabane, Swaziland and Johannesburg, South Africa • Bandung, Yogyakarta and Jakarta, Indonesia • Guiyang and Beijing, China Youth Ambassador exchanges open the door to the future for students giving them the opportunity to explore history and experience languages, food, culture and arts of the country they visit. Students make international friends while developing essential skills to be successful in a global society. “We had over 100 students apply last year. It is a competitive process and the students selected have the opportunity to participate in what many past participants have said is a ‘life changing experience’,” said Mae Ferguson, President and CEO of Sister Cities. Students selected through a vigorous selection process including written essays, teacher recommendations and personal interviews, develop an understanding of the culture and tradition of the city they visit, as well as represent their family, city and country as a citizen diplomat. Exchanges range from 8 to 15 days. “The most important thing about student exchanges is the fact that the students who go begin to see the commonalities of humanity they may not have known of before” said Cody Cox, 2011 student delegation leader and Arlington Heights High School educator. Details regarding dates, costs and eligibility requirements can be found at www.fwsistercities.org/programs/fort-worth-youth-ambassadors or by calling 817/632-7100.