2014-07-27 10:10

Fort Worth, TX – Students to Nagaoka, Japan to represent U.S. as goodwill ambassadors

Since 1990, The Harashin Co. of Nagaoka, Japan has funded scholarships for nine Fort Worth students and two teachers to travel there for an educational and cultural enrichment exchange. 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.  Over nearly 25 years of this program, it is estimated that nearly $2 million has been generously donated. Exchange programs are a key element in the overall programs of Fort Worth Sister Cities International and this unique opportunity for Fort Worth students is no exception. The students departed July 27 for a week long exchange and the Japanese students will arrive in Fort Worth August 8. 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 their 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: Reese Eller, Victoria Koshevarova, Rayni Lee, Kenneth McCleveland, Bogdana Oliynyk, Shannon Owings,Le’Shawn Palmer,  Xavier Thompson, Lauren Titsworth and delegation leaders Pam Lea and Vicki Delgado. Join Our Mailing List to Find Out About Upcoming Exchanges