Upcoming Exchanges

Fort Worth Sister Cities’ mission is to advance peace through lasting relationships and international understanding by providing inbound and outbound exchanges for both youth and adults throughout the year.  Fort Worth has eight sister cities around the world ready to be explored.

Youth Exchanges

Youth Ambassadors Exchange Program

Application and Interview Process

The application process is over.  Those applicants invited to become Youth Ambassadors have been notified in November and must attend pre-travel orientation scheduled for Sunday, December 4th from 2-4 p.m.  Attendance is required and students must be accompanied by at least one parent or guardian.

Spring and Summer Exchanges Dates  Approx. Cost
Reggio Emilia & Florence, Italy March 10-18 $1,975
Budapest, Hungary & Vienna, Austria March 10-18 $1,975
Trier, Rotenburg & Frankfurt, Germany June 12-20 $2,190
Nagaoka, Japan June 8-22 $2,190
Nagaoka, Japan – Harashin Scholar Program July 25-Aug. 4 $350*
Mbabane, Swaziland & Johannesburg, South Africa June 9-23 $3,375
Bandung, Yogyakarta & Jakarta, Indonesia June 9-23 $3,375
Guiyang & Bejing, China Inaugural Exchange June 9-23 $3,475

All dates and costs shown are approximations. Costs are based upon a minimum number of students traveling. Side excursions are subject to change.  * Not covered by scholarship.

Students selected as Youth Ambassadors:

  • Live with host families to understand the culture and traditions of the city
  • Visit local schools to share Texas culture putting a good face on America
  • Are recognized by the hosting city’s officials
  • Participate in community service projects to emphasize volunteerism

Costs and Deposit

Round-trip airfare, applicable taxes, ground transportation, program fee, most meals, local historical site fees, day excursions, youth hostels (where applicable), insurance, and orientation materials are included.   If selected, a $350 non-refundable deposit is due December 1, 2011. Final balance is due 45 days prior to departure.

Visit our Youth Ambassador page for more information or to download the application.

Adult Exchanges

Exchanges are being planned to visit Fort Worth’s newest sister city, Guiyang, China  in April 2012 and to Nagaoka, Japan in October.  Stay tuned for details.

Mbabane, Swaziland Service Adventure (June 6-20, 2012)

Fort Worth Sister Cities is extending an invitation to adults to participate in a  service adventure to our sister city of Mbabane, Swaziland and Johannesburg, South Africa.  This exchange will be comprised of both youth and adult ambassadors applying their citizen diplomacy skills gained through orientation meetings prior to travel.  The exchange is open to educators, artists and professionals who want to give back and make a difference in our world. Some of the exchange highlights include:

  • Recognition and welcome by the Mbabane mayor and city officials
  • Cultural immersion through visits to  museums, local tours and a safari
  • Activities with children at schools and care point centers
  • Painting a  peace mural with Fort Worth artist Jo Dufault
  • Dinner and dialogue with local artists, educators and Mbabane friends
  • Exploring Johannesburg, South Africa during a 2 day tour including the Apartheid Museum and Soweto
Download the Mbabane Service Adventure Flyer and Application.