FORT WORTH, TX – Fort Worth Sister Cities International, in partnership with the World Languages Institute and Stripling Middle School, will welcome a delegation of 20 middle school students and five educational leaders from Nagaoka, Japan, October 4-12 for a cultural and educational exchange program. This annual exchange, which has been fostering international friendship for over 25 years, represents a cornerstone of the ongoing sister city relationship between Fort Worth and Nagaoka, facilitated by FWSCI’s commitment to fostering international connections.

The visiting Japanese students will experience American middle school life firsthand by attending classes alongside their Fort Worth host siblings at Stripling Middle School and World Languages Institute. This immersive approach allows students from both cultures to learn directly from one another while building lasting international friendships.

“This exchange program exemplifies Fort Worth Sister Cities International’s mission to build bridges between our community and our international partners,” said Cindy Johnson, Chairwoman of the Board at Fort Worth Sister Cities International. “These student exchanges create lasting bonds that strengthen our sister city relationships and provide invaluable cultural learning opportunities for young people on both sides of the Pacific.”

Beyond the classroom experience, the delegation will explore iconic Fort Worth attractions including the Fort Worth Zoo, one of the nation’s top-rated zoological experiences, and the Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District, celebrating the city’s Western heritage and cowboy culture. These visits will provide the Japanese students with authentic glimpses into both Fort Worth’s natural attractions and its rich cultural heritage.

The delegation’s visit continues a proud tradition of educational exchange that has connected hundreds of students over the years. Fort Worth Sister Cities International remains committed to sustaining this annual program, which has become a model for successful international youth diplomacy and cultural understanding.