Category: Student Delegations

Students from eight countries in Fort Worth for Leadership Academy

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities
Fort Worth, Texas – Visions of Peace Theme of Sister Cities Leadership Academy Since 1989, the award-winning International Leadership Academy (ILA) has brought young people from Fort Worth’s sister cities to the area to discuss pressing global issues. 125 participants converged at TCU on July 14th to share their cultures and learn from one another. Students from Fort Worth, Italy, Germany, Japan, Mexico, Swaziland, Indonesia and China are in Fort Worth for this 2 week program. The Academy’s goal is to increase communication and leadership skills through teambuilding, problem-solving, and sharing cultures. The closing ceremonies take place this Saturday, July 28th, 10:00 a.m. at TCU’s Ed Landreth Auditorium. The ILA Class of 2012 will demonstrate what they have accomplished during the Academy in an elaborate performance. The ceremony is free and open to the public. More than 100 Fort Worth families opened their homes to the students this past weekend sharing our western hospitality. The international students were treated to horseback riding, Texas Rangers baseball games, pool parties and shopping. This is a unique experience for both Fort Worth families, as well as the visiting students and teachers. “We will never forget the students who lived with us and have all made life-long friends. This is true citizen diplomacy in action and one of the most rewarding experiences for all of us, “ said Kelli Bartlett, Sister Cities board member and host family.

2012-07-24 11:32

Students from eight countries in Fort Worth for Leadership Academy

Fort Worth, Texas – Visions of Peace Theme of Sister Cities Leadership Academy Since 1989, the award-winning International Leadership Academy (ILA) has brought young people from Fort Worth’s sister cities to the area to discuss pressing global issues. 125 participants converged at TCU on July 14th to share their cultures and learn from one another. Students from Fort Worth, Italy, Germany, Japan, Mexico, Swaziland, Indonesia and China are in Fort Worth for this 2 week program. The Academy’s goal is to increase communication and leadership skills through teambuilding, problem-solving, and sharing cultures. The closing ceremonies take place this Saturday, July 28th, 10:00 a.m. at TCU’s Ed Landreth Auditorium. The ILA Class of 2012 will demonstrate what they have accomplished during the Academy in an elaborate performance. The ceremony is free and open to the public. More than 100 Fort Worth families opened their homes to the students this past weekend sharing our western hospitality. The international students were treated to horseback riding, Texas Rangers baseball games, pool parties and shopping. This is a unique experience for both Fort Worth families, as well as the visiting students and teachers. “We will never forget the students who lived with us and have all made life-long friends. This is true citizen diplomacy in action and one of the most rewarding experiences for all of us, “ said Kelli Bartlett, Sister Cities board member and host family.

Students from eight countries to share their cultures at local youth academy 2012

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities

Visions of Peace Theme of Sister Cities Leadership Academies

Since 1989, the award-winning International Leadership Academy (ILA) has brought young people from Fort Worth’s sister cities to the area to discuss pressing global issues. This year, 125 participants will converge at TCU July 14-28 to share their cultures and learn about leadership. Students from Fort Worth, Italy, Germany, Japan, Hungary, Mexico, Swaziland, Indonesia and China will be in Fort Worth for this 2 week program. The Academy’s goal is to increase communication and leadership skills through teambuilding, problem-solving, and sharing cultures. The closing ceremonies take place on July 28th, 10:00 a.m. at TCU’s Ed Landreth Auditorium. The ILA Class of 2012 will demonstrate what they have accomplished during the Academy in an elaborate performance. The ceremony is free and open to the public. This year also marks the 8th year of ILA’s middle school program, Jr. International Leadership Academy (JILA) held at McLean 6th Grade campus July 9—13. College students from Toluca, Mexico will serve as facilitators, as the Fort Worth students discuss the same issues as their high school counterparts. The students will experience cultural presentations and interaction with high school students from Reggio Emilia, Italy; Trier, Germany; Guiyang, China and Mbabane, Swaziland gaining an international education. “These students will be challenged to improve and refine their leadership skills and learn how diverse cultures can support common goals. It’s a tremendous opportunity for personal growth,” said Nancy Marchant, ILA and JILA Coordinator.

2012-07-02 12:58

Students from eight countries to share their cultures at local youth academy 2012

Visions of Peace Theme of Sister Cities Leadership Academies

Since 1989, the award-winning International Leadership Academy (ILA) has brought young people from Fort Worth’s sister cities to the area to discuss pressing global issues. This year, 125 participants will converge at TCU July 14-28 to share their cultures and learn about leadership. Students from Fort Worth, Italy, Germany, Japan, Hungary, Mexico, Swaziland, Indonesia and China will be in Fort Worth for this 2 week program. The Academy’s goal is to increase communication and leadership skills through teambuilding, problem-solving, and sharing cultures. The closing ceremonies take place on July 28th, 10:00 a.m. at TCU’s Ed Landreth Auditorium. The ILA Class of 2012 will demonstrate what they have accomplished during the Academy in an elaborate performance. The ceremony is free and open to the public. This year also marks the 8th year of ILA’s middle school program, Jr. International Leadership Academy (JILA) held at McLean 6th Grade campus July 9—13. College students from Toluca, Mexico will serve as facilitators, as the Fort Worth students discuss the same issues as their high school counterparts. The students will experience cultural presentations and interaction with high school students from Reggio Emilia, Italy; Trier, Germany; Guiyang, China and Mbabane, Swaziland gaining an international education. “These students will be challenged to improve and refine their leadership skills and learn how diverse cultures can support common goals. It’s a tremendous opportunity for personal growth,” said Nancy Marchant, ILA and JILA Coordinator.

Fort Worth Youth Ambassadors To Visit China

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities
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.

2012-05-25 12:30

Fort Worth Youth Ambassadors To Visit China

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.

Fort Worth Ambassadors Travel to Germany, Japan and Swaziland

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities
Fort Worth, Texas – Sister Cities sends goodwill ambassadors to 3 Sister Cities Exchange programs are what it’s all about for Fort Worth Sister Cities.  This summer    delegations will visit three of Fort Worth’s eight sister cities including a Service Adventure group of 9 students and adults visiting Mbabane, Swaziland; 8 students and teacher   traveling to Trier, Germany; and 28 traveling to Nagoaka, Japan including members of the Fort Worth Youth Orchestra celebrating Fort Worth’s 25th anniversary with Nagaoka with a gift of music. Exchanges with each of Fort Worth’s sister cities provide youth the opportunity to spend 9-15 days with an international host family, attend schools, make presentations about Texas and the United States and experience the local history, culture and customs.  This is done as citizen diplomats and gives participants a better understanding of other cultures and gives the host cities a better understanding of the U.S. “Students and adults  who participate in outbound exchanges  experience personal growth,  expand their capacity to understand the world as seen through the eyes of    others,  and gain an appreciation of the interconnectedness of all humans regardless of geographical location,” said Sister Cities board member and Mbabane, Swaziland Chair, Dr. Staussa Ervin. Art teachers from Fort Worth ISD will also accompany the group to Swaziland and work with the people of Mbabane on art projects to include painting a mural in the Central  Library of Mbabane.  The Trier, Germany group are taking a City of Fort Worth flag to be hung at the Trier Rathaus (City Hall) to celebrate 25 years of partnership.

2012-05-25 12:01

Fort Worth Ambassadors Travel to Germany, Japan and Swaziland

Fort Worth, Texas – Sister Cities sends goodwill ambassadors to 3 Sister Cities Exchange programs are what it’s all about for Fort Worth Sister Cities.  This summer    delegations will visit three of Fort Worth’s eight sister cities including a Service Adventure group of 9 students and adults visiting Mbabane, Swaziland; 8 students and teacher   traveling to Trier, Germany; and 28 traveling to Nagoaka, Japan including members of the Fort Worth Youth Orchestra celebrating Fort Worth’s 25th anniversary with Nagaoka with a gift of music. Exchanges with each of Fort Worth’s sister cities provide youth the opportunity to spend 9-15 days with an international host family, attend schools, make presentations about Texas and the United States and experience the local history, culture and customs.  This is done as citizen diplomats and gives participants a better understanding of other cultures and gives the host cities a better understanding of the U.S. “Students and adults  who participate in outbound exchanges  experience personal growth,  expand their capacity to understand the world as seen through the eyes of    others,  and gain an appreciation of the interconnectedness of all humans regardless of geographical location,” said Sister Cities board member and Mbabane, Swaziland Chair, Dr. Staussa Ervin. Art teachers from Fort Worth ISD will also accompany the group to Swaziland and work with the people of Mbabane on art projects to include painting a mural in the Central  Library of Mbabane.  The Trier, Germany group are taking a City of Fort Worth flag to be hung at the Trier Rathaus (City Hall) to celebrate 25 years of partnership.

Special “thank you” to hosts of Toluca engineering and Trier student delegations

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities
Muchimas Gracias to the fabulous families who hosted 12 students and 2 delegation leaders from Tec de Monterrey University in Toluca, Mexico.  Your hospitality made them feel so at home and welcome in Fort Worth during their exchange March 31-April 7th. We could not have done it without you.
Danke to the host families for the 15 students and one teacher from Trier, Germany April 9-24. What a treat to have such awesome students visiting Fort Worth.  Thank you especially to Cody Cox and Arlington Heights High School for an incredible job hosting these students as this year’s Ambassador school. Thanks also to Trinity Valley and All Saints Episcopal schools for hosting the German students for a day at their schools. It was truly a special experience for all. Home hosting is an amazing way to meet and get to know a student from another country.  Contact Beth Weibel, Senior Program Director, for more information.

2012-04-25 11:04

Special “thank you” to hosts of Toluca engineering and Trier student delegations

Muchimas Gracias to the fabulous families who hosted 12 students and 2 delegation leaders from Tec de Monterrey University in Toluca, Mexico.  Your hospitality made them feel so at home and welcome in Fort Worth during their exchange March 31-April 7th. We could not have done it without you.
Danke to the host families for the 15 students and one teacher from Trier, Germany April 9-24. What a treat to have such awesome students visiting Fort Worth.  Thank you especially to Cody Cox and Arlington Heights High School for an incredible job hosting these students as this year’s Ambassador school. Thanks also to Trinity Valley and All Saints Episcopal schools for hosting the German students for a day at their schools. It was truly a special experience for all. Home hosting is an amazing way to meet and get to know a student from another country.  Contact Beth Weibel, Senior Program Director, for more information.

Student Ambassadors heading to Italy and Hungary 2012

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities
FORT WORTH-  Celebrating Youth as Global Citizens, March 10-18th  Two youth groups have prepared well for their international adventure this spring where they will be recognized by city officials as Youth Ambassadors, tour cultural sites of the sister cities and be immersed in Italian culture as they visit Florence and Verona learning about the great art masterpieces of Michaelangelo; and experience the Hungarian culture where they will share our Texas culture in schools and visit historic sites in Budapest like the  Hungarian Parliament, as well as a day excursion to Vienna, Austria. They will have all have the unique opportunity to live with host families of our sister cities while establishing international friendships and memories of this journey. Bon Voyage to: Reggio Emilia, Italy: Youth delegation  led by Alum Nelcy Cardenas and Associate Delegation Leader and TCU Intern Sierra Ballard. Youth Ambassador high school students are 9-12th graders : Spencer Bartlett, Shelby  Bennett, Leslie Garcia, Leslie Garcia, Benjamin Gordimer, Anne Jacobs, Meredith Johnston, My Hanh Nguyen, Lizbeth Porras, Enrique Rodgriguez, Sarika Sabnis, and Summer Smith. Budapest, Hungary:  Our first youth delegation to include 8th graders along with high school students will be led by Andrea McCormick, Youth Chair for Budapest committee, and Associate Delegation Leaders Maria Carranza and Carina Clemente .  Youth Ambassadors are:  Julia Cobb,  Olivia Darrow, Isabel Gray, Elizabeth McGehee, Georgiana McCormick, Hunter Owings, Shannon Owings, Lenq Qu, Frances Senkowsky, and Ana Tafoya. Comments and questions, please contact Irene Chase by emailing irene@fwsistercities.org or call 817/632-7101.  

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2012-02-20 12:17

Student Ambassadors heading to Italy and Hungary 2012

FORT WORTH-  Celebrating Youth as Global Citizens, March 10-18th  Two youth groups have prepared well for their international adventure this spring where they will be recognized by city officials as Youth Ambassadors, tour cultural sites of the sister cities and be immersed in Italian culture as they visit Florence and Verona learning about the great art masterpieces of Michaelangelo; and experience the Hungarian culture where they will share our Texas culture in schools and visit historic sites in Budapest like the  Hungarian Parliament, as well as a day excursion to Vienna, Austria. They will have all have the unique opportunity to live with host families of our sister cities while establishing international friendships and memories of this journey. Bon Voyage to: Reggio Emilia, Italy: Youth delegation  led by Alum Nelcy Cardenas and Associate Delegation Leader and TCU Intern Sierra Ballard. Youth Ambassador high school students are 9-12th graders : Spencer Bartlett, Shelby  Bennett, Leslie Garcia, Leslie Garcia, Benjamin Gordimer, Anne Jacobs, Meredith Johnston, My Hanh Nguyen, Lizbeth Porras, Enrique Rodgriguez, Sarika Sabnis, and Summer Smith. Budapest, Hungary:  Our first youth delegation to include 8th graders along with high school students will be led by Andrea McCormick, Youth Chair for Budapest committee, and Associate Delegation Leaders Maria Carranza and Carina Clemente .  Youth Ambassadors are:  Julia Cobb,  Olivia Darrow, Isabel Gray, Elizabeth McGehee, Georgiana McCormick, Hunter Owings, Shannon Owings, Lenq Qu, Frances Senkowsky, and Ana Tafoya. Comments and questions, please contact Irene Chase by emailing irene@fwsistercities.org or call 817/632-7101.  

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Congratulations 2012 Youth Ambassadors

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities

Congratulations Youth Ambassadors and Educators Selected for 2012 Spring and Summer Exchanges

Join us in saluting the following students who will represent Fort Worth as Youth Ambassadors next year on international exchanges.   These students were selected based on an intensive interview process and written essays demonstrating their interest in global issues and cultural understanding and should all be commended. Student Essays Moneka Watson Joshua Cristol Megan Moses

HARASHIN SCHOLARS Grades 9-11 DL-Renee Snoke DL-Masaki Nakamoto Blaine Edwards Mariley Grissom Morgan Killian Brian Loredo Megan Moses Daniela Silva Alison Strickland Katherine Super

BUDAPEST, HUNGARY Grades 8-12 Teacher-Andrea McCormick ADL-Maria Carranza ADL-Carina Clemente Julia Cobb Olivia Darrow Isabel Grey Maximina Martin Georgiana McCormick Elizabeth McGehee Hunter Owings Shannon Owings Lena Qu Frances Senkowsky Daniela Silva Ana Tafoya

NAGAOKA, JAPAN Grades 8-12 DL-Gina Powell ADL-Monique Owens Dr. German Gutierrez FW Youth Orchestra Ensemble Noah Archibald Nicole Bergamini Andrea Cardona Donte Floyd Emmanuel Fuentes Edwin Gomez Madeline Hanson Samantha Harris Delaney Hart Elena Henry Iris Mendoza Merrill Moore Amit Narawane Francesca Poole Chandon Prasai Michelle Rueda Kasey Talbot

TRIER, GERMANY Grades 9-12 Teacher–Cody Cox ADL–Savannah Breen Luis Gonzalez Elva Gutierrez Talia Kelly Paul Nguyen Alexander McCray Valeria Quintana Amanda Rike Carley Rutledge Alexander Wade Moneka Watson

REGGIO EMILIA, ITALY Grades 9-12 DL-NelcyCardenas ADL-SierraBallard Spencer Bartlett Shelby Bennett Leslie Garcia Benjamin Gordimer Gladys Guevara Anne Jacobs Meredith Johnston Hanh Nguyen Lizbeth Porras Ricky Rodriguez Sarika Sabnis Summer Smith

MBABANE, SWAZILAND Adventure Grades 9-12 DL-Staussa Ervin DL-Jo Dufault ADL-Keome Rowe Andrea Cedillo Jack Eiband Victoria Munson Frances Senkowsky Susan Westrell

GUIYANG, CHINA Grades 9-12 DL-Irene Chase DL-Glen Mears ADL- Stephanie Atkinson ADL–Andrew  Lockhart Spencer Bartlett Claudia Carranza Joshua Cristol Matthew Dang Karina Garcia Zackery Harris Zack Kurima Arian Martinez Sanish Shrestha
 

2011-12-03 09:44

Congratulations 2012 Youth Ambassadors

Congratulations Youth Ambassadors and Educators Selected for 2012 Spring and Summer Exchanges

Join us in saluting the following students who will represent Fort Worth as Youth Ambassadors next year on international exchanges.   These students were selected based on an intensive interview process and written essays demonstrating their interest in global issues and cultural understanding and should all be commended. Student Essays Moneka Watson Joshua Cristol Megan Moses

HARASHIN SCHOLARS Grades 9-11 DL-Renee Snoke DL-Masaki Nakamoto Blaine Edwards Mariley Grissom Morgan Killian Brian Loredo Megan Moses Daniela Silva Alison Strickland Katherine Super

BUDAPEST, HUNGARY Grades 8-12 Teacher-Andrea McCormick ADL-Maria Carranza ADL-Carina Clemente Julia Cobb Olivia Darrow Isabel Grey Maximina Martin Georgiana McCormick Elizabeth McGehee Hunter Owings Shannon Owings Lena Qu Frances Senkowsky Daniela Silva Ana Tafoya

NAGAOKA, JAPAN Grades 8-12 DL-Gina Powell ADL-Monique Owens Dr. German Gutierrez FW Youth Orchestra Ensemble Noah Archibald Nicole Bergamini Andrea Cardona Donte Floyd Emmanuel Fuentes Edwin Gomez Madeline Hanson Samantha Harris Delaney Hart Elena Henry Iris Mendoza Merrill Moore Amit Narawane Francesca Poole Chandon Prasai Michelle Rueda Kasey Talbot

TRIER, GERMANY Grades 9-12 Teacher–Cody Cox ADL–Savannah Breen Luis Gonzalez Elva Gutierrez Talia Kelly Paul Nguyen Alexander McCray Valeria Quintana Amanda Rike Carley Rutledge Alexander Wade Moneka Watson

REGGIO EMILIA, ITALY Grades 9-12 DL-NelcyCardenas ADL-SierraBallard Spencer Bartlett Shelby Bennett Leslie Garcia Benjamin Gordimer Gladys Guevara Anne Jacobs Meredith Johnston Hanh Nguyen Lizbeth Porras Ricky Rodriguez Sarika Sabnis Summer Smith

MBABANE, SWAZILAND Adventure Grades 9-12 DL-Staussa Ervin DL-Jo Dufault ADL-Keome Rowe Andrea Cedillo Jack Eiband Victoria Munson Frances Senkowsky Susan Westrell

GUIYANG, CHINA Grades 9-12 DL-Irene Chase DL-Glen Mears ADL- Stephanie Atkinson ADL–Andrew  Lockhart Spencer Bartlett Claudia Carranza Joshua Cristol Matthew Dang Karina Garcia Zackery Harris Zack Kurima Arian Martinez Sanish Shrestha
 

Sister Cities Announces International Youth Exchanges for 2012

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities
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.

2011-09-14 03:31

Sister Cities Announces International Youth Exchanges for 2012

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.

Fort Worth Student Ambassadors Visit Japan

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities

Fort Worth will reach a milestone in international exchanges this year celebrating twenty years participation in the Harashin Scholars program with Nagaoaka, Japan.

Since 1990, The Harashin Co. of Nagaoka, Japan has funded scholarships for eight Fort Worth students and two teachers to travel there for an educational and cultural enrichment exchange. In return, these Fort Worth families host students and teachers from Nagaoka in their homes for a reciprocal exchange. Exchange programs are a key element in the overall programs of Fort Worth Sister Cities and this unique opportunity for Fort Worth students is no exception. The students will depart today for a week long exchange and the Japanese students will arrive in Fort Worth the following week. 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 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 (9-11th) 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. The 2011 Harashin Scholars include: Claudia Carranza, Julia King, Allison Meade, Francesca Roberts, Courtney Tiandra Server, Zack Kurima Blough, Shelby Roberts accompanied by delegation leaders Pam Lea and Dr. Staussa Ervin.    

2011-07-27 02:05

Fort Worth Student Ambassadors Visit Japan

Fort Worth will reach a milestone in international exchanges this year celebrating twenty years participation in the Harashin Scholars program with Nagaoaka, Japan.

Since 1990, The Harashin Co. of Nagaoka, Japan has funded scholarships for eight Fort Worth students and two teachers to travel there for an educational and cultural enrichment exchange. In return, these Fort Worth families host students and teachers from Nagaoka in their homes for a reciprocal exchange. Exchange programs are a key element in the overall programs of Fort Worth Sister Cities and this unique opportunity for Fort Worth students is no exception. The students will depart today for a week long exchange and the Japanese students will arrive in Fort Worth the following week. 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 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 (9-11th) 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. The 2011 Harashin Scholars include: Claudia Carranza, Julia King, Allison Meade, Francesca Roberts, Courtney Tiandra Server, Zack Kurima Blough, Shelby Roberts accompanied by delegation leaders Pam Lea and Dr. Staussa Ervin.    

Iraqi and Chinese students share their cultures

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities

Since 1989, the award-winning International Leadership Academy (ILA) has brought young people from Fort Worth’s sister cities to the area to discuss pressing global issues. This year, 120 participants will converge at TCU July 16–31 to share their cultures and learn about leadership.

Students from Fort Worth, Italy, Germany, Japan, Hungary, Mexico, Swaziland, and Indonesia, along with China who will participate for the first time, will be in Fort Worth for this 2 week program. The Academy’s goal is to increase communication and leadership skills through teambuilding, problem-solving, and sharing cultures. The closing ceremonies take place on July 30th, 10:00 a.m. at TCU’s Ed Landreth Auditorium. The ILA Class of 2011 will demonstrate what they have accomplished during the Academy in an elaborate performance. Students will explain the concepts they have been discussing and will share their solutions, as well as their cultures. The ceremony is free and open to the public. This year also marks the 7th year of ILA’s middle school program, Jr. International Leadership Academy (JILA) held at McLean 6th Grade campus July 11-15. College students from Toluca, Mexico will serve as facilitators, as the Fort Worth students discuss the same issues as their high school counterparts. The students will experience cultural presentations and interaction with high school students from Reggio Emilia, Italy; Trier, Germany; Guiyang, China and Mbabane, Swaziland gaining an international education. For the first time, JILA students will interact with 15 students from Iraq. The Iraqi students are part of an exchange program sponsored by the U.S. Dept. of State Bureau of Education and Cultural Affairs, Meridian International and the World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth. “This will be a unique experience for our Fort Worth students to learn more about a culture that is very different from ours and to show them what Americans are really like,” said Nancy Marchant, ILA and JILA Coordinator.

2011-07-05 11:27

Iraqi and Chinese students share their cultures

Since 1989, the award-winning International Leadership Academy (ILA) has brought young people from Fort Worth’s sister cities to the area to discuss pressing global issues. This year, 120 participants will converge at TCU July 16–31 to share their cultures and learn about leadership.

Students from Fort Worth, Italy, Germany, Japan, Hungary, Mexico, Swaziland, and Indonesia, along with China who will participate for the first time, will be in Fort Worth for this 2 week program. The Academy’s goal is to increase communication and leadership skills through teambuilding, problem-solving, and sharing cultures. The closing ceremonies take place on July 30th, 10:00 a.m. at TCU’s Ed Landreth Auditorium. The ILA Class of 2011 will demonstrate what they have accomplished during the Academy in an elaborate performance. Students will explain the concepts they have been discussing and will share their solutions, as well as their cultures. The ceremony is free and open to the public. This year also marks the 7th year of ILA’s middle school program, Jr. International Leadership Academy (JILA) held at McLean 6th Grade campus July 11-15. College students from Toluca, Mexico will serve as facilitators, as the Fort Worth students discuss the same issues as their high school counterparts. The students will experience cultural presentations and interaction with high school students from Reggio Emilia, Italy; Trier, Germany; Guiyang, China and Mbabane, Swaziland gaining an international education. For the first time, JILA students will interact with 15 students from Iraq. The Iraqi students are part of an exchange program sponsored by the U.S. Dept. of State Bureau of Education and Cultural Affairs, Meridian International and the World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth. “This will be a unique experience for our Fort Worth students to learn more about a culture that is very different from ours and to show them what Americans are really like,” said Nancy Marchant, ILA and JILA Coordinator.