Youth Ambassadors Exchange Program

Fort Worth Sister Cities’ mission is to advance peace through lasting relationships and international understanding by providing inbound and outbound exchanges such as the Youth Ambassadors Exchange Program. Fort Worth has eight sister cities around the world ready to be explored.

Application and Interview Process To apply to become a Youth Ambassador, complete an application, have it signed by a parent or legal guardian and submit with required items by Friday, October 21, 2011. Upon receipt of application, Sister Cities will contact you to schedule a personal interview. Students selected as Youth Ambassadors:

Live with host families to gain an understanding of the culture and traditions of the city visited

Visit local schools and share our Texas culture putting a good face on America

Are recognized by the hosting city’s officials

Participate in community service projects to emphasize volunteerism Those applicants invited to become Youth Ambassadors will be notified in November and must attend pre-travel orientation 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.

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.

Scholarships

Limited partial scholarships are available based on financial need.

Yamagata Emerging Leader Scholarship is based on demonstrated leadership and community service for up to $2,000 for a program or exchange of applicants’ choice.

YAMAGATA EMERGING LEADER SCHOLARSHIP

The Yamagata Emerging Leader Scholarship was created by the Fort Worth Sister Cities Alumni to honor two community leaders, the late Tadashi Yamagata and his wife, Elaine. This annual award is open to students who are current sophomores or juniors and have shown demonstrated leadership and community involvement. Seniors who are members of the Sister Cities youth board are also eligible. This scholarship of up to $2,000, not including a $350 program fee, is for any youth program including spring or summer exchanges or the International Leadership Academy. Evaluative criteria will be the applicant’s essay, academic standing, teacher recommendations, resume and two interviews. Qualified applicants, along with a parent or guardian, will be required to attend a second interview on Sunday, November 13, 2011 between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. Scholarship recipients are expected to serve on the Fort Worth Youth International board for one year, give a presentation about their exchange experience at a future Sister Cities meeting and volunteer at the Sundance Santa fundraiser in December 2011. The award will be presented by Elaine Yamagata at the Fort Worth Sister Cities Annual Meeting on December 14, 2011. Please include the following additional items along with the exchange requirements listed on the Youth Ambassador Exchange Application:

Second Essay: “How my leadership and volunteer service has impacted the community.”

Resume outlining demonstrated leadership and community service

2012 Youth Ambassador Exchanges

Reggio Emilia, Italy – March 10 – 18, 2012

Capture the culture and classics of Italy in the scenic and historic city of Reggio Emilia, originally a Roman fortress situated in the Apennine foothills of Northern Italy. Cultivate lasting friendships with your Italian host family where you will experience the daily life and culture of Italy. Local historical sites include spectacular cathedrals and palazzos (palaces) dating back to the 12th century, the Municipal Theater, the famous Parmigiano Reggiano cheese factory. You may also experience Italian cooking and language classes. Enjoy

a day excursion to the legendary city of Florence to visit the famous Uffizi Museum and Michelangelo’s DAVID, shopping, and enjoying Italian gelato. Your adventure culminates with a farewell pasta party with your host family and new friends bidding you Arrivederci!

Budapest, Hungary – March 10 – 18, 2012 You will experience 2000 years of history unfolding in a city reborn several times from pre-Roman to Magyar time, to post Iron Curtain. As you journey through time in a city known for its richness in culture and architecture, you will relive the city’s medieval and Baroque pasts as you visit the colorful Baroque palaces and the Hungarian Parliament. You will also see the Danube River which divides the twin cities, Buda and Pest which were united in 1872. Explore Vienna, Austria as part of an extended tour and end your journey with a farewell dinner cruise on the Danube.

Trier, Germany – June 12 – 20, 2012

Dig through the history and heritage of Trier which is Germany’s oldest city. Founded in 16 B.C. by the Romans, this city is nestled on the banks of the Moselle River. Fort Worth Youth Ambassadors will see history come to life with their new Trier host brother or sister. You will venture out into the city and explore the famous archaeological areas of Trier, medieval markets, theaters, museums, the Roman amphitheater, palaces and even take a bike ride along the Moselle while taking in the panoramic view of a countryside castle. Along with this already exciting adventure, you will visit other cities in Germany such as Rotenburg and Berg Eltz with a final night’s stay in a youth hostel in Frankfurt. Treasure your timeless memories as you bid Auf Wiedersehen, leaving this beautiful land with both new friendships and a new awareness of Germany’s incredible history and culture.

Nagaoka, Japan – June 8 – 22, 2012

Immerse yourself in the inspiring tranquility of Nagaoka, Japan. Rediscover the history of the Samurai, exchange ideas and stories with Japanese classmates at a local school and delve into cultural hands-on activities with your host brother or sister. Local tours will include the Museum of History, the famous Aoshi Shrine, a possible overnight stay in a Buddhist Temple and an excursion to the Sea of Japan. As you bid your family “sayonara,” you will leave with a new appreciation for this exotic culture and country.

Harashin Scholar-Nagaoka, Japan – July 25 – August 4, 2012

Since 1990, the late Mr. Shinichi Hara, CEO and President of the Harashin Company, Ltd. in Nagaoka, demonstrated his commitment to international cultural enrichment by establishing the Harashin Scholarship Program. Mr. Hara generously provided scholarships for eight students and two teachers each year. Mr. Hara’s son, Kazuhiko Hara, now president of the Harashin Company, continues this tradition. While living with your host family, you will experience the rich traditions of Japanese lifestyle. You will also attend the spectacular Hanabi, a three-day fireworks festival, the largest in Japan. Local tours will include the Museum of History, the famous Aoshi Shrine and an excursion to the Sea of Japan. The exchange concludes with a special sayonara garden party with many fond memories and new lifelong friendships.

Mbabane, Swaziland – June 9 – 23, 2012

Discover why Swaziland is known as “The Kingdom of Smiles” during this youth exchange. Mbabane is the capital of the Kingdom of Swaziland bordered by South Africa and Mozambique and remains the only absolute monarchy left in the world. Known for its ceremonial culture, you will visit a wildlife safari, museums, nature preserves and glimpse the classical Swazi lifestyle. The capital city of Mbabane, nestled in beautiful rolling hills, will be a welcome respite from Texas’ summer heat, with

temperatures ranging from 45 to 65 degrees. During your visit you will have the opportunity to interact with Sister Cities’ International Leadership Academy Swazi Alumni, doing activities that include painting murals, playing games to teach health and wellness, and sharing Texas culture with your new friends. The journey will include a 2-3 day excursion to Johannesburg, South Africa.

Bandung, Indonesia – June 9 – 23, 2012 Explore the rich traditions and cultural beauty of Bandung, the provincial capital of West Java and third largest city in Indonesia. Known as the “The Paris of Java”, Bandung maintains its European ambience with Dutch influence, and is proudly recognized as the

educational capital of Indonesia. Host families will welcome our youth with eagerness and warmness to share their homes and beautiful natural landscapes of tea plantations and luscious green rice paddies. Indonesian arts and crafts are powerful and wonderful expressions of life, born out of an extraordinarily cultural heritage. In addition to visiting schools to share our culture, you will learn about the art of BATIK, traditional Sudanese dance, attend musicals of the Angklung and WAYANG, traditional shadow puppet theatre.

A memorable tour is planned to Yogyakarta known as the cradle of the Javanese culture where you will visit the

BOROBUDUR, the world’s largest Buddhist monument built in the 8th century.

Guiyang, China – June 9 – 23, 2012

Our newest sister city, Guiyang, is a major economic, political and cultural center in the Guizhou Province and has retained the natural beauty of its environment and picturesque scenery. Guiyang was the first city to be named the City of Forests by the national Forestry Ministry of China. Guiyang boasts having the largest urban forest park in China, Qianling Park. With its origins dating back 600 years, it offers a variety of historic sites to visit. Guiyang has the largest Buddhist monastery in the Guizhou Province, the Hongfu Temple, built during

the Qing Dynasty. There is also the Jiaxiu Pavilion and Wenchang Pavilion, built during the Ming Dynasty. Wenchang Pavilion is of great significance for its unique structure. The culture has been influenced by the variety of ethnicities that reside in Guiyang. Special customs include dixi opera, a mix of singing and dancing to drive away evils and petition the gods for blessings and lusheng dance, a communicative activity through which the young meet and express their love.

2012YOUTH AMBASSADOR EXCHANGE APPLICATION

Application Deadline Friday, October 21, 2011 by 4:00 p.m.

(PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY)

Name______________________________________________DOB ______________________________

School_______________________________________ Grade Level ______________________________

HS Graduation Year______ Email _______________________________________________________

Parent(s) Name _______________________________________________________________

Address_______________________ City___________________ Zip Code: ______________________

Home/Cell Phone: ___________________ Parent work/cell ph: _______________________________

Parent Email: _________________________________________________________________

Indicate in numerical order your preference of countries to be considered for as a Youth Ambassador. Due to limited space, students may be selected for second or third preferences.

____ Reggio Emilia, Italy (9-12) ____ NagaokaHarashin Scholars Reciprocal Exchange (9-11) ____ Mbabane, Swaziland (9-12) ____ Trier, Germany (9-12) ____ Budapest, Hungary (8-12) ____ Bandung, Indonesia (9-12) ____ Nagaoka, Japan (8-12) ____ Guiyang, China (9-12) *In July our family can host a ____ Male ____ Female ____ Either (details will be given in interview) I would like to apply for a partial scholarship of $__________. Click here for scholarship application. Student Signature____________________________________________ Date______________________ Parent Signature _______________________________________ Date______________________ Upon completion of your application, attach the items listed below and fax, hand deliver or mail by Friday October 21, 2011.

$25 student membership fee. Check or money order made payable to Fort Worth Sister Cities

Copy of last report card

One page typed, double spaced essay on “How will I benefit from this international exchange?”

Yamagata Emerging Leader applicants: Resume and second essay noted in brochure (one page typed, double-spaced for both essays)

Recommendations from two teachers faxed or emailed separately from application.

Fort Worth Sister Cities International • 610 Grove St., Fort Worth, TX 76102 Phone: 817.632.7100 • Fax: 817.632.7120

irene@fwsistercities.org

www.fwsistercities.org

TEACHER RECOMMENDATION FORM

The 2012 Fort Worth Youth Ambassador Exchange Program enables students to visit one of our sister cities in Italy, Hungary, Germany, Japan, Swaziland, Indonesia, or China. While there the student will live with a host family. The student requesting this recommendation from you is applying to become a Youth Ambassador. Your confidential evaluation of this student is greatly appreciated. Recommendation forms due by Friday, October 21, 2011 at 4 p.m. Mail or fax to the address below. Student Name ________________________________________________________________________ Subject(s) taught this student_______________________________________________________ Teacher’s Name _________________________________________________________________ Email Address ___________________________________________________________________ School Name _________________________________________________________________________ Rating Scale: 1) Unacceptable 2) Needs Improvement 3) Acceptable 4) Commendable 5) Superior

Evaluated Area Rating Evaluated Area Rating

Maturity ______ Interest in Cultural Diversity ______

Flexibility ______ Sensitive to others ______

Team Player ______ Communication Skills ______

Open- mindedness ______ Respect for authority ______

Briefly explain why you would or would not recommend this student for acceptance in this exchange program. All comments will remain confidential.

Fort Worth Sister Cities International • 610 Grove St., Fort Worth, TX 76102 Phone: 817.632.7100 • Fax: 817.632.7120

irene@fwsistercities.org

www.fwsistercities.org