SISTER CITY STUDENT EXCHANGE PROGRAM

Background – The Smyrna Sister City Committee is the group involved with the exchange of students with our sister city, Zama, Japan.  The committee is sponsored by the Town of Smyrna, and the students who participate act as ambassadors for the town.  We have been exchanging students with Zama for the past 19 years.  Our group of 20 students from Smyrna spent two unforgettable weeks in Japan in July of 2007.  Students from Zama will travel here during August 2010 for home stays with our Smyrna students.

Purpose of the Exchange – The purpose of the exchange is to provide the opportunity for Smyrna students and families to develop understanding among the people of Zama, Japan through a family living experience. 

Application Requirements – Each student applicant should reside within the Smyrna city limits, range in age from 13 to 19  

Student’s Time Commitment – Once selected, all delegates are required to attend orientation, participate in and play an active role in the Smyrna Sister City activities, give talks about the exchange experience, work for the organization’s fund raisers, and, in general, promote the exchange program.  The Japanese students will arrive in August for a two-week stay that will coincide with the first few days of school.

Responsibility of Parents of Host Students - The Smyrna Sister City Committee and the selection committee need the support of the parents.  All delegates’ families are required to home-host the Japanese student for the two-week period in August.  The parents should be aware of the need to have their student available to participate in all activities and events.

Cost – Group activities are planned and paid for by the Town of Smyrna and funds raised by the group to reduce the cost of hosting.  The host student and his or her family are expected to provide a suitable home environment for the Japanese student, as well as incur the costs of activities not provided by the group.

Selection Process – All applicants will participate in one group and one individual interview.  The applicants and their families will be required to attend an informal gathering of all applicants and committee members. Students who act as hosts for the Japanese students this year will have priority in the selection of those who will travel to Japan in 2011.

Roseanne Peppers is our currently our contact person at Town Hall.  She will accept the applications and answer any questions related to the application or selection process.  Her telephone number is 459-2553, extension 2135.  Her e-mail address is roseanne.peppers@townofsmyrna.org or sister.city@townofsmyrna.org . Marc Michaelson is the current chairman of the Sister City Committee.  Any of the committee are available to answer questions.