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Student Exchange Information
Application Deadline is extended until Friday, January 27, 2012. This is NOT postmark date. The application may be mailed or hand delivered, but must be in the City Manager's Office by 5:00pm on Friday, January 20.
Download application and recommendation forms:
Student Application as Adobe PDF File
Student Application MS Word File
Student Aid Application Adobe PDF File
Student Aid Application MS Word File
LSCA Membership Application MS Word File
LSCA Membership Application Adobe PDF File
The Sister City Concept:
In 1956, President Dwight D. Eisenhower proposed the people-to-people concept
that lead to the development of Sister Cities International.
It was Eisenhower’s belief that strong relationships established between
cities in the United States and cities of the world would lessen the potential
for world conflicts. Based on this concept, in 1991 local Longmont businesses
and city government joined together to establish Longmont’s first sister city
relationship with Chino, Japan. Longmont’s second sister city relationship with
Ciudad Guzmán, Mexico was formed in 1998.
Student Exchange Program:
The purpose of the Longmont Sister Cities association
Student Exchange Program is to provide an opportunity for
Longmont students and families to develop understanding
among the people of Chino, Japan and Ciudad Guzmán,
México and visa versa, through a family living experience.
Who is eligible to apply?
Student applicants must reside in the St. Vrain Valley School District
attendance area or attend school within the boundaries of the school district and must be
currently enrolled in 8th – 11th grades. Students may attend public, private or charter schools
or be home schooled. Students must also expect to live in the St. Vrain area following their summer travel.
Student’s Time and Commitment:
A good deal of time is required. During the selection process,
absence from a scheduled informational or interview session will disqualify the student’s
application. Once selected, all Ambassadors are required to attend weekly orientation sessions
prior to departure; participate and play an active role in the Longmont Sister Cities Association
and its activities; work at organization fund raisers; and in general promote the program. Attendance at orientation sessions and other informational meetings is critical. Student Responsibility Abroad:
Students selected to participate in the Longmont Sister City exchange program serve as ambassadors
and representatives of Longmont, Colorado and the United States. While participating in the exchange students must be respectful
of their host families and must be willing to be helpful with the household and family duties and to assume the same responsibility
as other members of the family. The student is expected to participate in all scheduled activities in his/her sister city.
Travel costs
Travel costs to Japan are approximately $2,00 and $800 for Mexico per student.
All funds raised through the Sister Cities fund raisers must be used for Sister City activities. Responsibility of Parent(s)/Guardian(s) of Exchange Students:
The Longmont Sister Cities Association needs the support of parents and guardians. The foreign students generally arrive in the first week of August, for a two-week stay. Many activities are planned for the students during their stay in Longmont. Selection Process:
All applicants must participate in a family orientation meeting
with at least one parent scheduled for Sunday, January 29, 2012 and an individual interview scheduled for Saturday or Sunday, February 4 or 5, 2012. You will need to bring with you to your interview a copy of your school attendance record and the signed Program Expectations form that will be given to you at the family orientation meeting. The interview panel will make the final selections, and students/parents will be informed of their status within one week of the individual interviews. The selected ambassadors and at least one parent will be expected to attend a meeting scheduled for Sunday, February 12, 2012 for more specific information and to begin planning fundraising, orientation sessions and other activities.
Download application and recommendation forms:
Student Application as Adobe PDF File
Student Application MS Word File
Student Aid Application Adobe PDF File
Student Aid Application MS Word File
Missing more than 2 orientation sessions will be grounds for dismissal from the program.
An estimated 4-6 hours per week commitment is expected.
Upon return, the Ambassadors are required to participate in the activities scheduled for the Japanese
and Mexican students visiting Longmont; assist in preparation of a presentation to share with the community;
and give talks about the exchange experience.
This cost does not include spending money or gifts. Costs may fluctuate depending on currency exchange rates and airfare at the time of travel.
Parents and Sister Cities Board members will develop fundraising opportunities for delegates in spring and early summer so that each delegate
might raise some of his/her own money for travel.
There should be a direct relationship between effort expended and reward.
A strict accounting system will be established to record participation in fundraising.
Financial aid is available and will be granted based on financial need.
Financial aid must be used for travel expenses.
Applications for financial aid will be submited upon student selection.
Membership in the organization is required of the parent(s)/ guardians of the students selected for the program, as well as participation
in the organization’s activities, including home-hosting delegates from our Sister Cities. Family membership fee is $15.
It is expected that more of our home hosts will the families of the delegates, however, if this is impossible for your family, we request your assistance in finding
an appropriate home stay family. Parents should be aware of the need to have their student available for meetings and speaking engagements, upon their return as well
as helping in the organization’s major fundraising activities. Obtaining a passport, as well as travel and health documents and/or insurance is the responsibility of the delegate and his/her
family prior to departure.