SISTER CITY STUDENT EXCHANGE PROGRAM

The Sister City Concept:
Smyrna Sister City Program is part of a national not-for-profit volunteer movement initiated more than 40 years ago by President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s people-to-people concept.  The goal of people-to-people was to further international understanding and goodwill between the people of the U.S. and the rest of the world.   Sister cities programs enable citizens from throughout the world to learn more about each other through educational, social, cultural and business exchanges. 

The Sister City Agreement and Program
In 1991, the Town of Smyrna entered into a Sister City agreement with Zama, Japan.   At that time, Zama was home to a Nissan auto manufacturing facility.  The first visit to Zama included adult elected and community leaders.  Soon thereafter, the Town Council determined that a student exchange program would serve the youth of Smyrna well and provide an excellent opportunity for a cultural exchange between students of both communities.

Why do Sister City Relationships Matter?
The Smyrna Sister City program opens doors to establishing meaningful and lasting global friendships, partnerships and connections.  People-to-people relationships not only enhance our lives, but represent our best hope for peace and prosperity in the future.  Sister City programs raise awareness of global issues, promote greater participation in international dialogue and exchange and, by doing so, build and strengthen bridges of mutual understanding and respect.

Where is Zama?
Zama is a city in the Kanagawa Prefecture in eastern Japan.  In 2010, almost 129,000 people lived there.   Zama is also home to the United States Camp Zama Army base.   It is 40 km from Tokyo and 20 km from Yokohama.

Student exchanges from Smyrna to Zama:
Every three years, the Town of Smyrna sends a delegation of students and chaperones to Zama.  Exchanges last about two weeks and take place during the summer, usually during the month of July.  Twenty Smyrna Middle and High School students and 5 adult chaperones are selected to travel to Zama.  Selections are based upon application information, interviews and previous hosting experience.  Each student lives with a Zama student, in that student’s home.  Group activities are planned for the majority of the trip including attending school with host students for two days.  Additionally hosts provide other activities that give a true representation of Japanese life.

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.