Youth Exchange Program
Who is Sister Cities?
The Sister Cities Association is an international program created to encourage communication between people of different countries; to experience and explore other cultures in the hope of establishing individual relationships thus promoting peace the world around. Belvidere has had an enjoyable relationship with each of its two sister cities -Schwieberdingen, Germany (since 1988) and Vaux-le-P6nil, France (since 1999). Interested residents of Belvidere and Boone County are invited to join the association.
Why be involved?
The Sister Cities Association encourages interactions which foster friendships. Members have an opportunity to visit a foreign country, not as a tourist, but as a guest in a home. Through these exchanges, friendships are made, a deeper understanding of other cultures is developed and a clearer comprehension of the need for global intra-dependency and world peace is strengthened.
Why do we want you?
An important part of our association is our Youth Exchange Program. Through our program, teenagers from our community are given the opportunity to make friends with teenagers in France and in Germany. We would like to interest you in the opportunity 1) of being a host family to a youth from one of our Sister Cities or 2) of representing Belvidere/Boone County as a Youth Ambassador to Vaux-le-P6nil, France or Schwieberdingen, Germany. You will have an opportunity to learn about a culture different from your own. Although applicants are not required to be students of these two languages, more consideration may be given to those who are, thus providing an opportunity to improve the use of these languages.
What do we want in an Ambassador?
We are looking for teens living in the Belvidere-We are looking for families willing to receive a Boone County area who have a friendly and positive youth from one of our Sister Cities into their home personality, an interest in other cultures and a desire to experience life in an American family while to improve their knowledge of the world and the improving their English. The host family will language they have selected to learn. include their guest in their daily lives and help him learn about our community.