The Edmonds Sister City Commission hosts two exchange programs
Student Exchange Program: 2024 Student Exchange Announcement: After a four-year hiatus due to COVID, the Edmonds Sister City Commission is excited to announce plans for a 2024 student exchange! During July 29-August 8, 2024, a delegation of seven students and two chaperones will travel to Hekinan, Japan for a 10-day homestay, and from August 19-28, 2024 a delegation of seven Hekinan students and their chaperone(s) will travel to Edmonds for a reciprocal 10-day homestay. Eligible students must: 1) be 14-18 years old at the time of travel 2) be in good standing in their classes 3) be able to host a Hekinan student during the Hekinan student delegation stay in Edmonds.
Students are responsible for their airfare, their own spending money, plus $400.00 to go towards chaperones' airfare.
The application process for the 2024 student exchange program is now open, and the application deadline has been extended to Monday, April, 1, 2024, with priority given to the first three applications received. The application packet can be found here, or you can request an emailed, or mailed packet by contacting the Mayor's Office at 425.771.0247 or by emailing the Commission.
Adult Anniversary Exchanges: These exchanges take place every five years in the spring. Typically, delegates stay in homes providing them with opportunities to meet residents and business owners and experience the respective culture first-hand. Hotel stays are available. Itineraries for these visits include a Sister City Reception and an Anniversary Ceremony for the founding of the City of Hekinan. The next Anniversary Exchange is scheduled for April 2028. For more information please contact the Commission.
Host family opportunities: The Commission is always looking for great host families for our adult anniversary exchanges. Host families play a very important role in our exchange program and enable us to continue this 27+-year tradition. If you and your family would like to experience this cross-cultural interaction, please let us know by contacting the Commission.