Hearing Lower Hutt students, Taylor Snow, Krishna McQueen and Ariana Randall, enthusiastically talking about their recent trip to Tempe as part of their five-week student exchange will hopefully spark a desire in current Year 11 and 12 students to participate in this fun and exciting adventure.

Hutt Sister Cities held an Information Night on Thursday, 25 August 2016 regarding their teacher and student exchanges to Tempe, Arizona, and there was a good turnout from students and their families to hear about what is involved and how they can apply.

Taylor, Krishna, and Ariana joined their American families in July and spent time with them before student delegates from Tempe’s sister cities all around the world joined them. The group of 60 students then travelled to the Grand Canyon where they spent a couple of nights camping. They also visited California and spent time at Disneyland where they were there from opening to closing – an epic day!

A highlight was attending an American Prom – the girls were taken to a dress shop where they were able to choose a formal dress for free. After a memorable night, they were allowed to keep the dress.

The parents of the students also spoke from their perspective – emphasising that the fundraising part is hard work, but that they themselves have gained a New Zealand family as well as an American family.

For the students themselves, even though they had an awesome time in Tempe, the biggest thing that they came away with is “Friendship”. Not only have they gained an American brother/sister and family, they have also made connections with other teenagers from all over the world.

So if you want to participate in an experience of a life-time, then apply now! Applications close Friday, 9 September 2016 at 4pm. More information regarding the student exchange and the application form can be found elsewhere on this website.