Ambassador Cultural Exchange Program
How it works
Each year 10 - 12 high school students are selected to travel to either Kyotamba in Japan or Temple City, California USA.
You will be away for 3-4 weeks and will be hosted by one of our reciprocal Sister City families for 3-4 weeks
It is also expected that you will host a student ambassador from the Sister City that you travel to.
Whilst hosting is expected there may be exceptions depending upon your family circumstances.
The cost
You will be responsible for paying for your airfare to the host city, travel insurance, a valid passport and personal spending money. These costs usually add up to approximately $2000 - $3000.
Whilst you are away your host city will pay for any excursions they operate, however any extra activites may be at your own expense.
Hawkesbury Sister City Association will cover the costs of excursions we operate for the inbound students, however you are responsible for any costs for activities/excursions you wish to take your host student on.
Are you eligible?
To be eligible for the Ambassador Cultural Exchange Program you must be attending a high school in the Hawkesbury City local government area (LGA) and/or reside in the Hawkesbury LGA.
You must also be in year 9, 10 or 11 in the year the exchange takes place.
What will my commitments be?
STUDENT COMMITMENT: Prior to travel you must attend 1-2 meetings/functions per month from February to October. These are held by the management committee to prepare you for the program, if you miss more than two meetings you may be expelled from the program.
FAMILY COMMITTMENT: Families are an integral part of our cultural exchange experience. This includes, home hosting a student where possible, attending some meetings and events, as well as assisting on at least 1 of the HSCA committee excursions during the inbound students visit.
The selection process
Applications will be fully vetted and references checked. A shortlist will be compiled and if selected for this list you must be available for an interview and selection day on the 7th December 2025 from 9.30am - 4.00pm. THIS IS AN ALL DAY EVENT.