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Fullerton Sister City Association

The Fullerton Sister City Association is an exciting part of our community. Every year we host Junior Ambassadors from one of our three Sister Cities: Morelia, Fukui or Yongin. And every year, a group of Fullerton students travel to Mexico, Japan or South Korea.

Then there are the adult trips to Sister Cities ... do you have a yen to travel? Then this is the group for you! Each of our three Sister Cities offers visitors a rich experience: cultural events, historic sites, fabulous markets and scenic natural beauty. Climb the volcano at Paricutin in Michoacan, Mexico, or spend a day at Everland, South Korea's largest theme park. Visit Zen monks at an ancient Eiheiji Temple just a few miles from Fukui. And enjoy the hospitality of Sister City members everywhere.

So how do you get involved? Read about what you can do, and then click on the "Contact Us" button!

Apply to become a Junior Ambassador: If you have a child age 12-16, attending a school in Fullerton, he or she can apply to become a Junior Ambassador. Ten students are chosen each year, so there are opportunities for all those interested. The selection process begins in the Fall, when teachers at Fullerton middle and high schools distribute applications. The deadline to apply is usually in January, when the selection process begins. The Sister City Association finalizes its choices in the spring, and students are then scheduled for a series of training meetings to familiarize them with their host country and their responsibilities as Junior Ambassadors. The trip usually takes place in July or August, and lasts from ten to fourteen days.

Apply to become a chaperone: Junior Ambassadors are accompanied during their travels by a minimum of two adults, usually one male and one female. The ideal chaperone is a responsible adult who enjoys both travel and working with young people. Knowledge of a foreign language is a plus but not required. Just contact one of the FSCA Board members to throw your hat in the ring! More information on becoming a chaperone

Apply to host a Sister City visitor: Fullerton hosts a Sister City delegation every year, so if you are willing to open your home, you can participate in the Sister City program. Host families are where the rubber meets the road, the people who are actively involved on a day-to-day basis during the annual exchange. They do the most work, but they reap the most benefits, too. Besides the excitement of learning about a different culture, they often form lasting relationships with the visiting Junior Ambassadors, who continue to stay in contact with their "families" in Fullerton. Contact one of the FSCA Board members to volunteer as a host for a Junior Ambassador or a chaperone. Read more about becoming a FSCA host

Participate in FSCA activities: You don't need to be a host family member to participate in FSCA events! Join us at the welcoming ceremony for Sister City visitors, and also at the (usually tearful) farewell parties. Volunteer to assist with Junior Ambassadors -- tours and trips to local parks, museums, maybe an Angels' baseball game! Drivers are especially welcome.

Help demonstrate the culture of our Sister Cities during "Faces of Fullerton" every year. Some of our past activities have included offering samples of authentic cuisine from Mexico, Japan and South Korea, and displaying artwork from students in our Sister Cities. We have arranged for Mexican folk dancers and Korean drum dancers to take the stage in downtown Fullerton. Our newsletter and web site keep people up to date on trips and events. Choose what you like to do and dive in!

Support FSCA with your membership: Individual memberships are only $35 annually, and family and organizational memberships are also available. Your dues help support the Junior Ambassador program, allowing deserving students the opportunity to travel. Dues also help pay for our newsletter, website, and participation in "Faces of Fullerton." FSCA members also elect the organization's officers, who plan and carry out all FSCA activities. Support the volunteers who make everything happen ... it's easy to become a member of FSCA. Print out the Membership Form (Microsoft Word format or .pdf format) and mail it in today!