This June, a group of 13 students from Hot Springs will embark on an exciting cultural exchange trip to our Sister City, Hanamaki, Japan. This delegation, made up of ten students from local schools and three students from the Arkansas School for Mathematics, Science, and the Arts, will spend a week immersing themselves in the rich culture and history of Hanamaki.
During their stay, the students will be hosted by local families, allowing them to experience firsthand the renowned hospitality that our Sister City is known for. They will have the unique opportunity to visit area schools, interact with Japanese peers, and participate in cultural activities that will deepen their understanding of Hanamaki’s traditions.
Accompanied by chaperones Kathy Ballard and Dan Anderson, the delegation will also learn about the community’s history and its ties to Hot Springs. This exchange is part of the ongoing efforts to strengthen the cultural and educational bonds between our two cities, fostering global understanding and cooperation.
The students traveling from Hot Springs come from several different school districts, including Fountain Lake School District, Lakeside School District, Hot Springs World Class High School District, and one homeschool student.
This trip marks another milestone in the ongoing success of the Hot Springs Sister City Program, continuing the tradition of cultural exchange and international friendship.
For more information about the Sister City program, visit www.hotspringssistercity.org, or contact Mary Zunick at 501-545-6960.
