Student Ambassador Exchange Program

For questions email internationalfolkfair@gmail.com AND david.thompson@stpete.org

About St. Petersburg and Takamatsu

Originally conceived by President Eisenhower in 1956, Sister Cities International is to promote peace through mutual respect, understanding and cooperation -- one individual, one community at a time. St. Petersburg and Takamatsu became Sister Cities in 1961.

The City of St. Petersburg sponsors student ambassadors to Takamatsu in the spirit of Citizen Diplomacy. St. Petersburg International Folk Fair Society, Inc. (SPIFFS), an organization with long- standing connections city’s international community, has been charged with providing support and management of the Student Ambassador program.

About the Student Ambassador Program

Each year the City selects up to three high school juniors who are residents of St. Petersburg to visit Takamatsu, Japan as goodwill ambassadors. Selected students will spend approximately two weeks in Takamatsu. Typically, students are in Japan from late July to early August, but exact dates vary according to the school calendars.

SPIFFS will cover all international travel costs, including round-trip economy airfare and travel insurance, paid by the program. Students will be hosted by families in Takamatsu. Students will be responsible for personal living expenses while in Japan including transportation, activities arranged by host families such as visits to local attractions, meals in restaurants, and miscellaneous expenses. Ability to pay is not a requirement to apply for student ambassadors. Students and their families concerned about costs should apply. If selected, students who demonstrate need will be assisted in financial obligations.

While in Japan, students will have an official meeting with the Mayor of Takamatsu, attend high school with Japanese students for a few days, represent the city as goodwill ambassadors, and share information about our city and culture with Japanese students and others. Students will experience typical Japanese family life, culture, customs and local sights while living with host families.

Giving Back

During their stay in Takamatsu, students are encouraged to post photos and details of their experiences to the City's website, or via other creative methods, for all to enjoy.

Upon their return, students will be expected to share their experiences with other students, civic groups, city officials, and other interested parties. Articles in school newspapers, interviews with local media, and appearances before City Council are all possible means of sharing their experiences with the community and promoting the program.

This is an exchange program. Up to three (3) Takamatsu teens will be in St. Petersburg in July and early August. Families of St. Petersburg student ambassadors are expected to host students in their homes, or to find an alternative, approved host family. Students and their families are expected to host a Student Exchange Ambassador from Takamatsu for 10 days shortly after their return.

We welcome the involvement of families of applicants and ambassadors.

For high school students who:

1) reside within the city limits of St Petersburg and

2) will complete their junior year in May.

Student Name*

First NameLast Name

Home Address*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code

How long have you lived in St. Petersburg?*

Student's Cell Phone Number*

Please enter a valid phone number.

Student's Email*

example@example.com

Student's High School *

Student's Course of Study

Grade Point Average (GPA)*

Academic Achievements*

What foreign languages or foreign study programs have you participated in?*

YesNo

If yes, which language(s)?

Parent/Guardian Name(s)*

First NameLast Name

Parent/Guardian(s) Address

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code

Parent/Guardian(s) Cell Number

Please enter a valid phone number.

Parent/Guardian(s) Email*

example@example.com

Copy of High School Transcript*

Two Letters of Reference*

Student’s Letter to Host Family

Write a letter introducing yourself to your host family in Takamatsu. Remember that this letter will be their first impression of you. Incorporate your answers to the following questions, providing as much detail as possible.

Specifications:

Type your letter on a separate sheet(s) of paper and include your name on each. Maximum length: three (3) pages.

1. What do you do when you have free time?

2. What do you do at your school? (How many subjects do you take? What are they? How long are the classes? What is your daily schedule during the school year? Start with when you wake-up and discuss only one typical day’s schedule.) Are you able to choose courses at your school? If so, which courses did you choose, and why?

3. What are your school interests and activities? What leadership positions have you held?

4. How would you describe your home? (Do you have your own room, or do you share your room with others? Where in your house do you study? How far is your home from your school? Do you drive, ride a bus, or walk to school?)

5. How would you describe St. Petersburg?

6. What are your interests and accomplishments? Are you interested in art, literature, music, sports, and/or other activities? How did you become interested in the activity? How long have you been interested? How much time do you devote to the activity?

7. What trips have you taken outside your country? Why did you take these trips, with whom, and for how long?

8. What things do you dislike? Do you dislike certain foods, animals, treatment by other people, etc.?

9. What do you think are your strong and weak characteristics?

10. What are your future plans and ambitions for your education and career? Why?

11. What do you specifically hope to accomplish as an exchange student, both during your exchange and when you return?

Attach Student Letter*

Parent Letter to Host Parent(s)

Write a letter to the family who will host your child while in Takamatsu, Japan.

Specifications:

Type your letter on a separate sheet(s) of paper and include your child's name on each. Maximum length: two (2) pages.

Please incorporate answers to the following questions into your letter:

1. How is your child’s relationship with you and your family? With his/her friends?

2. How does your child react to disagreement, discipline, and frustration?

3. How does your child handle challenging or difficult situations?

4. What amount of independence do you give to your child? What is your child’s level of maturity?

5. What makes you proud of your child?

6. Why do you want your child to be an exchange student?

7. Any other comments/insights about your son/daughter you would like to share?

Attach Parent Letter*

I hereby authorize and consent to the collection and forwarding to St. Petersburg International Folk Fair Society, Inc. for the City of St. Petersburg my high school grades, honors, extra-curricular activities, and other related records.

I further understand that this information will be reviewed by authorized members of the St. Pete Sister Cities Selection Committee for the 2026 Student Ambassador Program, and hereby consent to that review.

Student Applicant Signature*

Parent/Guardian Signature*

Date*

Date

2026 Certification of Application of Student Ambassador Applicant

The applicant must be available for interviews. If selected, the student also agrees to be available to present, discuss, and share his/her learning experiences upon return from the trip.

All required documents must be received by SPIFFS by 5 PM on March 27, 2026.

Student Applicant Signature*

Parent/Guardian Signature*

Date*

Date

Student Ambassador Exchange Program

STUDENT AMBASSADOR APPLICATION FOR TAKAMATSU, JAPAN

2026 STUDENT AND PARENTAL CONSENT FOR AUTHORIZATION TO REVIEW STUDENT RECORDS