EXPRESSIONS of interest are being sought for a student exchange program in 2020, for Year 9 or Year 10 students to travel to Japan or America, and host students in their Hawkesbury homes.
Expressions of interest are being sought through the Hawkesbury Sister City Association Inc page on Facebook.
"Are you aged between 14 - 17, live and/or attend school in the Hawkesbury? Are you interested in experiencing a different culture and living overseas for a month? Are you keen on hosting an overseas student for a month? You may be the perfect candidate for our Cultural Experience with Kyotamba in Japan OR Temple City in California USA," a post stated.
The program is run in conjunction with and supported by Hawkesbury Council, and formal applications are expected to open in February.
Tara Vigouroux, whose daughter was among the students selected for the Kyotamba exchange this year, said her daughter "couldn't wait to join the Sister City Youth Committee upon her return so she could mentor future students."
"This year was so fantastic, when we had the American and Japanese students here during August they all got on so well, and many joint outings and get-togethers were organised with both groups becoming such good friends," said Ms Vigouroux.
"I feel Hawkesbury really shined for these students, highlighting what a wonderful piece of Sydney we live in and our laidback and friendly hospitality."
Six students will be selected to travel to Temple City in California, and six will be selected to travel to Japan.
Find out more at www.hsca.org.au