Sister Cities Program

What is a Sister City?

Sister Cities International (SCI) is a national initiative begun by Dwight D. Eisenhower shortly after World War II to develop economic, cultural, and technical exchanges between U.S. cities, counties, and states with corresponding communities worldwide. The goal of the Sister Cities program is to involve people and organized groups at all levels of society, establishing productive, people-to-people relationships through global community partnerships and volunteer action.

Today, the SCI represents 1,200 U.S. cities, counties, and states and their 2,100 partners in 125 countries worldwide. As international cooperation gains importance, city-to-city programs continue to play a significant role in overall global development and cultural understanding.

Why are Sister Cities Important?

Sister City relationships create opportunities for citizens and city officials to experience and explore other cultures, stimulating an environment for communities around the globe to learn and share experiences that further advance their cultural understanding. In a global economy, the more relationships a city has throughout the world, the more productive and prosperous a community can be. International trade is no longer limited to the federal level; a vibrant, personal Sister City relationship allows for everything from the smallest town to major metropolitan cities to have a stake in the game.

Clearwater and Nagano City, Japan – Sister Cities since 1959

The cities of Clearwater and Nagano City, Japan, have participated in a reciprocal exchange of students, teachers, and official delegates for more than 60 years. In 1956, the Mayor of Nagano City, Itaru Kurashima, came to America to study three potential sister cities that had been suggested to him by the US State Department. These cities were similar in size to Nagano City, with similar economic and community needs. Mayor Kurashima found Clearwater, with its white, sandy beaches and tourism-based economy, to be a natural pairing for Nagano City and, with Clearwater Mayor Herbert Brown, laid the groundwork that resulted in the establishment of an official Sister City relationship in 1959.

Clearwater and Ixmiquilpan, Mexico – A New Sister Cities Partnership

The cities of Clearwater and Ixmiquilpan, Mexico, are now Sister Cities, making it the second partnership for the city. On Aug. 19, 2023, Clearwater Mayor Brian Aungst Sr. and Ixmiquilpan Mayor Araceli Beltrán Contreras signed the agreement during a festive ceremony.

Ixmiquilpan, located in the Mexican state of Hidalgo, is located about three hours north of Mexico City, and has a population of approximately 98,000. Many of Clearwater’s Hispanic residents have emigrated from Ixmiquilpan, opening businesses and making a new life for their families in the area. Additionally, both cities cite tourism as their main economic engine.

International Exchange Programs

The first exchange between Clearwater and Nagano City occurred in 1964. Over the years, the exchange program has grown to include students, teachers, and official delegations of government officials and citizens. Official delegations from both cities host reciprocal anniversary visits every five years. Student and teacher exchanges occur on an annual basis and include middle and high school students.

The Pinellas County School Board teacher exchange program began in 1983 with the exchange of teachers between Clearwater and Nagano City. Each year, two teachers are selected from Pinellas County schools to stay for one month in the summer, teaching lessons in English and American history and culture to the students of Nagano City schools.

Since 1990, the city of Clearwater and Nagano City have participated in a reciprocal high school student exchange program. Each year, the cities sponsor an exchange of four students and one chaperone, with groups spending two weeks with a homestay host family in their Sister City. Exchange students participate in a variety of activities, including attending English classes, team sports, and social outings. These mutually beneficial exchanges have had a positive impact in promoting and nurturing cross-cultural relations. Long-lasting friendships and a deeper understanding and appreciation for one another’s respective cultures are the bonds that connect Sister Cities and the participants of the exchange programs. Student participants have gone on to study comparative cultures, international business and relations, and foreign policy. For information on the high school exchange program, contact Arts and Cultural Affairs Manager Amber Brice at amber.brice@myclearwater.com, or 727-444-7569.

Since 2001, Clearwater Sister Cities, Inc., a citizen-run membership organization, has sponsored an annual exchange of middle school students with Nagano City. These Young Ambassadors travel for two weeks, staying with a homestay host family as part of a language and culture immersion program. During their stay, the students attend junior high school classes and other after-school activities. Through these exchanges, students gain experience, discipline, and self-confidence as they interact with dignitaries, citizens, students, and families and make presentations to the Mayor and other Nagano City officials. For more information on Clearwater Sister Cities, Inc. and the Young Ambassadors program, visit ClearwaterSisterCities.org.

Host Family Opportunities

The homestay host family relationship is the backbone of the Sister Cities Program and promotes a deep and valuable cultural exchange between visiting students and their homestay hosts. As a host family, you will need to be able to provide your visitor with:

• The opportunity to participate in your family’s daily life and events;
• A safe, nurturing and primarily English-speaking home environment;
• A bed (not convertible or inflatable) sharing a room with a sibling of the same gender is fine;
• Three meals a day, with arrangements for lunch during school visits;
• Transportation arrangements to and from school and other events.

Depending on the exchange program, hosting can range from a few days to up to two weeks. Host families must pass a mandatory background check before participating. If your family would be willing to host visiting students or teachers, contact Arts and Cultural Affairs Manager Amber Brice at amber.brice@myclearwater.com, or 727-444-7569.