Getting to Know Each Other, One Student at a Time
Educational exchange has been at the heart of the sister city relationship between Hot Springs, Arkansas, and Hanamaki, Japan, since its inception in 1993. This dynamic program connects students from both cities, fostering cultural understanding and lifelong friendships through immersive experiences in each other’s communities.
An Immersive Cultural Experience
Each fall, Hanamaki student delegations journey to Hot Springs, where they immerse themselves in American life. These students stay with local host families, attend area schools, participate in sporting events, and experience what it means to be a teenager in the United States.
Each year, the Hot Springs National Park Sister City Foundation accepts applications from Garland County students in grades 8–11 to be part of a student delegation that travels to Hanamaki for approximately one week each summer. Hosted by Japanese families, these students explore the traditions, education system, and everyday life of their counterparts in Hanamaki. Local teachers accompany the group as chaperones, ensuring a safe and enriching experience for all participants.
Supporting the Next Generation of Cultural Ambassadors
To make these life-changing opportunities accessible, the Sister City Foundation offers scholarships to eligible students. Fundraising events, including the annual Arkansas Cherry Blossom Festival, provide essential support for the scholarship program.
Applications Open for 2024 Student Delegation
Applications for the 2024 Hot Springs student delegation to Hanamaki are now available! Students in grades 8–11 from Garland County are encouraged to apply for this unique experience. Completed applications, including letters of reference and school documentation, are due by 4:00 PM on January 8, 2024.
Click the link below to access the application and take the first step toward a transformative journey.
Teacher Exchange: Expanding Educational Horizons
In addition to student delegates traveling to Hanamaki, some years include a unique opportunity for Garland County educators to participate in an educational exchange. Sponsored by the Hot Springs National Park Sister City Foundation, this program invites teachers and administrators to apply for scholarships to represent Hot Springs in visiting its sister city.
During their stay, teachers are hosted by local families, providing an authentic cultural experience. They explore the history and traditions of Hanamaki, visit area schools, and engage with Japanese educators to exchange ideas and teaching practices. Upon returning, these educators bring back innovative approaches and insights to enrich their classrooms and share with colleagues, fostering a broader understanding of global education in Garland County schools.
Sister school relationships
The following schools have sister school relationships and many take part in arts, video, and student exchanges each year.
- Sasama Daini Elementary School and Fountain Lake Elementary School
- Hot Springs Middle School and Hanamaki Junior High
- Jessieville Middle Schools and Ohasama Junior High Schools
- Lakeside High School and Hanamaki Higashi High School
- Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences and Arts and Hanamaki Kita High School
For more information about how you can be involved in hosting guests or traveling to Hanamaki as a student or teacher delegate, email director@hotspringssistercity.org
