January 11, 2024
Rutherford County Schools
The Town of Smyrna is in search of five families to host students from its sister city of Zama, Japan in the summer of 2024.
The two cities have participated in a cultural exchange program since 1991. Zama and Smyrna are home to Nissan manufacturing facilities and in close proximity to major metropolitan areas.
Interested students must live within Smyrna town limits or attend a Smyrna school. Students, usually in middle or high school (ages 12 to 15) can apply and if accepted, participate in a three-year program. Students from Smyrna chosen as hosts this year will spend two weeks in Japan in 2025 while accompanied by local chaperones. The town covers a third of the cost, with another third covered by fundraising. Families are responsible for the final third, with the most recent group of families spending approximately $1,000.
For more information, including an application, visit https://www.townofsmyrna.org/residents/cultural/sister-city-program