Congratulations to Local Students Selected for a Trip to Arizona!

Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Billy Webb is to host a reception for two students to congratulate them on being selected to take part in our Sister City Student Exchange Programme. 

Rebecca Richardson from Antrim Grammar School and Hannah McCullagh from Belfast High School will travel to Gilbert Arizona during the summer to spend three weeks being home hosted by their matched student.  They will be given a wonderful opportunity to learn about their hosts’ local cultures and customs in ways not available to a casual visitor.

At the end of the three weeks, the Gilbert students will return with our students to be home hosted in Antrim and Newtownabbey.  During their stay, they will have a chance to closely experience our culture and make lifelong friends by living with the family of their exchange student. 

The Mayor commented;

I am delighted that these students have this fantastic opportunity.  Travel broadens the mind and I have no doubts that these young people will grow and develop as a result of their trip.  I am sure they will have a wonderful time with the families in our Sister City and I look forward to welcoming our Arizona visitors to the Borough when they arrive in the summer.

Rebecca said;

I see this as an opportunity to experience how things are done in different places and learn more about their culture.  I love travelling and seeing the world and feel that this would help develop my independence.  I am looking forward to making new friends and building up connections outside Northern Ireland.

 

Hannah said;

I applied because I thought this was a unique opportunity.  I love travelling and experiencing different cultures.  I am looking forward to welcoming the Arizona exchange student back to Northern Ireland and showing them a home away from home, meeting new and interesting people and confirming that it is people that make places so special.

 

Click here to find out more about our Sister Cities Student Exchange Programme.