

2023 ITALY EXCHANGE APPLICATON INFORMATION
PLEASE READ THROUGH ALL INFORMATION. APPLICATION FORM IS AT THE BOTTOM.
Noblesville SisterCities
Guidelines for Student Candidates
Program Objectives
The mission of the Noblesville SisterCities committee is to provide Noblesville, Indiana youth with an opportunity for intercultural experiences, building leadership skills and understanding with our SisterCities Partners of Nova Prata, Brazil and Cittadella, Italy. Our goal is that this experience will create awareness and cooperation between cultures through an immersion experience with a host family.
General Information
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A maximum of four high school students from Noblesville will be selected each year. The SisterCities Youth Committee will make the selection.
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The student’s age must be between 16 and 19 such that: this will be the student’s age during the period of the trip and he/she is not a university student. Graduates of the class of 2023 are welcome to apply.
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Adult chaperones will accompany the students.
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Selected students and their parents must attend informational meetings prior to the trip. These meetings will give the participants a chance to meet others taking the trip, gain needed knowledge and have questions answered.
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Program activities, lodging, food and local transportation will be the responsibility of the host city.
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Students will be assigned to home stays by the host city.
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Each student will be responsible for his/her own airfare, passport, visa (if required - travel to Brazil only) and spending money.
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Noblesville Sister Cities will provide each student health coverage, including emergency medical evacuation, for the duration of the trip.
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The length of the trip will be approximately TEN days, July 18th – July 28th, 2023.
*Note the return date is close to the start of the new school year. Students involved in sports, band, etc. will need to clear their absence with their coach/director. School starts 7/31/23.
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All students and chaperones will travel together in a group both going and returning. SisterCities will assist in finding the cheapest airfare for the best service.
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A valid passport, which extends beyond the travel date, is required. Please note it may take 6 weeks to process a new passport application. A passport is required to start the visa application process. The SisterCities Committee will assist with this application.
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The selected candidate’s parents/legal guardian must complete the health information, authorization for medical care, code of conduct, trip permission and other pertinent forms.
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Upon their return, participants are encouraged to report on their experience at a Noblesville SisterCities meeting and hopefully volunteer with Sister Cities for future events.
Program Costs
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Round-trip airfare from Indianapolis (IND) to Venice, Italy (VCE) (est. cost- $1,900)
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Passport (estimated cost -$145 adult)
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Spending money while in Italy ($1 = €0.90)
Application Timeline and Instructions
March 31, 2023 Final date for submission of complete application
April 10 – 14 Personal interviews with applicants
April 17, 2023 Announcement of selected candidates
April 19, 2023 Information sent to Cittadella, Italy
May TBD Make travel arrangements, orientation
May TBD Notification of host family placements in Italy
July 18 – 28, 2023 Travel to Cittadella, Italy
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Application Process
1. Complete the online application on Google Forms below. Please also download and include the signed forms found HERE
​2. Write an essay explaining your interest in being part of an exchange to Italy and what you hope to learn. Include information about why you would be a good candidate. Include hobbies, interests, honors received, previous travel experience, and foreign language exposure. Also, describe how you propose to relate your experiences in Italy to classmates and the community upon your return. This essay should be no more than one page in length.
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4. Obtain two letters of reference from adults (not members of your immediate family) who will explain why you would be a good selection for this trip. It should include information about how you interact in groups and what contributions you can make to the group.
5. Participate in a brief, personal interview with the selection committee.
Completed applications, essays, and letters of reference must be submitted online no later than Friday, March 31, 2023.
All applicants will be notified of your selection status on or before Monday, April 17, 2023.
**IF THE STUDENT DOES NOT HAVE A PASSPORT VALID THROUGH JANUARY 2024, HE/SHE SHOULD APPLY FOR ONE IMMEDIATELY.