Student Exchanges & Hosting

Norfolk Sister Cities provides opportunities for parents and students to host inbound students from our Sister Cities, as well as participate in outbound exchanges. Some sister cities have reciprocal agreements where their students visit the United States one year, and the American students visit their country the next, so outbound exchanges may not be available every year.  These exchanges are organized by Norfolk Sister City Association (NCSA). While some need-based scholarship funds are available, the costs are the responsibility of the participants including any costs not covered by awarded scholarship funds. Please note that priority for outbound exchanges is usually given to students that host during a reciprocal year.

• Toulon OUTBOUND student exchange: July 5-20, 2026
  • For more information on the Toulon, France exchange, please contact Committee Chair, Carie Hatfield.
  • Student Application, Profile, & Agreement form: Click here.
  • Recommendation form (2 recommendations needed: Teacher & non-relative): Click here.
  • Once the student applicant is approved to participate, the parent(s)/legal guardian(s) must complete the following forms:
    • Parent Emergency & Medical Form: Click here.
    • Parent must complete the following forms and email to staff@norfolksistercities.org or mail to P.O. Box 3074, Norfolk, VA 23514. Electronic or wet signatures are acceptable.
      1. Parent Waiver of Responsibility Form: Youth Outbound Exchange – Waiver of Responsibility
      2. Parent Power of Attorney & Emergency Treatment Permission Form (to be completed after host family is assigned): Power of Attorney & Emergency Treatment Permission – Toulon 2026
      3. Parent Alcohol Permission Form (optional): Youth Outbound Exchange – Alcohol Permission Form – optional
• Wilhelmshaven OUTBOUND student exchange: July 19-Aug 9, 2026
  • For more information on the Wilhelmshaven, Germany exchange, please contact Committee member, Allyn Boney.
  • Student Application, Profile, & Agreement form: Click here.
  • Recommendation form (2 recommendations needed: Teacher & non-relative): Click here.
  • Once the student applicant is approved to participate, the parent(s)/legal guardian(s) must complete the following forms:
    • Parent Emergency & Medical Form: Click here.
    • Parent must complete the following forms and email to staff@norfolksistercities.org or mail to P.O. Box 3074, Norfolk, VA 23514. Electronic or wet signatures are acceptable.
      1. Parent Waiver of Responsibility Form: Youth Outbound Exchange – Waiver of Responsibility
      2. Parent Power of Attorney & Emergency Treatment Permission Form (to be completed after host family is assigned): Power of Attorney & Emergency Treatment Permission – Wilhelmshaven 2026
      3. Parent Alcohol Permission Form (optional): Youth Outbound Exchange – Alcohol Permission Form – optional
• Toulon INBOUND student exchange for July 2027 (These generally occur in odd number years.)
  • For more information on the Toulon, France exchange, please contact Committee Chair, Carie Hatfield.
  • Host Family Application form: Click here.
  • Suggestions for Host Families
• Wilhelmshaven INBOUND student exchange: July 2027 (These generally occur in odd number years.)
  • For more information on the Wilhelmshaven, Germany exchange, please contact Committee Chair, Tobin McMurdie.
  • Host Family Application form: Click here.
  • Suggestions for Host Families

Scholarships

Norfolk Public School students who are in need of financial support are invited to apply for a scholarship if participating in an outbound delegation. These funds are available by grants, generous donations of our patrons, income from our Annual International Luncheon Silent Auction, and other fundraisers. The goal of Norfolk Sister Cities is to make certain that all qualified students are able to participate regardless of financial ability. Scholarships are awarded to students participating in exchange programs sponsored by Norfolk Sister City Association and have demonstrated outstanding academic achievements, show promise of continued excellence, and have financial need.

• • • Scholarship Brochure for more information on our scholarship program and on donating to it: Scholarship Brochure
    • Scholarship Application: NSCA-Financial-Merit-Scholarship-Application

Adult Exchanges & Hosting

• Inbound adult exchange: TBA
  • Host Family Application form: Click here
  • Suggestions for Host Families
• Outbound adult exchanges: TBA
  • Adult-Outbound-Participant-Profile-and-Application-Form-2016
  • Adult_Exchange_PARTICIPANT_Profile_and_Application_Form_2016