The Edmonds Sister City Commission hosts two exchange programs
Student Exchange Program
July 29-August 8, 2024, a delegation of six students and one chaperones will travel to Hekinan, Japan for a 10-day homestay, and from August 19-28, 2024 a delegation of seven Hekinan students and their chaperone will travel to Edmonds for a reciprocal 10-day homestay.
The application process for the 2024 student exchange program is now closed. The application packet for the 2025 Exchange will be available in October 2024 and will be available on our website, or via email, mail, or picked up, by request to the Mayor's Office at 425.771.0247 or by emailing the Commission.
Adult Anniversary Exchanges: These exchanges take place every five years in the spring. Typically, delegates stay in homes providing them with opportunities to meet residents and business owners and experience the respective culture first-hand. Hotel stays are available. Itineraries for these visits include a Sister City Reception and an Anniversary Ceremony for the founding of the City of Hekinan. The next Anniversary Exchange is scheduled for April 2028. For more information please contact the Commission.
Host family opportunities: The Commission is always looking for great host families for our adult anniversary exchanges. Host families play a very important role in our exchange program and enable us to continue this 27+-year tradition. If you and your family would like to experience this cross-cultural interaction, please let us know by contacting the Commission.