Frequently Asked Questions

How are students selected?

Applicants are reviewed in first-come, first-served order.  If their application is complete and includes a personal statement, recommendation from teacher and $350 application fee, then they are accepted as Student Ambassadors on a first come, first-served order.  Their application must reflect that they are in good standing in their school. 

What are the foreign language requirements?

Students applying to travel to Caen, France and Mendoza, Argentina need to be taking French and Spanish, respectively. There is not a foreign language requirement for students traveling to Germany.

What are the costs?

In addition to the application fee of $350, each student is responsible for paying airfare to the destination city.  There are special excursion fees for several trips as we add on additional experiences. These excursion costs vary per city, but generally range between $400-$500 per person. Excursion costs are included in the total estimated cost of the trip.

What are average trip costs per city?

The average trip cost (including application fee and excursion fee) is $2800 for each of our partner cities. Sister Cities passes along direct cost of airfare.  We cannot give the exact price of the exchange until airfare is booked after registration deadline in March of the year they are traveling.  Students report they spend an average of $150 - $200 on souvenirs, some meals and sundry items. All estimations are based on previous exchange costs and current airfare estimates. 

Is there a payment plan?

Sister Cities requires a $350 application fee to be paid with submission of application.  We ask for a $500 payment by the end of January and a $1,000 payment by the end of February (in the year the student is traveling).  The balance is due at the end of March of the year the student is traveling.  If students are a late addition, we expect that a payment for $1,850 is submitted with the application ($350 application fee, $500 January payment, and $1,000 February payment).  

Does Sister Cities help with travel arrangements and documents? When should I apply for my passport if I don't have one? 

Sister Cities of Nashville has a travel agent that books all student and chaperone travel to ensure everyone is traveling together. PLEASE NOTE: Students are responsible for obtaining their own travel documents. This includes passports and any visa they may need depending upon what country's passport they hold, or transit visas that may be required during layovers. Students should submit their passport application no later than December 1st of the school year in which they are traveling (example: December 1, 2025 if traveling in June 2026) to ensure timely receipt of documents. SCN is not responsible for Students who do not obtain the required travel documents in time will not be refunded and must pay any remaining amount owed. U.S. passport holders (and passport holders from approximately 30 other countries) traveling to the European Union in 2026 will be required to obtain a European Travel Information and Authorization System document. Those under 18 will need to apply for the document, the fee will be waived. Travel Information and Authorization System

Does Sister Cities provide travel insurance?

Sister Cities of Nashville requires that all travelers on our exchange programs hold both health and travel insurance that covers delays, interruption, lost luggage, etc. Typically, travel insurance for the two-week trip is around $150 per person, but can change depending upon inflation, trip location, duration, or other factors.

Is there any financial assistance offered?

Every year, Sister Cities of Nashville allocates funds for financial assistance for students in need.  Please click here to learn more. No matter which school you attend, we require that your counselor submit a letter supporting your need for financial assistance.