City of Burbank and Burbank Sister City Committee Celebrate Successful Conclusion of 2025 Summer Student Exchange Program

Burbank, CA (September 5, 2025) - The City of Burbank and the Burbank Sister City Committee proudly announce the successful conclusion of the 2025 Summer Student Exchange program, which welcomed students from Incheon, South Korea to Burbank, and sent local Burbank students to Ota, Japan. These programs are part of Burbank's continued commitment to fostering global friendship, cultural exchange, and international understanding.

In early July, Burbank welcomed a delegation from Incheon, South Korea, consisting of ten students and one chaperone, as part of the city's student exchange program. The delegation spent twelve days in Burbank, living with host families and participating in a wide array of cultural experiences. During their stay, the Incheon delegation participated in various activities that highlighted the heart of Burbank's civic, cultural, and creative life. The students toured key City departments, including the Burbank Fire Department, Police Department, and City Hall, to gain insight into local government and public safety operations. Their visit also included a guided painting session at the Betsy Lueke Creative Arts Center, an energetic game of Pickleball at George Izay Park, and behind-the-scenes studio tours at Warner Bros. Studios and Nickelodeon, offering a unique look into the entertainment industry that defines Burbank.

Iberia Brogmus, a Burbank host family, shares: "We're just so grateful for the opportunity to share Burbank and our family with another family from all the way across the world. It's just an amazing organization that will change not only your life but your children's and your whole family's life."

In late July, eleven Burbank high school students and two chaperones traveled to Ota, Japan, Burbank's official Sister City since 1984, for a two-week immersive cultural exchange. Students had the opportunity to stay with host families, attend local school programs, participate in community activities, and visit historic and cultural sites throughout Ota and the surrounding region.

Grace Chikh, a Burbank student delegate who traveled to Ota, shared: "I had always wanted to go to Japan since I was a little kid so going on this trip was truly a dream come true. I've made so many friends, memories, and I will truly never forget this experience. Traveling is always a great opportunity to take if you ever have the chance, as you never know what's lying out there on the other side of the world. Japan truly is a once in a lifetime trip for many, and getting to form connections through this program was life changing."

The Burbank Sister City Committee has worked for decades to create and maintain international partnerships through student exchanges. This summer's successful student exchanges with both Incheon, South Korea and Ota, Japan highlight Burbank's ongoing commitment to fostering global friendships and providing life-changing opportunities for student delegates.

For more information about the Burbank Sister City Committee or upcoming exchange opportunities, visit https://www.burbanklibrary.org/sistercity.

###