By Gwen Holman
For the past three years, Dana Point Sister Cities has hosted an exchange program for high school students in Dana Point. This exchange is with the city of Sorrento, Italy, and gives students the opportunity to immerse themselves in the local culture while staying with a host family for two weeks. In exchange, the high school students host their Italian counterparts in their homes and give them a tour of Dana Point and all it has to offer. This program is offered through the Interact clubs at both Dana Hills High School and Capistrano Valley High School, with both clubs also offering a pen pal program alongside the exchange. Dana Hills junior Keria Moore stated, “From exploring Sorrento, Rome, Pompeii, and the Amalfi Coast to meeting both city mayors, this exchange program provided truly incredible experiences.” The four students participating in the 2026 exchange program left for Italy on June 13, 2026, and stayed until June 27, 2026. During this time, the students had the opportunity to explore Sorrento, take a tour of the Amalfi Coast, visit the ruins of Pompeii, and experience many more incredible adventures. On the other hand, from July 31, 2026, to August 14, 2026, the Italian students got to experience America through the lens of Dana Point and Southern California. Activities such as a whale-watching trip, visiting Disneyland, exploring Hollywood, and enjoying the OC Fair were included in this part of the exchange. The Sister Cities exchange program has created an incredible opportunity for high school students to deepen their understanding of other cultures while becoming welcoming hosts to visitors from around the world. This program continues to grow and provide amazing opportunities for students to experience different cultures. Anyone interested in an opportunity like this is encouraged to join the Interact Club at Dana Hills!