Two Cities. One Family. 65 Years of Friendship.
The Medford Alba Student Exchange has been creating life-changing connections between Oregon and Italy since 1960.
400+
Students Since 1985
65
Years as Sister Cities
40th
Exchange Program
4
Generations of Friendships
More Than a Trip. A Life-Changing Experience.
Our bi-annual student exchange isn't tourism. It's true cultural immersion. Students live with Italian families, attend local schools, and form bonds that last generations.
- ✓Two-week homestay with an Italian family who becomes your second family
- ✓Reciprocal hosting where you welcome your Italian "sibling" to Oregon first
- ✓Experienced chaperones and a 40-year track record of safe, organized travel
- ✓Approximately $3,000 all-inclusive with fundraising support available
2023 Ambassadors
Creating memories in Alba
2026/27 Exchange Program
Applications Opening Fall 2025
Italian students visit Medford in Fall 2026. Medford students travel to Alba in Spring 2027. Open to current sophomores and juniors from Medford-area high schools.
Why Alba, Italy?
Nestled in the Piedmont region of northern Italy, Alba is a city of incredible food, wine, history, and warmth.
Home of Nutella
Birthplace of Ferrero and the world's favorite chocolate spread
World-Class Wines
Barolo and Barbaresco, Italy's most prestigious wines
White Truffle Capital
Truffles worth $4,000+ per pound from these hills
Ancient History
Roman ruins and medieval towers tell 2,000 years of stories
Beautiful Landscape
Rolling vineyards, the Alps, and the Tanaro River
UNESCO Recognition
Creative City for Gastronomy designation
"The City of 100 Towers" awaits your student
What People Are Saying
"We have some families that are four generations of friendship."
Stacey Stover
Student Exchange Coordinator
"These lifelong friendships since the call has also become multi-generational."
Robin Snider
President, Medford Sister City Association
"Many lifelong relationships have been created through various exchanges of the business community, city leaders, citizens and students. The bond between the citizens of our two cities remains strong."
Randy Sparacino
Medford Mayor
Our Heritage
One of America's Oldest Sister City Relationships
On July 26, 1962, Medford made history. Using the brand-new Telstar satellite, Mayor John Snider spoke directly to Alba's Mayor Osvaldo Cagnasso. Over 5,000 Albanesi gathered in their city square at midnight to witness this technological marvel.
Medford was the only Northwest city chosen for this honor. That 13-minute call sparked a friendship that has now spanned 65 years and counting.
Read the Full StoryGive Your Child an Experience That Lasts a Lifetime
Students return from Alba transformed. More confident. More curious. More connected to the world. And with a second family in Italy.