Deadline: Varies by country
Applications are open for the Youth Ambassador Program 2023. The Youth Ambassador Program is a leadership exchange program for high school students and adult mentors from countries in the Western Hemisphere.
The program offers full scholarships to participants to attend cultural and educational programs focused on a variety of country-specific topics. The program aims to develop a cadre of young people across America who have a strong sense of civic responsibility, a commitment to their communities, an awareness of current and global issues, and strong interpersonal leadership skills. The program aims to promote mutual understanding, respect and cooperation between people in the United States and other countries in the region.
Youth Ambassadors is sponsored by the US State Department’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and administered by World Learning. Exchanges are implemented by World Learning, Amigos de las Americas and Georgetown University CIED.
The cost
- There is no application fee for applicants.
- The U.S. government will pay for international transportation to and from the United States, orientation, program and visa fees and administration, field visits and seminars, lodging and meals, some cultural activities, educational materials, and accident and sickness insurance during stay abroad. Participants will stay with volunteer host families and at youth conference centers.
- Entrants are responsible for costs associated with the application process (copying, mailing, photographs, etc.), passport fees, vaccination fees (if applicable), and spending money for souvenirs and other items in the United States or in the country your exchange.
Suitability
- Open to high school students and adult mentors from countries throughout the Western Hemisphere.
- Participating countries include: Antigua & Barbuda, Argentina, Bahamas, Belize, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru , Saint Lucia, St. Louis, MO Kitts & Nevis, St Vincent & Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad & Tobago, United States, Uruguay and Venezuela.
Selection criteria
Students will be evaluated according to the following factors:
- showed interest and commitment to voluntary and civic activities
- the ability to work cooperatively in diverse groups and to tolerate the opinions of others
- leadership potential
- good social and communication skills
- good academic performance
- an energetic, positive attitude
- ability to implement projects that benefit the applicant’s school and/or community
Adult applicants will be evaluated according to the following factors:
- an interest and commitment to service in their local regions
- demonstrated track record of supporting youth activities
- strong track record in teaching and/or youth programs
- demonstrated leadership skills
- the ability to work cooperatively in diverse groups of students and peers and to tolerate the opinions of others
- commitment to work with young people behind the project to help them implement projects
Application
To apply you will need the following:
- A photo of yourself
- Latest academic records
- Copy of valid passport if possible (it is not mandatory to have a passport to apply to the program)
- If selected, you will need a passport for the program that is valid for 6 months after the exchange (eg: your exchange takes place in March, your passport must be valid until September). If you do not already have a passport, they strongly suggest that you apply for one after notification that you are a Semi-finalist.
- Parental consent form
- Letter of recommendation for applicants based in the United States (US citizens going to Caribbean and South American countries) You are NOT required to submit letters of recommendation to complete your application. Letters of recommendation may be requested later in the process. They will let you know if you have been selected as a semi-finalist to be interviewed and then ask for two letters of recommendation (recommendation forms are listed below). However, there is absolutely no need to attach them to the application at this time.
- Letters of Recommendation for Youth Ambassador applicants FROM CARIBBEAN, CANADIAN AND SOUTH AMERICAN COUNTRIES (Non-US Citizens going to the United States) You are NOT required to submit letters of recommendation to complete your application. Letters of recommendation may be requested later in the process. They will let you know if you have been selected to interview and then ask for letters of recommendation, absolutely no need to attach to the application at this time.
Click here to apply
For more information, visit Youth Ambassadors Program.
