Deadline: 27-Feb-23
Applications are now open for the Youth Ambassadors Program, a leadership exchange program for high school students and adult mentors from countries across the Western Hemisphere.
The program provides full scholarships for participants to take part in cultural and educational programming focused on a variety of themes specific to the different countries. Youth Ambassadors is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, and is administered by World Learning. Exchanges are implemented by World Learning, Amigos de las Americas and Georgetown University CIED.
The program aims to develop a cadre of young adults throughout the Americas 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 collaboration between people in the United States and other countries of the region.
What is the cost of the program?
- There is no application fee for applicants.
- The U.S. Government will pay for international transportation to and from the United States, orientations, program and visa fees and administration, site visits and seminars, lodging and meals, some cultural activities, educational materials, and accident and sickness insurance while abroad. Participants will stay with volunteer host families and in youth conference centers.
- Participants are responsible for expenses related to 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 your exchange country.
Eligible Countries
Antigua & Barbuda, Argentina, the 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. Kitts & Nevis, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad & Tobago, the United States, Uruguay and Venezuela.
Eligibility Criteria
World Learning encourages all qualified individuals to apply, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability status.
Selection Process
- Students will be evaluated on the following factors:
- a demonstrated interest in and commitment to volunteer and civic activities
- ability to work cooperatively in diverse groups and 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 on the following factors:
- a demonstrated interest in and commitment to service in their local regions
- demonstrated history of supporting youth activities
- strong record in teaching and/or youth programs
- demonstrated leadership ability
- ability to work cooperatively in diverse groups of students and peers and tolerate the opinions of others
- commitment to working with youth after the project to help them implement projects
Deadlines
- Youth Ambassadors Program with Barbados/Eastern Caribbean, Bahamas, Guyana, Jamaica, Suriname, Trinidad & Tobago (To the United States): February 27, 2023
- Panama, Nicaragua, Dominican Republic, Costa Rica: March 15, 2023
- Canada: March 1, 2023
For more information, visit World Learning Education.