U.S. Citizens

Return to the Youth Ambassadors U.S.A. program page

Are you interested in a Youth Ambassadors exchange in the U.S.? 

The Youth Ambassadors Program aims to develop a network of young adults from across the world 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 civic engagement, youth leadership, mutual understanding, and collaboration between people in the United States and other 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.

Eligibility Requirements (some requirements vary by program)

All youth participants must:

• Be high school students between 15 and 18 years old (at the start of the exchange); 
• Have at least one semester of school remaining after program participation; 
• Be a U.S. citizen;
• Demonstrate leadership aptitude and an interest in community service and in the program theme; 
• Exhibit flexibility, maturity, integrity, good social skills, and open-mindedness; 
• Have the motivation necessary to be active and successful exchange participants; and 
• Have sufficient proficiency in the language of the exchange (English, Spanish, or French) to participate fully in all exchange activities. 

All adult mentor participants must:

• Have current or recent experience working with youth in a high school or community setting; 
• Be a U.S. citizen; 
• Demonstrate an interest in assisting youth to become productive and responsible members of society; 
• Exhibit maturity and open-mindedness; 
• Be supportive of the teenage participants; 
• Have sufficient proficiency in the language of the exchange (English, Spanish, or French) to participate fully in all exchange activities; 
• Be able to pass a criminal background record check and be willing to provide the required information for an official background check when asked; and 
• Be willing and able to meet periodically with selected program participants during the academic year, following the exchange, to support and monitor their follow-on work 

Application Process

World Learning encourages all qualified individuals to apply regardless of veteran or disability status. IMPORTANT: All applications are due by 11:59 PM EST (Eastern Standard Time in the USA) on the designated application deadline. Please make sure you calculate the time in your time zone. 

Important note for all applicants: 

World Learning respects the privacy of your personal information. Our Privacy Policy explains how we collect, protect, store, and use your data. Personal data collected via this application will be used to consider you for participation in, and communicate with you about World Learning Programs. Personal data provided via this application may be transferred to and processed by the U.S. Department of State or other partner organizations, as necessary, to administer World Learning Programs. Youth Ambassadors Applicants below the age of 18 years must have the consent/permission of parent(s) or legal guardian(s) prior to completing the application. World Learning may verify that such consent has been given prior to considering applicants for any World Learning Program. 

This Portal may include information that should be considered sensitive and confidential (“Confidential Information”). Such information may include personally identifiable information and sensitive information about the needs or personal circumstances of potential program participants. 

In fulfilling your duties, you agree not to 1) disclose any Confidential Information, directly or indirectly, to any third party, 2) make use of Confidential Information for purposes other than those for which you have been granted access, and 3) retain any Confidential Information, in any form, following completion of your duties. 

Any intentional or inadvertent disclosure, or misuse of Confidential Information, or any conflict of interest or misconduct encountered in discharging your duties should be reported to World Learning immediately. 

For more information: If you want to be added to a mailing list to be notified when applications open, please complete the form. 

Open Programs