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Meet the 2013 youth ambassadors.
We will begin accepting applications for the 2014 program in September 2013. The 2014 YAEP Application Deadline will be in December of 2013.
Application Requirements
FREE TO APPLY & SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE
Contractual AgreementsAll Youth Ambassadors and parents/guardians will be required to enter contractual agreement upon being selected for the program. Please review the agreements to fully understand the requirements associated with the YAEP. Additional information or questions in regards to the agreements can be made directly to the Phoenix Sister Cities office at (602) 534-3751.
Youth Ambassador ResponsibilityEach selected Youth Ambassador is expected to obey the laws of the United States and the host country. Youth ambassadors should be sensitive to cultural differences and not offend the religions, customs or politics of their host country. Youth Ambassadors are not permitted to operate motor vehicles while in their host country during the exchange. PSC expects all Youth Ambassadors to be cooperative in every aspect of family living, to be helpful with household duties and to assume the same responsibilities as the other members of the family. All youth ambassadors are expected to adapt to and graciously accept the accommodations of the sister city host, regardless of the host family's income level. Youth Ambassadors are expected to participate in as many activities as possible so that they may learn about life in that community and be able to relate these experiences to the people of Phoenix upon their return. Youth Ambassadors are required, and families encouraged, to be actively involved in Phoenix Sister Cities for a full year.
Parent ResponsibilityParents are expected to support their daughter's/son's selection as a youth ambassador. Each family agrees to host a Youth Ambassador from the Sister City their son/daughter visits for approximately three weeks during late July and early August 2012. Parents should be aware of the responsibilities and requirements for this program and that the Youth Ambassadors will be asked to speak about their experiences throughout the year following their trip. Additional details about parent role and responsibility will be available at the January informational meeting.
Financial ResponsibilityPSC will pay for 50% of the travel expenses between Phoenix and the selected sister city. The remaining 50%, mandatory $300 deposit and health insurance will be the responsibility of the Youth Ambassador and/or his/her family. Miscellaneous costs while in residence will be borne by the Youth Ambassador and/or his/her family. Youth Ambassadors should be prepared to travel with expense money (the amount will vary depending upon the city and personal shopping habits.) Each Youth Ambassador will be expected to pay a $300 partially-refundable trip deposit immediately following selection notification. Financial assistance is available for both participation and hosting expenses. To find out if you are eligible, please contact PSC at (480) 635-6861 to obtain more information and a financial aid form.
HealthPSC will make available travel insurance coverage for Youth Ambassadors in case of illness or injury beginning the day of departure and ending upon return. Purchase of this insurance is the responsibility of each family. This is travel health insurance and is not intended to take the place of standard insurance coverage. It is the responsibility of the youth ambassador and parent/guardian to provide additional health insurance coverage applicable in case of illness or injury during the exchange. Each student will complete a health information sheet that will be sent to the host family. This sheet will include all medical information necessary in the event of illness. The Youth Ambassador is expected to follow the reasonable advice of the hosting family. If emergency treatment is required or serious illness occurs, your host family will advise either the local coordinator and/or your parent/guardian.
PassportsEach selected Youth Ambassador is responsible for obtaining a valid passport and must provide a copy of his/her passport to the PSC office by April of 2013. PSC will handle arrangements for visas (not including fees), if required. The Maricopa County Passport Office is located at 601 West Jackson Street, Phoenix, (602) 506-6350.
Travel and TripsAs stated on Page 1, the purpose of the Youth Ambassador Exchange Program is to allow Youth Ambassadors from Phoenix and our Sister Cities the opportunity to learn about each others' city in a unique way. When serving as a Youth Ambassador in your designated Sister City, travel outside of that city is to occur only if your parents/legal guardians have provided prior approval to your host family. When you and your family host your international youth ambassador here in Phoenix, you may travel within the state of Arizona with your exchange Youth Ambassador and are required to participate in ALL PSC organized excursions/trips. You may not travel outside the state of Arizona without prior written permission of the exchange Youth Ambassador's legal guardians and prior permission from PSC. In the event of approved travel outside of Arizona, a copy of your itinerary must be provided to both PSC and the international Youth Ambassador's legal guardians.
Schedule ChangesThe PSC Youth Ambassadors will travel to and from their assigned cities as a delegation with other PSC Youth Ambassadors. Students will always travel in groups of 2-10. No chaperones/adults travel with the students. If airline schedules change due to weather, missed connections, mechanical problems, etc., the Youth Ambassadors are required to stay with the PSC delegation as a group. Le Tutor Language SchoolPhoenix Sister Cities is proud to partner with Le Tutor Language School to help provide all program participants with basic fundamentals of the language spoken in the city they will visit. |
Saturday, May 25, 2013
