Youth Ambassador | Phoenix Sister Cities

Program Information

Phoenix high school sophomores and juniors apply to be selected to serve as a Youth Ambassador to one of Phoenix’s ten Sister Cities. Upon selection the Youth Ambassadors will participate in Academy Sessions where they not only learn how to interact in their host country and what they can expect, but also how to best represent Phoenix, the state of Arizona, and the United States abroad. Prior to the exchange, Youth Ambassadors will also participate in fundraising events.

Each Youth Ambassador will depart in the summer to spend approximately three weeks in the Sister City they are assigned. They will live with a host family and an international counterpart where they will be fully immersed in the culture of the Sister City. While abroad, Youth Ambassadors can expect an eye-opening experience learning all about the Sister City, their international counterpart, and themselves.

Shortly after the Youth Ambassadors return to Phoenix, their international counterparts from their host city will then travel to Phoenix to spend approximately three weeks living with the Youth Ambassador. While the international counterparts are visiting, both the Phoenix and the international Youth Ambassadors will engage in trips and activities to give the international students the best representation of Phoenix culture.

Following the program are a series of alumni events as well as promotion and marketing for the next year’s Youth Ambassadors. By being a part of the Youth Ambassador Exchange Program students become part of global community, learn about different cultures, make great friends from around the world, and participate in a life-changing experience!

What are you waiting for? Where will you go?

Location: 200 West Washington Street, Phoenix AZ 85003, 20th Floor

Phoenix Sister Cities (PSC) is a not-for-profit, citizen-based, volunteer organization that is governed by a 40-member Board of Directors, was established in 1972, and now supports ten sister city relationships: Calgary, Canada; Catania, Italy; Chengdu, China; Ennis, Ireland; Grenoble, France; Hermosillo, Mexico; Himeji, Japan; Prague, Czech Republic; Ramat-Gan, Israel; and Taipei, Taiwan.

Application

2019 YAEP APPLICATION AVAILABLE IN THE FALL OF 2018
View the 2019 timeline.

It is free to apply and scholarships are available.

Application Requirements:
Applicant must be a U.S. citizen
A resident of the City of Phoenix (determined through council district)
A sophomore or junior in high school at the time of application
Participate in the group and individual interviews during the specified dates
Willing to serve as a Youth Ambassador for the city in which he/she may be selected

If Selected, Each Applicant Must:
Participate in all pre-departure meetings and cultural orientations
Program-Directed Fundraising
Participate in all activities planned upon return to Phoenix
Be willing to promote the YAEP and commit a full year to PSC activities after completion of the program
Be willing to host a visiting Youth Ambassador from the city visited
Become a family-level member of Phoenix Sister Cities ($75 membership fee)
Family members 18+ years of age must consent to a background check
Participate in all Youth Ambassador Academy Sessions including graduation/loyalty oath ceremony

Contractual Agreements:
All Youth Ambassadors and parents/guardians will be required to enter a 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 Agreement Host Family Contract

Youth Ambassador Responsibility:
Each 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 Responsibility:
Parents 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. 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 after the applications are submitted.

Financial Responsibility:
Travel expenses to and from the selected sister city, health insurance, and personal expenses will be borne by the Youth Ambassador and his/her family. Each Youth Ambassador will be expected to pay a $325 partially-refundable trip deposit immediately following selection notification. All applicants are encouraged to apply for scholarship/financial assistance to cover participation and hosting expenses. Contact Phoenix Sister Cities at (602) 534-3757 to obtain more information.

Expenses Breakdown

Health:
PSC will make travel insurance coverage available 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.

Passport:
Each 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 2014. 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 Trips:
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 Changes:
The 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.

Please call 602-534-3751 or contact the Youth Ambassador Exchange Program Manager, Bethany Bennick at bethany.bennick@phoenix.gov or 602-534-3751 before the deadline, for any questions and to confirm that all submissions were received to the office.

2017 Ambassadors

Meet the 2017 Youth Ambassadors

Catania, Italy

Chengdu, China

Ennis, Ireland

Grenoble, France

Hermosillo, Mexico

Himeji, Japan

Prague, Czech Republic

Taipei, Taiwan

2016 Ambassadors

Meet the 2016 Youth Ambassadors

Catania, Italy

Max McCauley, Arcadia High School, Sophomore View Blog

Isabel Ramirez, North High School, Junior View Blog

Emily Hartzler, Tempe Prep, Junior View Blog

Chengdu, China

Karanveer Khettra, AAC, Junior View Blog

Emily Wood, Sunnyslope, Junior View Blog

Rachel Violette, Thunberbird, Sophomore View Blog

Ennis, Ireland

Alicia Belter, Arcadia, Junior View Blog

Jennifer Garnica,Tempe High, Sophomore View Blog

Abigail Guiterrez, AAEC, Junior View Blog

Kyle Haines, North High, Sophomore View Blog

Grenoble, France

Isaac Skidmore, Desert Vista, Sophomore View Blog

Rachel Robbins, Veritas Prep, Junior View Blog

Hermosillo, Mexico

Mercedes Arterberry,Alhambra, Junior View Blog

Madyson Zeremeno, Veritas Prep, Junior View Blog

Xavier Gonzalez, AAEC Estrella Junior View Blog

Himeji, Japan

Ryan Cooley, Desert Vista, Sophomore View Blog

Sydney Janssen, Betty Fairfax, Junior View Blog

Madison May, Vertias Prep, Junior View Blog

Camron King, Valley Lutheran, Junior View Blog

Prague, Czech Republic

Erica Baratz, AZ School for the Arts Junior View Blog

Vidal Duarte, Veritas Prep, Junior View Blog

Katherine Hann, Xavier Prep, Junior View Blog

Taipei, Taiwan

Marthilde Rispoli, AZ School for the Arts, Sophomore View Blog

McConnell Quinn, Boulder Creek, Sophomore View Blog

Terryn McDonald, Mountain Pointe, Junior View Blog

Application FAQs

FAQ’s

Q: How long will the Youth Ambassadors be in their host country?
A: Students spend approximately 3 weeks in the host country during the month of June, and another 3 weeks with their counterpart here in Phoenix in July.

Q: Do the Youth Ambassadors choose their host country?
A: No, our selection panel will match each participant to the country that best fits their personality. Willingness to travel to any of Phoenix’s ten sister cities is a prerequisite to applying. The more open-minded the better!

Q: Is financial aid available?
A: Yes, the (optional) final page of the application packet is to request financial aid. Please note that completion of the form does not guarantee that a student will receive aid.

Q: Do parents need to be involved?
A: Yes! Parents of Youth Ambassadors are expected to actively participate in the months between selection and departure, as well as when hosting their child’s counterpart. This is mainly through attending monthly sister city committee meetings and volunteering.

Q: Who is eligible to apply?
A: Applicants must be high school sophomores or juniors, turning 15 no later than July 2018. Additionally, they must live within the City of Phoenix. To determine what district you live in, go to https://www.phoenix.gov/mayorcouncil/find-my-council-district

Q: If I don’t get in this year, can I apply again?
A: If you are currently a sophomore and are not accepted into the program, you may apply again next year.

Q: Can I participate in the program twice?
A: Unfortunately no, but we wish you well in your future travels as a global citizen!

Q: Who is on the selection panel?
A: The selection panel is composed of 13 members, including Phoenix Sister Cities staff, committee and board members, and Youth Ambassador alumni and alumni parents.

Q: If I didn’t attend Preview Night, can I still apply?
A: Yes! If you still have questions, please contact Bethany.Bennick@phoenix.gov

Application Advice

1. Check your grammar and spelling!

2. Submit your application well before the 5pm deadline- video files are large and may take time to send via email.

3. In your essay questions, focus on what makes you unique! Don’t tell us what you think we want to hear.

4. Think critically about who you ask to write your recommendation. It can be a teacher, coach, or other authority figure (no relatives).

5. Use the video submission to showcase your personality. We want to get to know you!

6. Do not wait until the last minute. Take the time to create a complete and thoughtful application.

News & Activities

Photos

2018 Youth Ambassadors Graduation & Induction

2017 Youth Ambassadors Graduation & Induction

2016 Youth Ambassadors Graduation & Induction

2016 Youth Ambassadors Abroad

International Young Authors

International Young Authors Competition

Phoenix Sister Cities invites residents of Phoenix and residents of our nine sister cities, ages 13 through 18, to enter the International Young Authors Competition. The purpose of the International Young Authors Competition is to encourage youth to interpret and express the international theme in a creative and innovative manner.

All participants receive a certificate of participation and three winners are selected from each category. (Grand prize, 2nd, and 3rd)

The winning pieces are published on the Sister Cities International website and Newsletter. The top two winners will also win a spot in the International Young Artists Showcase Tour for a chance to win $1,000.

Check back soon for details.

YAEP Alumni

Are you a former participant of the Phoenix Sister Cities Youth Ambassador Exchange Program? If you are, then you’re in the right place!

Here you can learn about how you can stay involved with the program, reconnect with other alumni, and participate in alumni functions. You can read about what the YAEP Alumni Association has been up to and find opportunities to get involved. Keep in mind that the possibilities are endless: if you have an idea for a new alumni activity, trip, or endeavor, speak up and we’ll try to make it happen.

Alumni Network
Are you a part of the YAEP Alumni network? Have you updated your information? Please fill out our contact form. In addition please join the Phoenix Sister Cities YAEP Alumni group on Facebook.

Alumni Winter Holiday Gathering
The holiday season is a wonderful time to bring alumni together to catch up. Annual gatherings are planned and alumni of all ages are welcome. Alumni reunite with old friends and make new ones. Winter Holiday gatherings come in all shapes and sizes. To name a few of the activities the group has done in the past include First Friday, pizza party at Pump it Up, bowling and appetizers at Lucky Strike, potlucks and holiday community service projects with the Salvation Army.

Sumer Alumni Hosted YAEP Day
YAEP Alumni are invited to be a part of the “All American” YAEP hosting calendar each July. A special alumni sponsored day of activities gives alumni and current program participants (both local and international) an opportunity to meet and mingle. A special invitation to all alumni is posted on the YAEP Alumni Facebook page each summer with details. This alumni sponsored day is mildly competitive as alumni and current participants compete in silly games to prove who is greater that year and either the alumni or current cohort earn the honor of the BEST cohort for that year.

YAEP Alumni Community Service Projects
As YAEP Alumni it is important to continue to serve our community and those communities of our Sister Cities. Various volunteer opportunities are announced throughout the year. Majority of the volunteer work includes working with youth and sharing global experiences through stories and crafts. Additionally the alumni support the local city committees at functions i.e. the Ennis 5K, Pesos for Presents, Great Canadian Picnic and more.

YAEP ALUMNI VOLUNTEERING @ YAEP EVENTS
The success of YAEP is only as strong as its volunteers and the legacy set forth by our alumni and their families. Alumni are always encouraged to volunteer at YAEP events. Volunteers assist with every phase of the program from marketing to interviews, helping to plan events, facilitate workshops, assisting with the check in process and doing follow up. Volunteers are always appreciated. Please view the YAEP mandatory calendar under Program Information tab for dates of events and check the Facebook page for updates.

FAQ

FAQ’s