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 The Youth Ambassadors program offers Latin America youth new international opportunities and experiences to broaden their knowledge of U.S. culture, society, and education. The participants and U.S. audiences will increase their mutual understanding among peoples of the Americas. The Youth Ambassadors for the Americas program will not only provide new knowledge and experience for participants, but also prepare them for a lifetime of leadership and community service.
"The experience of being here in the U.S. has taught me a lesson: Never expect too little about something because one of these days you might be surprised." - Shawn Clair, Nicaragua
"The fact is that language has not been a barrier between us and everyone. All that we needed was the youth's spirit for having fun." - Laurenis Gil, Venezuela
Objective: Outstanding public high school students from Argentina, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Nicaragua, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Venezuela visited the United States for a two-week exchange visit. During their stays, these Youth Ambassadors experienced US history and culture in Washington DC, lived in home stays with U.S. families across the country, attended schools and cultural activities, and interacted with U.S. youth. Returning to their home countries, the Youth Ambassadors share their experiences with friends and neighbors, creating a multiplier effect. They also have the opportunity to network with Youth Ambassadors from other countries and continue to expand their knowledge.
Structure: First, the Youth Ambassadors travel to Washington DC to visit important landmarks and meet with various representatives from embassies and other institutions. The second week they travel to various US states where they live in home-stays with local volunteer families. During the home-stay, Youth Ambassadors attend school with host family members, participate in community events, and learn about their host state.
"At four o'clock, I started cooking the Bandeja Paisa for my home stay family, my friend and her sister. I cooked rice, beans, and eggs with my host mother and host sister. I showed and taught them about the typical food of Medellin." - Alejandra María Garcia Correa, Colombia
"My days at Timberlake High School was awesome. Education here in the U.S. is really different from the education in Ecuador. The classes have been very interesting." - Jonathan Elizalde, Ecuador
Eligibility: The program is open to young people from families with limited economic means, who have outstanding school records, display leadership qualities, are proficient in both speaking and understanding English, and who have demonstrated interests in improving their local community. All candidates will be visiting the U.S. for the first time. They will be selected through a competitive process coordinated by the US Embassy and Consulates, supported by local Partners of the Americas chapters and other local institutions in their home countries.
Learn what past Youth Ambassasdor had to say about the program:
2003 Brazil Youth Ambassadors 
 Participants
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