YOUTH BRIDGE CULTURAL DIVIDE BY BECOMING AMBASSADORS
How do youth from other countries view the US and its
citizens? What impact can cultural exchanges have on this
perception?
Youth in the United States will learn the answers when they host
high school students from Nicaragua. The Youth Ambassador
program brings youth from Nicaragua to the US to learn about US
cultures, values, politics, and families. The experience
strengthens links between the US and Latin America as
participants grow into leaders throughout the Hemisphere.
The Youth Ambassadors program, begun in 2002, brings outstanding
public high school students from across Latin America to the
United States for a two-week exchange visit. During their stays,
these youth experience US history and culture in Washington DC,
live with U.S. families across the country, attend schools and
cultural activities, and interact with U.S. youth. The
experience expands knowledge and understanding among youth to
promote increased mutual understanding among peoples of the
Americas.
The
Youth Ambassadors are selected in an open competition of
young people who have limited economic means, outstanding school
records, display leadership qualities, are proficient in
English, and have demonstrated interests in improving their
local community. The Youth Ambassadors Program is supported by
the US Department of State. Partners of the Americas is hosting
the Youth Ambassadors throughout their stay.
Founded in 1964, Partners of the Americas links U.S. states with Latin American and Caribbean countries in partnerships that use the energy and skills of citizen volunteers, their institutions and communities to address shared concerns of social, economic and cultural development. Its work covers areas as diverse as emergency preparedness, agriculture, cultural exchange, domestic violence and local government strengthening. Partners is a private, nonprofit, non-partisan organization with international offices in Washington, D.C.
Contact: Amy Wiza
Phone: 715-346-4702
E-mail: awiza@uwsp.edu
