Until March 15, Ecuadorians can apply to the American Young Ambassadors exchange program

Ecuador is among the countries chosen so that their young people can apply to the Youth Ambassadors Program, an initiative sponsored by the United States Department of State and carried out through the non-profit organization World Learning.

This plan “brings together high school students and adult mentors from countries in the Americas to promote mutual understanding, increase leadership skills and prepare young people for make a difference in their communities.” indicated on the program’s web portal.

The main objectives of this program are the following:

• Develop a community of young people throughout the Americas who have a strong sense of civic responsibility, commitment to their communities, awareness of global issues, and strong interpersonal and leadership skills.
• Foster relationships between young people from different ethnic, religious and national groups.
• Promote mutual understanding, respect, and collaboration between the United States and our South American counterparts.

Currently this program seeks applicants for the 2022 exchanges. Candidates must belong to Ecuador, Argentina, Belize, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, United States, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay or Uruguay.

Embassy of the United States seeks young Ecuadorian leaders

This program has no cost for those who are selected. The US Government will pay for international transportation to and from the United States, orientations, fees, and visa and program administration, site visits and seminars, accommodation and meals, some cultural activities, educational materials and accident and sickness insurance while abroad. Participants will stay with volunteer host families and at youth conference centers.

Applicants will only be responsible for the expenses related to the application process (copy, mailing, photographs, etc.), passport fees, vaccination fees (if applicable), and expenses to purchase souvenirs and other items in the United States or your country of exchange.

How to apply?

Those who are interested in entering this program must comply with the following steps, after entering this link:

• Click on the ‘New User’ link.
• If you have already registered and have an account, please log in below using your email and password to return to your ongoing application.
• Once you have logged in, select the program you are applying for and the type of application (student or adult mentor).
• Click on the app launch link to access your program app.
• Applications must be submitted before 11:59 p.m. on March 15.

What do I need to apply?

• A photo (if applicable).
• Most recent academic record.
• Copy of valid passport if possible (it is not mandatory to have a passport to apply for the program)
• If selected, you will need a passport for the program that is valid for six months after the exchange (eg your exchange takes place in March, your passport must be valid until September).

Appointments for visas to the United States resumed in Guayaquil

• Parental consent form (in certain cases).
• Letters of Recommendation for Youth Ambassador Applicants from Caribbean and South American Countries (Non-U.S. Citizens to the United States): You will not be required to submit letters of recommendation to complete your application. Letters of recommendation can be requested later in the process. It is not necessary to attach them in the initial application.

Which are the selection criteria?

The students will be evaluated on the following factors:

• A demonstrated interest in and commitment to volunteer and civic activities.
• Ability to work cooperatively in diverse groups and tolerate the opinions of others.
• Leadership potential.
• Good social and communication skills.
• Good academic performance.
• An energetic and positive attitude.
• Ability to implement projects that benefit the applicant’s school and/or community.

The United States offers university scholarships for Ecuadorians with excellent academic performance and low-income

The appliers Adults will be evaluated on the following factors:

• A demonstrated interest in and commitment to service in their local regions.
• Demonstrated history of supporting youth activities.
• Strong history in teaching or youth programs.
• Demonstrated leadership ability.
• Ability to work cooperatively in diverse groups of students and peers and tolerate the opinions of others.
• Commitment to work with young people after the project to help them implement them. (I)