Related Documents and Links:
About the Youth Ambassador Program:
- Brochure about the Youth Ambassadors' Program
- Guidelines about the Youth Ambassadors' Program
- How does the program work?
- Meet our 2011 Youth Ambassadors from Brazil
Apply to be a Youth Ambassador:
- Youth Ambassador Application Form
- Parental Consent for Medical
- To Apply for a US Passport
- To Apply for a Brasilian Visa
- Host Guidelines
- Host Family Application Form
- Host family brochure
- Host Family Program Overview
- Host Family Recruiting flyer
- Youth Ambassador Program Overview
- Host Family Orientation Manual
- Youth Ambassador FAQs
- School Letter of Request and Acceptance form
2012 Blog Spots.
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Be a part of "Exchanging Places and Improving Lives"
The Partners of the Americas Youth Ambassador Program is now 20 years old. During this time, we have hosted over 100 teenagers from Rio Grande do Sul, our sister state in the southern part of Brazil . Six teens are chosen each year to come from Rio Grande dos Sul, Brasil, our Partner state, for 8 weeks of their summer break-early January to early March. Before they arrive in Indiana , they go through a rigorous selection and preparation program. Their English must be excellent, and they must show they are superior students who have demonstrated the attitudes and skills to adapt to a Youth Ambassador experience.
Six Indiana teens are chosen to go from Indiana to Rio Grande do Sul, typically for limited to one month because of school activities, mid-June to mid-July. They are not expected to be fluent in Portuguese. Although some foreign language knowledge is encouraged. Brazilian host families and schools expect to accommodate English-speaking Americans. They are expected to demonstrate strong commitment and the skills to adapt to a Youth Ambassador experience. They must undergo an interview selection and orientation process.
Program Purposes : 1) to experience American (or Brazilian) culture and family life and; 2) to participate in meaningful volunteer work that builds understanding of voluntary action for the public good; and 3) to develop self-awareness and global understanding that foster leadership skills.
School Attendance: T he opportunity for the teens to participate in school is central to the goal to experience the life of a typical teen in the host country. All of the teens are expected to be accepted and participate in school. However, they travel on a tourist visa, not a student visa. They do not need, and are not eligible for, academic credit, allowing broad latitude to the schools for course schedules and requirements. Beyond cultural understanding, the school can also be a key location for Youth Ambassador volunteer and leadership experience.
YA Contacts: Jhani Laupus - or phone: 317/257-2333
or Leslie Barratt - or phone: 812/232-3604