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Eligibility RequirementsTo apply for the United States Delegation, applicants must be:
*A United States Citizen (Note: Permanent Residents do not qualify) * Age 18 - 30 years-old if applying to be a Participating Youth (Delegate Member) * Age 30 - 40 years-old if applying to be a National Leader. However, exceptional and mature candidates outside of this age range that are confident and energetic in working with youth are invited to apply. What Kind Of Applicant Are You Looking For? |
Ready to Apply? |
Participating Youth/United States Delegate
The USA Selection Committee aims to select a group of individuals that represent the diverse backgrounds, ethnicity, cultures, and values of United States citizens. Unlike many exchange programs, you do not need to be a student to apply for SWY, and we do not require that you be interested in, or working in, a particular field. The USA Selection Committee seeks a well-balanced delegation, and it is common for delegations to include participants representing many spheres of industry such as the arts, education, health, business, and politics. Previous experience abroad is not necessary.
Here is a general idea of the criteria we look for when evaluating candidates. SWY applicants should:
1. Have a clear purpose for participating that is consistent with the values of the SWY Program.
2. Understand the future commitment and contribution expected as a member of the SWY Alumni Association upon program completion.
3. Demonstrate adaptability and flexibility.
4. Demonstrate prior leadership experience or skills.
5. Be comfortable collaborating with others on a team.
6. Desire to learn about new cultures and to share one's own culture.
7. Communicate effectively with sensitivity and respect.
8. Desire to be a proactive part of intercultural exchange and global diplomacy.
The Japanese Government recommends the following criteria. SWY applicants should:
1. Be between 18-30 years-of-age (as of April in the year of application).
2. Be able to complete the entire SWY Program (i.e. attend the program from January to March)
3. Be in good physical and mental condition and capable of enduring a two-month overseas voyage (Limited medical facilities are available
during the program; participants will be asked to submit a medical history).
4. Be able to significantly contribute to promoting youth development in your country and maintain an active role in international exchange in
your community, occupation, school, youth organization, business, etc.
5. Have a level of English sufficient to engage in activities and discussion at a university-level.
6. Have an interest in and/or understanding of Japan. *It is preferable for some delegates to have a command of the Japanese language, which is a
working language of selective activities in the program, but this is not mandatory.
The USA Selection Committee aims to select a group of individuals that represent the diverse backgrounds, ethnicity, cultures, and values of United States citizens. Unlike many exchange programs, you do not need to be a student to apply for SWY, and we do not require that you be interested in, or working in, a particular field. The USA Selection Committee seeks a well-balanced delegation, and it is common for delegations to include participants representing many spheres of industry such as the arts, education, health, business, and politics. Previous experience abroad is not necessary.
Here is a general idea of the criteria we look for when evaluating candidates. SWY applicants should:
1. Have a clear purpose for participating that is consistent with the values of the SWY Program.
2. Understand the future commitment and contribution expected as a member of the SWY Alumni Association upon program completion.
3. Demonstrate adaptability and flexibility.
4. Demonstrate prior leadership experience or skills.
5. Be comfortable collaborating with others on a team.
6. Desire to learn about new cultures and to share one's own culture.
7. Communicate effectively with sensitivity and respect.
8. Desire to be a proactive part of intercultural exchange and global diplomacy.
The Japanese Government recommends the following criteria. SWY applicants should:
1. Be between 18-30 years-of-age (as of April in the year of application).
2. Be able to complete the entire SWY Program (i.e. attend the program from January to March)
3. Be in good physical and mental condition and capable of enduring a two-month overseas voyage (Limited medical facilities are available
during the program; participants will be asked to submit a medical history).
4. Be able to significantly contribute to promoting youth development in your country and maintain an active role in international exchange in
your community, occupation, school, youth organization, business, etc.
5. Have a level of English sufficient to engage in activities and discussion at a university-level.
6. Have an interest in and/or understanding of Japan. *It is preferable for some delegates to have a command of the Japanese language, which is a
working language of selective activities in the program, but this is not mandatory.
National Leader
In addition to the attributes listed above for delegation members, the USA Selection Committee also seeks these qualities in its applicants for National Leader:
1. Previous international experience.
2. Past experience working with Japan and the other participating countries.
3. Prior travel, study, work, or exchange experience broad.
4. Education in intercultural/international education.
5. Experience facilitating groups or programs.
6. Demonstrated problem solving skills.
7. Demonstrated public speaking and interpersonal communication skills.
In addition to the attributes above for delegation members, the Japanese Government recommends the following criteria for National Leader candidates:
1. Be between the ages of 30 and 40-years-old, but exceptional candidates outside of this age range will still be considered with demonstrated
ability to work well with 18 to 30-year-old youth.
2. Be capable of performing the following duties and responsibilities:
a. Take leadership of his/her delegation.
b. Participate additionally as a leader of a mixed nationality activity group.
c. Facilitate studies and discussions among Participating Youths.
d. Take a role as member of the National Leaders' meeting for discussing and deciding on fundamental matters concerning life and activities
while on board as well as the countries to be visited.
3. Participate as a leader or belong to a youth organization or in organizations related to youth affairs (*preferred, but not required).
In addition to the attributes listed above for delegation members, the USA Selection Committee also seeks these qualities in its applicants for National Leader:
1. Previous international experience.
2. Past experience working with Japan and the other participating countries.
3. Prior travel, study, work, or exchange experience broad.
4. Education in intercultural/international education.
5. Experience facilitating groups or programs.
6. Demonstrated problem solving skills.
7. Demonstrated public speaking and interpersonal communication skills.
In addition to the attributes above for delegation members, the Japanese Government recommends the following criteria for National Leader candidates:
1. Be between the ages of 30 and 40-years-old, but exceptional candidates outside of this age range will still be considered with demonstrated
ability to work well with 18 to 30-year-old youth.
2. Be capable of performing the following duties and responsibilities:
a. Take leadership of his/her delegation.
b. Participate additionally as a leader of a mixed nationality activity group.
c. Facilitate studies and discussions among Participating Youths.
d. Take a role as member of the National Leaders' meeting for discussing and deciding on fundamental matters concerning life and activities
while on board as well as the countries to be visited.
3. Participate as a leader or belong to a youth organization or in organizations related to youth affairs (*preferred, but not required).
When I Can Apply?
You can follow SWYAA USA on Twitter and Facebook for up-to-date information on the status of future voyages. You may also register your e-mail with us, and we will notify you as soon as the application becomes active. The Government of Japan usually selects the countries that will participate in late spring to early summer of each year, so it's a good idea to start checking this page and our social media around that time. The most recent programs have sailed in January, and these cases the USA application deadline has been in either August or September. The application link above will become active once the USA is selected to participate. Check back often, and good luck!
How Many Applicants Are Selected To Participate?
Usually 10 to 12 applicants are selected to participate as United States delegates. However, three to four applicants are also selected to serve as alternate candidates. In the event an applicant declines a delegate position or a delegate is unable to comply with program obligations, an alternate will be contacted to serve as a delegate.
Have More Questions?
Please make sure you fully review the informational pages and FAQ sections of this website. One of these pages likely has the answer you're looking for! If not, please submit your question to SWYAA USA via the Contact Form Page. Please be aware that the SWY USA Alumni Association is a volunteer organization with no central office or phone number as it is run only by volunteers all over the United States. Due to the large volume of form submissions and e-mails we receive, especially around the application deadline, we apologize that we cannot guarantee a response to inquiry but we will do our best.
