Summer 2026 Youth Ambassador Application

ANTRIM-NEWTOWNABBEY, NORTHERN IRELAND AND LESHAN, CHINA

Student exchange provides opportunities to make new friends, share cultural perspectives, practice critical 21st-century language skills, and build connections around the world. Additionally, being selected as a delegate includes the honor of serving as an ambassador for Gilbert and the United States, as well as the benefit of building a strong college resume. Whether selected or not, you participated in the Gilbert Sister Cities Youth Ambassador Program selection process. You will gain new friendships, skills to complete your college/ job applications, and soft skills for interviews. You will also receive credit for volunteer hours if requested. Application Requirements: Each applicant must:

Be a United States citizen
Live in or attend a school located in Gilbert or Higley
Be a junior in high school
Be in good health (and upon request, be able to supply a doctor’s statement of verification)
Commit to actively participating as an ambassador for their senior year of high school

Cost:

$25 application fee
Families are also required to pay the costs associated with hosting a student from another country
If you do not have a current passport, the cost of obtaining a passport will be at your family’s expense
If traveling to China, families are responsible for obtaining a Visa (about $200)
If traveling to N. Ireland, starting in 2024, families are responsible for obtaining a Visa (~$8)
If selected, your family must join Gilbert Sister Cities, pay the $40 membership fee and support Gilbert Sister Cities activities
Students are responsible for the cost of their personal health insurance while traveling abroad

Program Timeline:

The interview process takes place from September 2025 to March 2026. If selected, you will host an ambassador for 2-3 weeks as well as spending 2-3 weeks with your host family abroad. Please make sure you will be available in June and July as the dates fluctuate each year depending on school calendars as we will make sure the program concludes before the start of the school year.

Application Deadline:

Applications are due October 17th, 2025 by 11:59 PM.

Application Checklist:

Be sure to submit your application after you have completed all areas, incomplete and/or partially saved applications will not be considered. You will receive an email upon successful submission. Refer to the checklist below to ensure all steps are completed for the application process:

Submit your application by 10/17/25, which includes:

A current photo/headshot of yourself. This will be used for both internal and external publications.
Applicant short answer questions
Parent statements
Responsibility agreement

Pay your $25 application fee online or at the Applicant Orientation Meeting on 10/21/25

This fee is to be paid to Gilbert Sister Cities and may be paid online via PayPal/Credit Card or by check made payable to Gilbert Sister Cities.

Questions: If you have any questions, please contact [email protected]

Begin 2026 Youth
Ambassador Application

2026 Youth Ambassador Program Timeline Download

2025 Information Night – Gilbert Sister Cities by Nicole Schuermann

Youth Ambassador Program

Summer 2026 Youth Ambassador Application

ANTRIM-NEWTOWNABBEY, NORTHERN IRELAND AND LESHAN, CHINA

Past Youth Ambassadors

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