The Department of State Youth Ambassador, or Student Ambassador, program is a long-standing U.S Government exchange program which began in the 1950’s. For decades, young Americans have served as docents or guides for USA Pavilions at International Expositions, or World’s Fairs. The opportunity to engage with millions of visitors of all ages and backgrounds throughout the six-month Expo is a once in a lifetime experience. Serving as the “Faces of America” is an important role at a World’s Fair as many of the visitors may have never met face-to-face with an American before.
Youth Ambassadors have embarked on internships and careers in foreign policy with various U.S. Government agencies, including the State Department, USAID, the Department of Agriculture and others, as well as careers in international business, event management, and entrepreneurship. Youth Ambassadors are considered U.S. government exchange alumni and become part of a 1 million+ community of exchange alumni with opportunities for continued grants and other programs.
We encourage you to apply for the program and hope to see you in Japan at Expo 2025 Osaka!
What to Expect?
Youth Ambassadors will welcome and interact daily with international visitors. They will act as representatives of the U.S. and assist in organizing and executing events at the U.S. Pavilion.
Who Are We Looking For?
Young people, ages 19-27, who want to represent the U.S. and are ideally multilingual in English and one of the following languages: Japanese, Mandarin Chinese, Cantonese, Korean, Vietnamese, or Portuguese*.
* Language abilities are an asset, but not required in order to apply to become a Youth Ambassador
Youth Ambassadors will be divided into three cohorts:
- Full-Term of the Expo: March 26, 2025 – October 15, 2025*
- Spring 2025: March 26, 2025 – July 23, 2025*
- Fall 2025: July 12, 2025 – October 15, 2025*
*All YAs will meet for a multi-day, in-person orientation March 22 – 26, 2025 in Fort Worth, Texas.