[Fwd: Ship for World Youth 2000 (fwd)]

Please pass this information along to any individuals who may be
interested.  It isn't exactly service-learning, but it sounds like an
excellent experiential learning opportunity. If you have any questions,
please see the contact information given at the end of the forwarded
message.

Thank you,

Andrea Roufs
Information Specialist
Learn and Serve America
National Service-Learning Clearinghouse
1-800-808-7378
http://umn.edu/~serve


---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Fri, 12 May 2000 09:41:02 -0600
From: Jenny Winker <jwinker@globe.mic.umn.edu>
To: Jessica C Voigts <voig0025@tc.umn.edu>
Subject: Ship for World Youth 2000


Following is information about a unique exchange program
sponsored by the Japanese government, the Ship for World Youth.
It's open to participants aged 18 to 30.  I participated in 1997.
Applications just became available for the 2000 program which
takes place August 28-October 24th.  Application deadline is June
9!
AND.....the program is basically free -- airfare, meals, everything.

**************************************************

2000 Ship for World Youth Program

The Japanese Prime Minister's Office sponsors and administers an
exchange program entitled The Ship for World Youth. This program
brings together delegations from 17 countries every year. The
delegation's arrival in Japan is scheduled for August 28, 2000, and
disembarkation in Singapore is scheduled for October 24, 2000. All
applicants to the program must be available for the entire program.
The purpose of the "Ship for World Youth" program in 2000, is to
foster the spirit of international cooperation and the competence to
practice it as well as to promote friendship and mutual
understanding between the youth of Japan and those of various
areas of the world, to broaden their international perspective
through partaking in various exchange activities on board the ship
and also during their stays in the countries to be visited, and
furthermore studying and discussing common subjects from the
global viewpoint. The program for delegates of non-Japanese
countries begins with an orientation and introduction to Tokyo and
Japan, a home stay hosted by a prefectural government, and a pre-
departure meeting and planning. The delegations then board the
ship - The Nippon Maru - and the program continues with activities
in Russian Federation (Vladivostok), United States of America
(Honolulu), Tahiti Republic of Fiji Islands, and New Zealand. U.S.
delegates disembark in Singapore. The Youth Affairs
Administration of the Prime Minister's Office, through the Embassy
of Japan in Washington, D.C., has solicited the Department of
State for recommendations for the U.S. delegation. The
Department will put together a selection panel, which will evaluate
applicants. Nine applicants (eight participants and one national
leader) will be selected based on individual and delegation criteria
outlined by the Japanese Government. Qualifications for
participating youths include (but are not limited to): persons must
be U.S. citizens between 18 and 30 years old as of April 1, 2000;
proof of age is required upon selection; persons must be able to
participate in the entire program; persons must have a good
command of English - the common language of the program.
Additional qualifications for national leader include: anyone who is
(or is reasonably close to) 30-35 years of age; anyone who is
capable and willing to take leadership of both national delegations
and multi-national groups which are the base units for activities on
board the ship. anyone who is a leader in a youth or international
organization or an employee of a government agency involved in
youth or international affairs. The selection panel will select
delegates who meet these and other qualifications set by the
Japanese. Successful applicants will demonstrate an ability to
make an innovative contribution to the U.S. presence on the
program, the ability to succeed according to the standard set by
the Japanese Government, and the maturity/flexibility necessary to
represent the United States of America at diplomatic and
representational functions overseas. The selection panel will strive
for diversity in the delegation. The Department is committed to
ensuring that all of its activities reflect the full diversity of
American
society and culture. Email: npleasan@pd.state.gov Norma
Pleasant, Program Coordinator or clantz@pd.state.gov Carolyn
Lantz, Program Officer The Department of State - ECA/PE/C/PY
Educational & Cultural Affairs Youth Programs Division