What is it?
The Ship for World Youth (SWY) is a global youth exchange program in which nearly 4,000 people from 62 countries have participated. Organised by the Japanese government, the purposes of the program are:
- to broaden the global view of Japanese young people
- to promote mutual understanding and friendship between Japanese and foreign youth
- to cultivate the spirit of international cooperation and the competence to practice it
- to foster young people with the capability of showing leadership in various areas of international society
The Ship sails each year, carrying 120 Hapanese youth and 150 youth from other countries. Living together with youth from different countries on board the ship for 50 days, participants engage in discussions and lectures by specialists as well as arrange various events such as national presentation and club activities. SWY visits eastbound regions (Oceania, North, Central and South American regions) and westbound regions (Southwest Asian, African, and Middle Eastern regions) countries every other year.
How can I get involved?
Each year, the New Zealand Government waits to hear if it has been invited to participate. If so, it posts the invitation out to all youth organisations that have registered interest with the Ministry of Youth Development. It also puts the application form on the Ministry of Youth Development web site, and the New Zealand Ship for World Youth Alumni Association ‘NZSWYAA’ will also have the application and information available on this web site.
After the invitation has been received, which will give the number of positions available, the dates for the program and the route, the Ministry then invites applications from young people involved in youth activity, you don’t have to be member of a youth organisation, but you need to show that you are actively involved with youth. After that the Ministry and the SWY alumni will short list the applicants, and members of the Alumni will interview those on the short list. The successful applicants will be notified of their success, and will begin to prepare for the program. You can also email us at the NZSWYAA to find out more if you have specific queries.
Tags: exchange, intercultural, international youth, japan, Leadership, overseas, Politics, program, travel, United Nations, volunteer