Student Ambassadors

The International Relations Committee annually sponsors two St. Petersburg high school juniors to represent the city as good will ambassadors during a three week trip to Takamatsu, Japan. The high school juniors selected receive free round trip airfare to Takamatsu and

accommodations with a Japanese family (or families) for up to three weeks during the summer. After the exchange trip, each student must be available for interviews to promote the program for the next year. Each student agrees to share his or her experiences with students, civic groups and other interested citizens upon return from the exchange.

THE PROGRAM
Two (2) high school juniors who are residents of St. Petersburg will represent our city as goodwill ambassadors to Takamatsu. In addition to enlightening young people of Takamatsu about St. Petersburg's people and culture, our student ambassadors will have the opportunity to experience typical Japanese family life, culture, and sights with an oversight of the City of Takamatsu www.city.takamatsu.kagawa.jp/english/index.html.

Ambassadors receive economy round-trip airfare to Takamatsu and home stays with families for several weeks during the summer of 2009. Students will be expected to contribute $10 per day (1,000 yen) toward their expenses. Travel dates are approximately the first two weeks in July. Exact travel dates will be determined by May 1, 2009.

Upon return, each of the students will be expected to share his or her experiences with students, civic groups and other interested citizens.

HOW TO APPLY
Students interested should complete the application below. Email to colleen.mazzo@stpete.org. Email or attach a current school picture. Applicants may also print out the completed application and mail or deliver to City Hall.

Mail address:
International Relations Committee
PO Box 2842
St. Petersburg, Florida 33731

Delivery Address:
Elizabeth Brincklow
Office of International Relations
175 5th St. N.
St. Petersburg, Florida 33701

APPLICATION FORMS
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Application Form (.DOC) / Application Form (.PDF)
Parental Consent Form (.PDF)*
Student Records Consent Form (.PDF)*
* Note: If the application is emailed the Parental Consent Form and Student Records Consent Form MUST be signed and faxed to 727-893-7719.

APPLICATION CHECK LIST
ATTACH OR INCLUDE EACH OF THESE ITEMS. Items may be scanned and attached as separate documents in an email. All emailed documents will be acknowledged as received in a reply email with in 24 hours. If you do not receive the reply message contact colleen.mazzo@stpete.org or call 727-893-4140.

     Application Form (.DOC) / Application Form (.PDF)
     Individual Class Picture
     Essay (Directions in Application Form)
     High School Transcript
     Verification of honors received and activity involvement
     Parental Consent Form (.PDF)
                 Print this form, sign and fax to 727-893-7719.
     Student Records Consent Form (.PDF)
                 Print this form, sign and fax to 727-893-7719.
     Two Letters of Reference. At least One must be from school.

APPLICATION DEADLINE
Delivered or Postmarked Feburary 20, 2009, at 5:00 pm. The applicant must be available for interview by the selection committee during March/April.

INTERVIEWS
Each qualified applicant will be interviewed by members of the International Relations Committee. Students will be asked questions about their own lives and about the City of St Petersburg.

For more information about the application procedure and cultural exchange program, please contact Ann Wykell at City Hall or by phone 551-3250 or email Elizabeth.Brincklow@stpete.org .

PLEASE BE AWARE THAT ALL INFORMATION PROVIDED TO THE CITY OF ST. PETERSBURG BECOMES A PUBLIC RECORD.