2024 Mesa Youth Ambassadors Exchange
Opens on 13 October 2023 and closes on 18 December 2023
2024 Mesa Youth Ambassadors Exchange is now open for applications.
We are seeking two Year 12 or 13 students and their families to represent Upper Hutt in an international student experience with our sister city, Mesa, Arizona, USA.
This programme is a home-hosted experience between Mesa City and Upper Hutt City. It is designed to be an inclusive cultural exchange to grow the worldview of our rangatahi, and to strengthen the international friendship between the two cities. It seeks to provide opportunities for young people to gain an increased sense of identity through exploring culture and diversity on an international scale.
The Council provides for the cost of airfares and travel insurance for the two selected candidates to travel to Mesa in April and also arranges for some local events when we host our counterparts from Mesa in June.
How does this exchange work?
The exchange will take place between April and June 2024.
Our two selected rangatahi will travel to Mesa in April 2024 and be hosted by the selected Mesa youth and their families. They will attend school for approximately one week before the summer break and experience a range of organised activities when they are in Mesa.
Our Upper Hutt families will then reciprocate and host our American counterparts when they travel to Upper Hutt in June 2024. The students from Mesa will attend the colleges in Upper Hutt for some of the time and the rest of the time they will enjoy activities that promote the culture and history of New Zealand.
How do I apply?
We invite all rangatahi from Year 12 or 13 to apply.
Please complete the online application form by clicking on the button below. Please read the Responsible Conduct information which can be found in the panel on the right. You can also download the Information Sheet for more information.
Each application must be accompanied by a supporting letter from the Principal or Dean of the school the student is currently attending. These letters should make comment on:
- qualities of the student and suitability for the exchange
- any other factors that are relevant to support the application.
Apply here
Visit here for more information about Mesa City, Arizona.
Visit here for more information about the Mesa Sister Cities Association.
For more information, please contact our Community Advisors, Whero West or Cat Hamlin
Mesa Youth Ambassador Exchange 2023