Youth Ambassador Student Exchange

Alumni Connection

Youth Ambassador Student of the Year

To recognize exceptional leaders amongst recent Youth Ambassador Alumni, one student will be chosen annually as the "Student of the Year.' The Student of the Year will be chosen for exemplifying great creativity in his or her follow-up programming, community outreach, and AIFL involvement. The honor will be awarded in December of the following year with a $5,000 scholarship to be used towards college tuition.

To qualify for this honor, student alumni must share their understanding and experience with their home communities in unique manners, while illustrating the benefits of the exchange and the resulting impact upon their lives. This may be in the form of speaking engagements, news articles, online outreach, film production, class assignments or any through any other creative outlet.

Throughout the year following his or her YASE participation, Youth Ambassadors will report their progress monthly through an online portal. A final project evaluation will be submitted for review by the Global Education Committee of the AIFL. Once selected, the Students of the Year will be provided transportation and lodging to New York City to receive their honor at the Partners for Democracy Award Dinner.

How to Begin? (As of April 1st)

1. Go to www.aifl.org and click on the Members & Alumni Section
2. Click on 'Youth Exchange Alumni' and Log-in with the membership information provided (If you do not have a Username and Password, please follow the steps to register and one will be provided)
3. Click on the 'Student of the Year' tab
4. Follow the instructions in entering your Follow-Up Activities. You will be asked to enter general information about your follow-up plan and periodic updates. Each time you enter the site, a new field will be provided for the periodic updates. These will be reviewed by the committee at the beginning of each month.
5. Be sure to Save and Click Submit when finished!

Alumni Mentoring & Chaperoning Program (2009)

As a means of keeping the expanding network of active YASE alumni, the AIFL is offering the opportunity for alumni to mentor and chaperone the current Youth Ambassadors. These alumni exemplify great commitment to their position as a Youth Ambassadors, even in the years following their participation.

YASE Alumni over the age of 25 are eligible to apply for this position, in which they would accompany the current Ambassadors on their month long exchange. Alumni chaperones will also be responsible for planning pre and post-mission activities for the new Ambassadors, along with conducting a workshop session during the program.