U.S. Cultural Ambassadors with Saudi Youth Leaders Exchange Program

The Saudi Young Leaders Exchange Program (SYLEP) is an international leadership experience for Saudi university students or recently graduated students between the ages of 21-26 and U.S. Cultural Ambassadors. This three-week U.S.-based international exchange seeks to build leadership skills, civic responsibility, appreciation for cultural diversity, community engagement, and volunteerism through the exploration of a variety of themes. Saudi and U.S. participants will partake in relevant trainings, site visits and volunteer opportunities with the goal of growing together through hands on experience. (Please note this exchange will take place in-person. Please see the note at the end of this announcement to learn more about our COVID-19 safety plan.)

Cultural Ambassadors serve as peer mentors and friends to the Saudi participants, engaging in a variety of professional and leisure activities.

What are the responsibilities of a SYLEP Cultural Ambassador?

• Guide the Saudi students’ understanding of community engagement and volunteerism in the U.S. through informal conversations and during post event debriefs.
• Serve as host for up to 10 Saudi undergraduate/graduate students during their U.S. program. 1) Accompany the group during events (meetings, trainings and service projects); 2) Develop and lead some evening social activities; and 3) Assist Legacy’s SYLEP staff with program support tasks.
• Support Legacy’s Trainers in the facilitation of ice breakers, networking events, dialogues and discussions.
• Support Legacy’s staff team to implement SYLEP’s social media strategy (gathering stories, writing copy or blog posts, photographs, etc.).
• Serve as an adviser to the Saudis participants as they develop community action plans during a three-day Hackathon.
• Support Legacy staff in daily health checks (i.e. temperature checks, etc.).

 KEY DATES, 2021

• Cohort 1 - July 11 – Aug 1 Orientation begins: July 12 (4 Cultural Ambassador positions open)
• Aug 2-7 - break (if participating as part of both cohort cycles)
• Cohort 2 - Aug 8 – 29 Orientation begins: August 9 (5 Cultural Ambassador positions open)
• Please note:  while we have a preference for candidates who can serve as Cultural Ambassador for both cohorts, we will also accept applications from people who can only serve with one cohort. Please indicate your availability in your application cover letter.

Cultural Ambassadors should be:

• Currently enrolled in a U.S. college or university – upcoming senior undergraduates or graduate students. Recent graduates will also be considered.
• A citizen or permanent resident of the U.S. (Students from outside the U.S. currently studying in the U.S. are not eligible).
• Committed to leadership and community engagement, and an active participant in a university or local service organization, club or project OR other active leadership roles.
• Available for full dates of the Cultural Ambassador experience. The program requires full time engagement including travel to Washington, DC; full weekdays and weekends.
• Interested in and receptive to Middle Eastern cultures.
• It is preferable for the Cultural Ambassadors to reside or study in one of the host communities being visited for part of the program: Austin, TX, Chicago, IL, Pittsburgh, PA, Detroit, MI, Cincinnati, OH or Washington, DC

What will Cultural Ambassadors gain?

• Enhance one’s insights into Middle Eastern culture;
• Engage with emerging leaders from a different culture, while sharing approaches to common problems and gaining insights into new ways to approach one’s own efforts in the U.S.;
• Gain insights into one’s own leadership style;
• Develop as a leader with cross-cultural competency;
• Develop skills in group management, managing group dynamics and training;
• Gain new perspectives and ideas one may draw upon in their own community engagement efforts.

COVID-19 Update:

Legacy International has a 40+ year track record providing safe and enriching programming. During this global pandemic, our Health & Safety Team continuously monitors the global and local health advisories. In 2021, we are adjusting how in-person exchange programs are delivered so the preventative measures to mitigate the spread of communicable diseases is at the forefront. The safety of our staff, exchange visitors, program partners and their families is our priority. All participants will benefit from rigorous testing and other program modifications as we implement these plans and once again enjoy rewarding cultural immersions.

SYLEP is initiated and supported by the Embassy of the United States in Saudi Arabia.