• About The Programme

  The Sister Cities Youth Exchange Programme provides an opportunity to share cultural perspectives, make new friends and build connections around the world.

  Being selected as a participant of the Youth Exchange Programme is an opportunity to act as an ambassador for Antrim and Newtownabbey, both within the Borough and during your exchange in Gilbert, Arizona.

  The Exchange Programme is centred around a 6 week exchange (3 weeks in Northern Ireland and 3 weeks in Gilbert, Arizona).  Up to 4 participants from the programme will be selected to participate in this exchange.  This selection will be based on your application and an interview which will take place in December 2024.  The exchange will take place in June/July 2025, exact dates will be determined around exam timetables.

  Whether selected to travel or not, you will gain new friends and connections, learn skills which will help you with your university or job applications, gain soft skills which will help you in interviews and many other benefits that will come with being a part of the Youth Exchange Programme.

• What have previous participants said?

  All of the pictures above are from previous successful applicants who had a wonderful experience in Gilbert, and indeed back home in Antrim and Newtownabbey when they showed their American guests our beautiful Borough.  Here is what some of them had to say: 

  “An unforgettable experience - you will make memories that will last forever”

  “Amazing, opened my eyes to new experiences and a new culture. I have made lifelong friends”

  “Simply one of the best things I’ve ever done!”

   “An unforgettable opportunity to make new friends and learn about a teen’s lifestyle in America”

  “I have gained so much confidence in myself, tried things and done things I didn’t believe I could do”

  "Very worthwhile and a brilliant experience for the whole family"

• Application Requirements

  Each applicant must:

  • Be a resident of the Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council area
  • Be born between 1 July 2007 and 30 June 2008 and if in education, be in Year 13/Lower 6^th or equivalent
  • Available to travel for 3 weeks at the end of June/July (if selected)
  • Able to host an exchange student at end June/July (if selected)
  • In good health to travel (if selected)

  If selected to participate in the exchange, you and your family must commit to hosting your matched student from Gilbert, Arizona for 3 weeks and you will travel to Gilbert, Arizona to stay with your matched student for 3 weeks.  The order of the exchanges will be determined based upon school/exam dates.  The total 6 week exchange will commence mid to end June and will end mid to end July.

  Participation in the exchange is subject to satisfactory background checks being completed for all household members aged 16 or over.

  Should you be successful at application stage, Parental Consent and Participant Responsibility Agreement forms must be signed and presented at your interview.  Please note that at least one parent will be asked to attend an informal meeting on the same date, to review the signed forms. 

• Cost
  • Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council shall pay for travel to the USA including insurance costs.
  • Students must provide their own spending money, passport and apply for US Visa
  • Families/students will be expected to home host their exchange student for three weeks.
  • Families/students will be expected to provide trips/activities for their exchange student for three weeks.  These will typically aim to show the exchange students the sights in Northern Ireland, as well as to allow the student to take part in the life of a teenager in Antrim and Newtownabbey; for example cinema, sport or cultural activities. 
  • Additional activities may be organised and paid for by Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council during the Antrim and Newtownabbey hosting period.
• Information Events

  Anyone interested in taking part in the Sister Cities Youth Exchange Programme are strongly encouraged to attend one of the below information sessions along with their parents. This information event will provide an opportunity to meet and chat with previous programme participants and their families, hear all about their experiences first hand, and ask questions about any aspect of the programme. Council officers will also be available on the night to provide information about the application and interview process and programme logistics.

  • Wednesday 16^th October   6pm – 7pm            Clotworthy House, Randalstown Road, Antrim, BT41 4LH        
  • Wednesday 23^rd October   6pm – 7pm             Theatre at the Mill, Mossley Mill, Carnmoney Road North, Newtownabbey BT36 5QA

  To register for either of the above events, E. Business@antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk and include your name, address including postcode, and contact number, or T. 0300 123 4568

• How to Apply

  Before submitting your application, you should read the “Sister Cities Youth Exchange Programme – Participant Responsibility Agreement” and parents/guardians should read the “Sister Cities Youth Exchange Programme Parental Consent” document. 

  Application forms should be completed online - See below.

  The online application process opens:        Friday 4 October 2024

  Applications close:                                       Friday 29 November 2024

  Shortlisting and Interviews:                          December 2024

  In order to be eligible to take part in the Youth Exchange Programme, a reference will be required from a teacher, youth worker or equivalent.

  Before submitting an application form, you must speak to a teacher, youth worker or equivalent who knows you well; ask them if they would be happy to provide a reference for you and include their details in your application form. On receipt of your application, we will email a reference form to your teacher or youth worker for completion.

   

For more information, contact: Business@antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk