We are thrilled that Australia has been invited on SWY for 2025! 

​

The Ship for World Youth (SWY) is a unique international youth exchange and leadership program that allows participants to challenge their comfort zones while learning leadership and cross-cultural communication skills.  

 

Supported by the Government of Japan, this program provides approximately 250 youth from around the world the opportunity to come together to discuss common global issues, experience cultural exchange, and join seminars and workshops conducted by experts and the participants themselves. Participants also develop their skills through active involvement in running seminars, participating in on-board committees and engaging with different cultures.

​

In 2025, 13 countries will participate in SWY. Each country will send 8 Participating Youth and one National Leader, with the exception of Japan which will have 80 Participating Youth. 

​

2025 Participating countries:

• People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria

• Australia, Federative Republic of Brazil

• Republic of Djibouti

• Arab Republic of Egypt

• Sultanate of Oman

• Republic of Panama

• Republic of Peru

• Republic of Poland

• Republic of Senegal

• Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka

• Kingdom of Sweden

• Japan

​

Key program dates:

• Online exchange: 24 November 2024 

• Canberra Pre Departure training: 6-8 December 2024

• Official Program:  24 January 2025 - 21 February 2025

​

Official Program itinerary: 

• Onshore training in Tokyo

• Three weeks onboard the Nippon Maru, visiting the ports of Shizuoka and Shimane, Japan

​

Eligibility for Participating Youth

• Be 18 to 30 years of age as of April 1, 2024

• Have no prior participation in an in-person SWY program 

• Be an Australian citizen and currently live in Australia 

• Be in good physical and mental condition to tolerate a long voyage (due to being onboard a ship without access to emergency medical care, people who are pregnant and who have some medical conditions are not able to participate in this program)

• Possess considerable knowledge of Australia and the capability to share Australian culture

• Have a good command of English

• Be able to participate in all SWY 2025 program dates, including online dates, Canberra pre-departure training, and Japan program dates

• Be able to participate in the pre-departure training in Canberra at your own expense (if travelling to Canberra is an inhibiting factor in applying, we encourage you to reach out to our team to discuss options)

• Capacity to adhere strictly to the program schedule and live harmoniously in a large group

​

Eligibility for the National Leader is the same as above, except it is preferred that the National Leader is over 30 years of age, and is either a former participant of SWY or works in a youth organisation or governmental organisation related to Youth Affairs. 

​

Please see the respective tabs for National Leader and Participating Youth applications and deadlines.

​

Further information from the Governemnt of Japan info pack can be viewed below.