Applications for SWY2025 are now closed
Are you ready to challenge your leadership, expand your cultural awareness and represent Australia to the world? Apply now for SWY2025!
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The Ship for World Youth (SWY) is a unique and once in a life time program funded by the Government of Japan. The program invests in young global leaders, preparing them to work and thrive in a globalised world of diverse communities. You will participate in a cultural exchange with participants from 12 other countries, sail on the Nippon Maru to Japanese Ports of Call, participate in hands-on projects in Japan, engage in a university-style course discussion group, and share Australian culture with other participants through a national presentation and club activities. More information about SWY can be found in the 'About' section of our website, on the SWY2025 homepage, and on the FAQ page. You can also view past photos, alumni Q&As, and information on our Instagram and Facebook pages.
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We are looking for a diverse group of young Australians who will be outstanding representatives for our country, and who are keen to make a difference in their local and global communities. We encourage applications from people who have unique passions or interests they can share on the program, particularly related to global issues and/or Australian identity.
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Before commencing your application for SWY2025, we recommend you pre-prepare answers to the short answer questions in a separate document to ensure you don't lose your responses.
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Additionally, you must prepare a short (maximum 2 minute video). Please have both these prepared before starting your application.
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Application close at 11.59pm on Sun, August 4 AEST.
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If you need assistance, please email: info@swyaus.org
Prior to Application
Eligibility for Participating Youth
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Be 18 to 30 years of age as of April 1, 2024
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Have no prior experience of the SWY program
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Be an Australian citizen and currently live in Australia
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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 pregnant and who have some medical conditions are not able to participate in this program)
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Possess considerable knowledge of Australia and capability to share Australian culture
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Have a good command of English
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Be able to participate in all SWY 2025 program dates, including online dates, Canberra pre-departure training, and Japan program dates
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Be able to participate in the pre-departure training in Canberra at your own expense (if travelling to Canberra is an inhibiting factor in apply, we encourage you to reach out to our team to discuss options)
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Capacity to adhere strictly to the program schedule and live harmoniously in a large group
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Contextual information
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Dates:
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Online exchange: 24 November 2024 and 7 December 2024
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Canberra Pre Departure training: 6-8 December 2024
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Official Program: January 24th 2025 - February 21st 2025 (please account for the possibility of flying one day earlier or later)
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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
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Pre-ship activities in Tokyo
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Port of call: Shizuoka and Shimane, Japan
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Selection criteria
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Highly adaptable and able to accept change
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Culturally competent and respectful
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Able to represent Australia to a high level, uphold high behavioural expectations, and follow instruction
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Interest in Japan and Japanese culture (past experience with Japanese language or culture is not essential, but an interest is learning is)
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Having special passions, knowledge, skills, or experience related to Australian culture and life that can be shared with overseas participants
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Application Questions
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Please describe your experience with youth activities, community service or other involvement in your local community (250 words)
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A big part of SWY is learning about Japanese culture. Please describe what interests you about Japan and Japanese culture (100 words)Please describe any special knowledge, skills or talents you would like to share on SWY (100 words)
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Please describe your previous cross-cultural experiences and how these experiences have equipped you for participating in an intensive cultural exchange program (100 words)
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Please describe your previous cross-cultural experiences and how these experiences have equipped you for participating in an intensive cultural exchange program (100 words)
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Please describe a challenging situation you have had to face, where your values, beliefs and interests were different to those around you. What strategies did you use to cope with this challenge? (250 words)
Video
You are required to upload a short (maximum 2 minute) video about yourself which addresses the following question:
Describe your reasons for applying and how you believe you can contribute to the program both while participating and upon your return to Australia.
The video will be assessed on content and not production quality (unless this is a special skill you’d like to contribute to the program, in which case you are welcome to showcase your skills). A simple video outlining the points above on a smart phone or webcam is all that is expected.
Please upload a link to your video in the form. An unlisted YouTube link is preferred, but if this is not possible please upload a Google Drive link or similar.​
Application Support
If you have questions about the application process or need help, please email: info@swyaus.org
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Please note that due to the number of applications received, we are unable to provide individual feedback.