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The following countries participated in the Ship for World Youth 20th Program which ran from January – March 2008: Bahrain, Brazil, Costa Rica, Finland, India, Japan, New Zealand, Oman, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Spain, Tanzania, USA and Vanuatu.

What is the Ship for World Youth?

The Ship for World Youth (SWY) is a unique international cultural exchange program organised by the Government of Japan. The most prestigious program of its kind, SWY brings together over 250 youth from around the world to learn about international cooperation and understanding.

Over a two-month period, participants are involved in a wide range of activities aimed at fostering cultural sensitivity, understanding and friendship. Most of the program is conducted onboard the cruise liner Nippon Maru, with some activities scheduled in Japan, and others in a number of seaports that are visited in the course of the voyage.

Commencing in 1989, the program is run on an annual basis. Each year a different mix of nations is invited to participate and a different ports of call are incorporated into the itinerary.

Our Aims

FOSTER the spirit of international cooperation and the competence to practice it

PROMOTE friendship and mutual understanding between the youth of Japan and the youth of other parts of the world

BROADEN the international awareness of participants

DEVELOP youth capable of playing leading roles in various sectors of their societies and in turn contribute to the sound development of youth in their respective countries

Participating Countries for SWY23

Australia
Kin

Port of Call Countries for SWY23

Suva, Fiji
Brisbane, Australia

Itinerary for SWY23

11th January 2011                     Arrival of the non-Japanese participants in Tokyo
11-20th January 2010                Activities in Japan
21st January 2011                     Departure from Japan
22th January - 5th March 2020   Opearation of the SWY23 program
3rd March 2011                          Return to Australia

Would you like to apply for SWY23?

Applications are now open for this rare opportunity to represent Australia internationally.  You will be sending your application via the Japanese Embassy in Australia.

Would you like to attend a FREE Information Night?

SWY Australia will be hosting a series of FREE information nights across Australia.  Our organisation is the first international SWY Association to provide such a comprehensive and inclusive introduction and invitation to potential applicants - we were even the first to use online newsgroups, skype and chat rooms with previous delegates and guest delegates form Mexico, USA, Costa Rica and Fiji to help explain the SWY program. 
 

Frequently Asked Questions

How often does the Program run?

The program is run each year by the Cabinet Office in Japan . They are responsible for organising the whole program and inviting various countries to participate.

Which countries get invited?

Each year the Japanese Government invites the governments of some 11 - 15 other countries to send delegations. The participating countries usually change each year. Generally there is a mix of countries from various regions of the world.

How much does it cost?

As a participant there is little cost involved. The Government of Japan very generously covers most expenses. This includes your return airfares to Japan as well as all living expenses whilst in Japan and onboard the ship. Participants are required to purchase travel insurance and usually take some spending money for souvenirs while overseas.

Where does the Ship visit?

During the program the ship will visit a few countries that are selected especially for each program for a 1-3 day stopover in each port. These countries host the ship and its participants whilst in port.

How can I participate in the next Program?

The Australian Government will be notified by the Japanese Embassy next time we are invited to participate. The Japanese Government will then liaise with the Embassy of Japan, the Australian Government and SWY Australia to promote the program and to seek applications.
 

Criteria for participants changes slightly from year to year:

The following criteria have been used in the past:

1. 18-30 years of age
2. able to participate in the entire program
3. in good condition both physically and mentally
4. capable of acting co-operatively and in harmony with delegation throughout the program
5. expected to contribute greatly to the various activities for promoting sound development of youths
6. good command of English to be able to participate the activities such as discussion on university level
7. preferable to have a command of Japanese, which is a working language of some of the selective activities in the program, however this is not compulsory
8. interest in and an understanding of Japan

Operation Skippy

Would you like a reminder email sent to you when applications for the next program open?  SWY Australia would like to help you with a FREE automated electronic alert when Australia is invited to the next Ship for World Youth program.

If the timing of this amazing invitation is not going to fit with your busy schedule, and you believe in the future you will be interested then register your details with us now!  SWY Australia will ensure you receive a personal e-Alert is sent to your email to ensure you are first to know when Australia is invited to participate again - CLICK HERE.