Apply Now (Applications are now closed)

E ngā mana, e ngā reo, whakapiri mai. Whakapiri mai ki tēnei ki kaupapa whakahirahira.

The Ship for World Youth Alumni Association of New Zealand is excited to announce that applications for the 35th voyage of the Ship for World Youth are now open!

SWY35 will begin with an online program on 4, 11 and 25 November 2023, followed by an intensive in-person program in Japan during 24 January – 21 February 2024.

Participants will depart Tokyo aboard the Nippon Maru, visiting Kyoto, Hyogo and Kochi prefectures for local programs grounded in the UN Sustainable Development Goals, across topics such as Gender Equality, Youth Empowerment, Quality Education, Environmental Conservation and Disaster Prevention.

Aotearoa New Zealand has once again been invited to participate, joining Argentina, Ethiopia, France, India, Ireland, Jordan, Kenya, Mexico, Solomon Islands, Turkey, UAE, Zambia, and of course, Japan.

Applications for participating youth of the New Zealand delegation will close at 11:59pm on Monday 31 July 2023.

Applications for National Leaders will close at 11:59pm on Monday 17 July.

You can also find all the important information in the application pack here.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

What are the criteria for Participating Youth?

Be 18-30 years of age as of the 1st of April 2023.
New Zealand Citizen, and ideally living in New Zealand.
Must be able to participate in the entire programme, including the training weekend (to be confirmed, during October 2023), online sessions during November 2023, and the in-person programme in Japan in 2024.
Must be able to actively assist with the preparation of the delegation prior to departure.
In good mental and physical health suited to a voyage where urgent medical care is not available.
Capable of acting cooperatively and constructively with fellow members of the NZ delegation and other delegations involved in the program.
Expected to contribute greatly to the various activities for promoting sound development of young people, and representing New Zealand on the international stage.
Good command of English for participation in activities and discussion at university level and above.
Interest in, or understanding of Japan (and other participating countries). While the programme is conducted in English, some Japanese language ability may be an advantage.
Be capable of, and interested in, sharing the society and cultures of Aotearoa New Zealand. Basic Te Reo Maori would be an advantage.
Willing and able to cooperate with measures against infectious diseases such as COVID-19 and influenza, as deemed necessary by the Japanese administration (and border controls), such as (but not limited to) vaccination, use of face coverings, and PCR tests. Note that these procedures may require that you own and carry a smartphone.
Must not have been a participant of any past program of the Cabinet Office of Japan, (with the exception of Ex-PYs of the 2022 SWY Online programme).
Must not have a criminal conviction or impending charges against them.

What are the criteria for the National Leader?

Have been a previous Participating Youth of a SWY program.
Ideally between 30-40 years of age.
New Zealand citizen, and ideally living in New Zealand.
Must be able to participate in the entire program, including online National Leaders’ conferences (tentatively, 3x 4 hour sessions during weekends in September), the training weekend (to be confirmed, during October 2023), guiding the preparation of the delegation prior to departure and preparing post programme review documentation.
Expected to contribute greatly to the various activities for promoting sound development of young people, and representing New Zealand on the international stage.
Strong leadership skills including conflict resolution and interpersonal skills.
Capable of taking an active role as an advisor and mentor, not only to PYs from New Zealand, but from other participating countries.
Good command of English for participation in, and facilitation of, activities and discussion at university level and above.
In good mental and physical health suited to a voyage where urgent medical care is not available.
Capacity and capability to support PYs with their wellbeing throughout the program.
Willing and able to cooperate with measures against infectious diseases such as COVID-19 and influenza, as deemed necessary by the Japanese administration (and border controls), such as (but not limited to) vaccination, use of face coverings, and PCR tests. Note that these procedures may require that you own and carry a smartphone.
Must not have a criminal conviction or impending charges against them.

How does the selection process work?

The SWYNZ Alumni Association, along with the nominated National Leader will be managing the selection process, which first involves the submission of application forms (link to forms removed as applications are now closed).

After applications close, the selection panel will invite a shortlist of applicants to be invited to an interview via zoom (approximately one hour) between 5 August and 18 August 2023.

The selection panel is looking to send a delegation of young people that make the best team, rather than ten of the country’s highest performing individuals. This multi-talented group of young leaders will be able to represent the diverse backgrounds, skills, strengths and stories that make up Aotearoa New Zealand.

A list of applicants (which may include reserves) that make it through interview screening will be submitted to the Japanese administration, who makes the final decision on the approval of delegation members.

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, national uniforms, gifts, and provide for their own spending money. They may also need to cover other expenses such as domestic flights for training in New Zealand pre-program. Some costs are incurred for delegation expenses (such as props and materials for the National Presentation) and there is an expectation the delegation will work together to seek financial and in-kind sponsorship.

This year Japan specifies that each participant should carry a smartphone (primarily for border control / infectious disease control registration).

How many people participate in the programme?

The delegation from New Zealand will consist of 1 NL and 10 PYs, who will join 100 participants from Japan, and 120 participants (total) from the other overseas countries.

What kind of activities are there on the programme?

This video from SWY29 is a great look at SWY through the eyes of a participant!

When participants first arrive in Japan, there will be approximately five days of “onshore training” in Tokyo where participants will meet each other, begin course discussions and make some official visits to institutions related to their topics of interest. For limited participants, there will likely also be a courtesy call with the Prime Minister and Crown Prince of Japan.

Once getting onboard the Ship, there is lots for participants to do! This changes every year, but there is usually:

Lectures and workshops by onboard facilitators
Participant led seminars, workshops, focus groups
Cultural exchange activities, including dance, music, art and limited gastronomical
National presentations by each country – formal, abstract, performing arts and gala/booth/event based
Official visits to institutions in during port of call activities
Leisure including a pool, restaurant, bar, participant led social activities.

What sort of topics does SWY cover?

Changing each year, information about the course discussion streams for SWY35 are:

Gender Equality (promotion of respectful society and employment regardless of gender)
Realization of Cohesive Society (society where all residents including foreign, disabled and elderly people can play active roles)
Quality Education (society where educational opportunities and quality education are secured and provided)
Youth Empowerment (unlock youth potential)
Succession of Local Traditions and Histories (protection and succession of local traditions, histories and cultures)
Development of Attractive Communities (increase life satisfaction so that people would like to continue living in the area)
Disaster Prevention Education and Tourism (awareness-raising activities and initiatives toward disaster prevention)
Disaster Prevention Measures (development of disaster prevention infrastructure)
Environmental Conservation and Tourism (balancing of environmental conservation and tourism)
Living Close to Nature (coexistence between human and nature)

The SWY Alumni looks forward to receiving your application!

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