Denver Young Ambassador Program to Kunming, China

Experiencing a Many-Splendored Life Called Yunnan

Denver Sister Cities International is pleased to invite applications for the upcoming Denver Young Ambassador youth delegation to our sister city, Kunming, China. This is a unique cultural exchange opportunity as you will not only be able to visit Kunming and other cities in Yunnan Province but interact with youth invited from Kunming’s other sister cities from around the world. You will be visiting the world famous Stone Forest, a natural heritage site and other sites in the beautiful Yunnan Province where you will have an in depth look at least one of the twenty five different minorities. In Kunming, participants will engage in a series of educational and cultural activities with an emphasis on sustainability while representing the city of Denver as a Young Ambassador.

This delegation trip includes pre-trip leadership training designed to prepare you to represent the City and County of Denver. The pre-trip sessions will include the history of the Denver and Kunming sister city relationship which has been active since 1986. Participants will get an orientation to Chinese culture and international protocol which will prepare you for a successful visit. Pre-trip visits include a picnic at City of Kunming Park and a meeting at the City and County Building of Denver with City Officials.

Yunnan International Sister Provinces/Cities Youth Exchange Week 2024, organized by Yunnan Provincial People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries and Yunnan Friendship Foundation for NGO Network for International Exchanges, will be held in Yunnan Province from October 14th to 19th, 2024. 

The theme of this event is "Experiencing a Many-Splendored Life Called Yunnan". Youths from sister provinces/cities of Yunnan Province in countries such as Japan, South Korea, the United States, Russia, Romania, the Czech Republic, Thailand, Laos, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Singapore, and more will join Chinese youths in a variety of rich exchange activities. Through visits, real-life experiences, and interactive exchanges, the young friends from various countries will be able to immerse themselves in the unique charms of ecological livability, ethnic unity, diversity and inclusiveness, and sustainable development of the province. Through this event, we hope to build a platform for young friends from various countries to enhance mutual understanding, deepen friendship, and promote mutual learning of civilizations, and gather more youthful energy to build a community with a shared future for mankind.

• Destination: Kunming, Yunnan Province, China 
• Pre-trip Trainings Scheduled in September
• Travel Dates: October 14th to October 19th, 2024
  • Plan your travel to arrive in Kunming Changshui International Airport on Monday, October 14th, 2024
• Number of Spots Available: 15

• Applicants must be 18 - 30 years of age at the time of travel demonstrating a keen interest in leadership and cultural exchange.
• Applicants must show an interest in developing people-to-people relationships through their travel. They must also be willing to write a summary of their experiences and create presentations to the Denver Mayor’s Office, Denver Sister Cities International  and/or the Kunming Committee upon completion.
• Must have a valid passport and visa (we will assist the visa process) 

• Cost of flight from Denver to Kunming and Program Cost
• $100 application deposit, $500 program fee total + airfare (deposit will be refunded if you’re not accepted or an emergency comes up) 
• Included: 5 nights and 6 days of food, accommodation, transportation, and exchange experience activities provided by Yunnan Province.
• Partial travel scholarships available through the John Yee Scholarship Fund. Indicate on your application if you wish to apply for financial support.

May 26th, 2024

• Completed Application Form
• Personal Statement (1000 words) on why you wish to participate in this program and what you hope to gain from the experience.
• Optional One Letter of Recommendation (from non-family members; preferably from academic or professional references).
• Copy of Passport 

• Applications will be reviewed by a selection committee composed of members from Denver Sister Cities International, Kunming Committee and the Denver Mayor’s Office.
• Candidates may be invited for an interview (either in person or via video call) as part of the selection process.
• All applicants will be notified of their status by May 24th, 2024.

For more information or inquiries, please contact:

Denver Sister Cities International

Email: travel@denversistercities.org

Phone: (303) 832-1336

We look forward to receiving your application and hopefully welcoming you as a Denver Young Ambassador to Kunming, China. This is a unique opportunity to represent Denver and make meaningful international connections that will enhance your global perspective and interpersonal skills.