Intercultural Ambassador Program

SDSU International Students:

• Have you ever wanted to share your experiences and insights with Americans about your country and culture?
• Do you enjoy working with children or youth?

The Intercultural Ambassador Program may be an excellent opportunity for you. This program helps you develop unique skills by promoting intercultural understanding in San Diego's public schools.

How it works

A group of SDSU international students will be selected to participate in a leadership development program promoting global understanding and cross-cultural exchange in San Diego public schools. This is a volunteer-based program. Volunteers will receive $400 to cover travel expenses and materials.

In the past 30 years of this program, more than 450 international students from 95 countries have visited more than 650 classrooms and personally enriched the lives of more than 200 teachers and 30,000 San Diego children!

Eligibility

To be eligible to apply to become an Intercultural Ambassador, you must:

• Be a currently enrolled international student at SDSU during both the fall and spring semesters
• Hold a valid F-1 or J-1 visa
• Have an overall G.P.A. of 2.5 or higher

Selection process

Applicants who meet the eligibility requirements listed above will be selected based upon:

• Ability to communicate effectively to groups, especially children and youth
• Ability to view international events and issues from a global perspective
• Ability to gather and share informaiton about one's own country and cultures
• Previous experience with intercultural programs and activities

Program details

• During Fall and Winter, participants will receive 9-12 hours of training in public speaking, intercultural communications, global education, and leadership development.
• During the Spring semester, partcipants will prepare and make 3 presentations in each of 2 public school classes (a total of 6 presentations) on topics related to their respective countries and cultures. (Note: During the 2020-21 academic year, presentations will be virtual.)
• After training, the time commitment during the Spring semester will be approcimately 16-18 hours. This includes the time necessary to prepare and give 6 presentations, inculding purchasing materials and travel time to schools (when applicable).
• Financial compensation for the costs associated with training, travel, preparing and giving 6 presentations is in the form of a $400 tuition reimbursement ($200 for each assigned class).
• Ambassadors also have lots of fun and learn about San Diego's children/youth, schools, and communities!

How to apply 

Applications to be an Intercultural Ambassador take place at the beginning of each Fall Semester. Applications and essays are screened by the selection committee and interviews are arranged for the finalists.

If you are interested in becoming an Intercultural Ambassador, please contact Dr. William Twayigize at  wtwayigize@sdsu.edu. 

A collaborative program

The Intercultural Ambassador Program is an annual program and a collaborative effort of the SDSU International Student Center and the California Global  Education Project of San Diego (University of San Diego). It is a combined student leadership development/community outreach initiative designed to promote greater intercultural awareness and international goodwill in the San Diego public schools.

Meet the Ambassadors

Click here to meet last year’s group of International Ambassadors.

More Information

Find more information and answers to frequently asked questions.