by Oleksandra Volakova
World Expo, also known as a World’s Fair, is a large international exhibition designed to showcase countries’ progress in various fields: art, science, environment, health, etc, through presentations, workshops, and conversations. All the innovations are united with one theme that addresses a challenge through collaboration. The Expo has been promoting innovations and fostering cultural exchange for more than 160 years already in different places of the world.
This year’s World Expo, called “Designing Future Society for Our Lives,” will be held in Osaka, Japan, from April 13th to October 13th, 2025. They are currently searching for Youth Ambassadors – young people (19-27 years old) who will be interacting with visitors daily and acting as ambassadors, or representatives, of the US. The ideal candidate should also be multilingual in English and Japanese – or Portuguese, Korean, Mandarin Chinese, Vietnamese, and Cantonese. Even though knowing another language is an advantage, it is not required, and the application will still be reviewed.
Every Youth Ambassador’s job duties will be determined personally, but the most typical ones include welcoming and guiding the exhibition’s guests, helping with media content creation, and representing the US when meeting officials, influencers, and other delegates. It will be a perfect place to develop network opportunities and cultural knowledge to deepen the connections among participating countries.
For people studying another language here at Wesleyan, it will be a perfect opportunity to get involved with activists and creators worldwide, represent the US on the international stage, and improve language skills by using it in everyday life. Note that even though it is possible to combine studying at the university and working at Expo, as it will be a full-time job, and trying to be involved in both simultaneously is not advised.
Students can apply for either full-term of the fair or half of it (from spring to summer or from summer to fall). In total, Sister Cities International is searching for 88 participants (36 for full-term and 26 for each of the half-terms). If interested in applying, please visit this website and click the “Apply now” button to access the application form (or use this link). The application deadline is October 1st, and participants will be notified about the results no later than December 10th, 2024. However, in the meantime, organizers might ask for additional information or interviews to learn more about the applications.
People who will be selected to work at the fair will receive housing from the organizers – they will share apartments with same-gender co-workers close to the Expo site. During the working shifts, one meal will be provided. To cover expenses for food, transportation, and traveling outside working hours, Youth Ambassadors will be getting a stipend 450$/week. Those who will decide to participate in a full term (April 1st to October 17th, 2025) might be able to receive a Service Completion bonus after successfully doing the job.
If interested in applying, please do so before October 1st, 2024, to be considered for the position of Youth Ambassador. To learn more about Expo 2025 Osaka, the events, timeline, location, and participants, please visit the Expo’s official website.