Coming next: Ehime University Students Cohort (March 2-17, 2026)

About the FIUTS Ambassador Experience

The FIUTS Ambassador Program offers a unique opportunity for high school and university students around Seattle to connect with international participants for cross-cultural friendship, learning, and growth.

As an integral part of FIUTS visiting programs, Ambassadors receive hands-on experience in:

  • Citizen Diplomacy: Acting as a local guide and cultural bridge.

  • Leadership & Planning: Coordinating peer-led activities and workshops.

  • Global Networking: Building lifelong friendships with student leaders from around the world.

Whether through scavenger hunts, city trekking, or deep-dive discussions on civic issues, Ambassadors help fulfill the FIUTS mission to inspire cross-cultural understanding in the Puget Sound region.

Not attending one of the required events does not disqualify an applicant from participating as an ambassador.

You can sign up to be an Ambassador and receive regular updates about the program or fill out the interest form below.

Interested in future cohorts? We welcome students of all ages to keep an eye out for upcoming opportunities. There is no cost to participate, and students can earn service hours toward graduation requirements.

Please note that the FIUTS Ambassador program is only for students who are currently attending (or recent alumni) a high school, college, or university in the Seattle area. It is not a travel program. For information on how to apply for programs that will allow you to travel to the U.S. on an international exchange program, please contact your home university or local U.S. Embassy; FIUTS does not handle applications for these programs.

Next program:

Ehime University students (12 future teachers), please apply here: Ehime University Ambassador 2026 - Foundation for International Understanding Through Students

Past program:

Southern Africa: Winter 2026 Ambassador Program

The Winter 2026 Southern Africa cohort on Civic Engagement launched on January 12th and wrapped up on February 9th, our cohort of Ambassadors and Southern African exchange students were engaged in a month of cross-cultural leadership and community building.

Our Ambassadors, local college students and recent alumni are serving as cultural liaisons, peer mentors, and leaders throughout this exchange.

Ambassadors participated in 1-2 events per week.

  • Wednesday, Jan 21st (Today!) | 3:00 - 5:00 pm: Workshop on Cross-cultural dialogue & introductions (FIUTS office)

  • Wednesday, Jan 21st (Tonight!) | 5:30 - 7:00 pm: Networking mixer with participants and community members (U District brewery)

  • Monday, Jan 26th | 5:30 - 7:30 pm: Bowling and pizza with participants (UW HUB)

  • Wednesday, Jan 28th | 5:30 - 7:30 pm: Roundtable Discussions on Civic Engagement (UW HUB)

  • Sunday, Feb 1st | 1:00 - 5:30 pm: Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) & Bainbridge Island ferry trip

  • Sunday, Feb 8th | 4:30 - 7:00 pm: Final Farewell Dinner

Note: In addition to the schedule above, each Ambassador organized an independent "buddy" event with their matched participants.


For more information about the Ambassador program or general interest in future opportunities, fill out the form below or contact Olena Vlasova at olena@fiuts.org, FIUTS’ Manager of Education Programs. This form is only for students who are currently attending, or have recently graduated from, Seattle-area high schools, colleges, and universities. If you are an international student hoping to travel to the U.S., please do not fill out this form.

The program expanded my cultural understanding and broke stereotypes that I’ve assumed over the years! Talking and chatting with the participants was such a privilege and the program really showcased what different perspectives had to offer.
— PAYLP Ambassador 2023