Hi! I’m Brayan, a 17-year-old interested in music (I play the flute and the ukulele!), political and social issues, and public speaking. I’m from Limón, Costa Rica. I’m in my senior year at the Colegio Técnico Profesional de Limón.

What is Young Ambassadors and why I applied

The Youth Ambassadors Program brings high school students and adult mentors across the Western Hemisphere to promote mutual understanding, increase leadership skills, and prepare youth to make a difference in their communities. Beyond traveling to another country, it’s about learning about and sharing cultures. I wanted to apply mainly to train as a leader and create change in my community. When I found out I had been selected, I couldn't believe it; it was like a dream come true.

The exchange in the United States lasts two weeks. Depending on the country, travel dates may vary. After this period, a time limit of months is established to complete the community project. Some of the places visited were:

• Washington DC: 

  • National mall

  • U.S. Department of State

  • American History Museum

  • The White House

• Kalamazoo: 

  • City of Portage

  • Western Michigan University

My favorite parts of the program

My host family

Getting to know my host family and feeling how they did their best to make me feel a part of them was extraordinary. The father is Andrew, and he is an orchestra conductor; the mother is Sorina, and she is the head of a company; and finally, there is Theo, the son of the family. He was the most excited about my arrival because he was able to practice his Spanish. When we played, we spoke a kind of Spanglish, and I felt like we were exchanging our experiences and cultures. 

Meeting with the Kalamazoo Junior Symphony Orchestra

I am a musician, and meeting people from another country with the same interests was enriching. I was able to share the Afro-Caribbean Calypso genre with them, as they were not used to other rhythms. We played Caribe Inmenso (an original song I composed with my friends), a song about the province of Limón.

Financial Aid

I participated in 2023. At that time, Fundación Acción Joven was linked to the U.S. Embassy in Costa Rica. This organization supported us by providing suitcases and clothes and helping with the visa process. The embassy covers your flights, meals, and lodging. If you wish to buy souvenirs, that is at your own expense. In addition, at the end of the program, the Embassy provides you with money to carry out your community project.

My process of application and tips

During the first testing phase, I did not structure my application process very much. However, I prepared for the interview by watching YouTube examples.

General Tips

• Build a Record of Activities: Don’t underestimate your experiences—even small ones can be valuable. Participating in volunteer work, sports activities, artistic performances, or beach cleanups can strengthen your application. The key is to engage with commitment.

• Be Authentic in the Interview: It’s essential to show who you are. You don’t need to act differently, but researching the interview format and preparing for live questions about your motivation and goals can be very helpful.

• Prepare for Key Questions: Before the interview, reflect on topics such as: Why do I want to participate? What will I do after the program? Why am I a good candidate? Having clear answers will boost your confidence.

Extracurriculars I included

• Musician and flute leader: I play the flute and serve as the first flute in an orchestra. I have also participated in an original orchestra that brings together musicians from my province. 

• Summer music course: I attended the University of Costa Rica summer music course to improve my skills and musical training. 

• Participation in the Festival de la Luz: I participated in this festival, which brings together numerous marching bands and musicians in December. 

• Calypso discussion panel: I took part in a panel with calypso experts, where I shared my knowledge and experience in the genre.

• Afro communities discussion panel: I participated in a panel organized by UNICEF and the Youth Council that discussed Afro identity and culture. 

• Student Leadership: I serve as the president of my section at school, taking on leadership responsibilities.

• Church Involvement: I am a Member, and I contribute to church activities.