• To foster mutual understanding and respect among high school students and educators from Serbia, Slovenia, Slovakia, Hungary and the U.S.
• To introduce young Europeans and Americans to each other's countries, focusing on how citizens help strengthen democratic institutions and civil society.
• To develop a cadre of 60 community activists who will share their knowledge and skills with peers through positive action and implement community initiatives in their home cities.

When will the program take place?

• In Kansas City, we will host 14 students and 2 adult participants for two weeks in July.
• 4 students from the Kansas City area and 1 adult participant will travel to Serbia and Hungary for two weeks in August.

For Student Applicants:

1. Who is eligible to travel?

• 16 to 18 years old at the time of the exchange (birth years between July 1, 1994- July 1, 1996).
• High school graduation year of 2013 or later
• Permission from a parent or legal guardian to participate in the four-week program (2 weeks in the U.S. and 2 weeks in Europe), to begin in July 2012.
• Citizenship and current residency in the United States.
• Submit a complete application, including photograph and letters of recommendation.

2. How much money does it cost to travel? Almost nothing!  This program is funded by the United States Department of State, in conjunction with its private partners. The following will be covered:

• International travel to/from the U.S. to Serbia and Hungary
• Orientations
• Program and Visa fees
• Site visits and seminars
• Transportation during program
• Lodging and meals
• Some cultural activities
• Educational materials
• Accident and sickness insurance
• Modest amount of pocket money

3. Students will be responsible for paying for:

• Their passports (if necessary)
• Any costs associated with mailing applications to Washington, D.C.
• Spending money for souvenirs

 4. Do I need to host a European student in order to be eligible to travel?

• No?however, it would certainly help!  All students who wish to travel should plan on being actively involved in the Kansas City program in July?especially if your family is not hosting a European student(s).Besides, the kinds of students who will be selected are the kind that would want to be involved in this program!

5. Who chooses the students?

• Ultimately, the final decision regarding the traveling students will be made at the national level by Meridian International Center and the State Department's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA).  However, the KCIVC will be conducting interviews and will have significant input in recommending students and adult participants.

6. What kind of activities will be included in this program?

• Team-building activities, leadership training, workshops, interacting with youth from other countries, and cultural activities.
• We will also be having a lot of fun during the beautiful Kansas City summer!  We'll be planning trips to the lake, observing sporting events, and enjoying outdoor barbecues. 

7. Sounds great!  How do I apply?

• Download the application and reference forms 
• Note that there is an application which students must complete as well as a recommendation form, which must be completed by a teacher.
• Applications are due on January 23, 2012.
• For additional questions, call or email the KCIVC or Meridian International Center directly at micyouthleaders@gmail.com.

For Adult Applicants:

1. What about traveling to Serbia & Hungary?

• We'll be looking for one adult participant who will act as a facilitator for the two-week program in Kansas City, and then travel to Europe with the group. 

2. How do I apply?

• By downloading the forms from the our website?there is an application and a letter of reference which must both be submitted to micyouthleaders@gmail.com by January 23, 2012.

For Potential Hosts:

1. Who are the students who will be traveling to Kansas City in July?

• The students represent some of the best and brightest from Serbia, Hungary, Slovakia and Slovenia and range in ages from 16-18 years old.
• More detailed information on the students will be available in the spring.

2. What do I need to host?

• Room in your house for two weeks.  Students can share bedrooms (assuming they are the same sex) with other children living in the house, but must have their own beds.
• Ability to provide breakfast and some dinners for your European student(s).  We understand that feeding a teenager for two weeks can be a huge (and expensive!) undertaking, so we'll arrange dinner plans for some of the evenings.

3. Will I be paid for hosting?

• While we understand that it's not free to host these students, we can't offer any financial reimbursement.  If families are eager to host but have significant financial obstacles, we are happy to work with you as much as possible.

4. What if I have kids of my own?

• All the better!  The connections made with Kansas City students are the emphasis of the trip!  We hope that if you're hosting a European student(s) and have children of your own, that they'll participate in the program and maybe even apply to travel themselves!

5. Anything else?

• Yes?all of our potential host families will need to have a background check for security purposes.  The program will cover any of these fees and the process will simply involve submitting names and social security numbers of the head of the households.

6. Is that it?

• Pretty much?aside from making sure that you've got the space, we'd like to meet you and visit your home  at least once before the program starts so that we can discuss the program and answer specific questions related to your own circumstances.