Student Exchanges

  • Students

    SMSCA Student Ambassadors represent Santa Monica in exchanges with our sister cities. Along with speaking at events and city council meetings, ambassadors also get a once in a lifetime opportunity immerse themselves in a new culture and make life long friends. Become an ambassador for SMSCA and represent your city in a global organization through the Santa Monica Sister Cities Exchange Program. Applications for each year open in January.

  • Eligibility

    All high school level students residing in Santa Monica are eligible to apply. Students are evaluated on their readiness and openness for international travel and homestay. Language skills, travel experience, and community engagement in Santa Monica are not required but preferred. Students are required to host an exchange student for 2 weeks over the summer and pay for their own airfare. Internship exchanges for college students open based on availability.

  • Application

    Please apply below by filling out the online form. Applications will be evaluated on a rolling basis and will close March 1st. All high school grade levels are encouraged to apply. If selected, prospective ambassadors will be interviewed by a member of the SMSCA board at their home and required to fill out additional paperwork.

    Applications are now open for 2025.

Apply for 2025!