Dear Citizen Ambassador,
Congratulations. As an invited member of your association, you have been accepted as a Cultural Vistas Citizen Ambassador, representing your association on this important international exchange.
Citizen Ambassadors is a Program of Cultural Vistas, an international nonprofit organization and leader in developing high-level, international professional exchanges. As the Director of the Citizen Ambassador Program, and on behalf of your association and delegation leader, I would like to welcome you to the delegation and provide you with additional information on the exchange.
What to expect as we prepare for your professional exchange:
A Dedicated Delegation Communication Site (DCS) will serve as the hub for your delegation information. Your DCS is available now and will be updated throughout the delegation development period.
The Citizen Ambassador Program Delegation Communication Site (DCS) serves as an access point for you to receive all delegation materials. Each delegation has a unique site which includes all communications sent to the delegation throughout the development period, the required forms, pre-travel information, and background materials for your delegation.
To access your DCS, select your delegation communication site and then your delegation association on the menu bar.
Important note for delegates, registering within 90 days (about 3 months) prior to the convene date for your delegation, please make sure to visit the DCS and read all prior communications.
Two Key Communications will be sent during the delegation development period.
We will communicate with you via e-mail, and via the DCS, so please ensure that our email address, citizenambassador@culturalvistas.org, will not be stopped by spam filters on your system.
- The Commencement Announcement: Once the Delegation has met the minimum number of accepted applications or no later than 90 days prior to your delegation convene date, the Commencement Announcement will be sent to all delegates, formally announcing that the program will proceed. This E-mail addresses critical information such as deadlines for the collection of necessary documents, flight information, WhatsApp setup processes, and country-specific travel material. This communication will include Flight Booking Recommendations (if applicable). Do not book your flights until we have made the Commencement Announcement.
- The Final Program Update: Sent approximately 30 days (about 3-4 weeks) before the delegation convenes date. The Final Program Update will include the Final Professional Program and Guest Schedules of Activities, delegation logistics, and travel information, the list of delegates, and guest on the provided airport transfers, and the rooming list and roster of delegates.
You may also receive specific delegation emails as necessary throughout this period. All communications sent to the delegation will be posted on your Delegation Communication Site (DCS).
Next Steps:
Required Step:
- Passport documentation. Please provide a copy of the picture page of your passport using the Passport Photo Page Submission Form.
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- Your passport must be valid for 6 months following the date of your departure from the United States (3 months for European Union Countries)
- Passports must have been issued in the last 10 years
- Most countries require at least 3 blank pages for visa stamp
If you have questions regarding your passport, please contact our team as soon as possible.
Important Optional Steps to Take:
- Program Cultural Extension: Enroll for the optional cultural exchange if your delegation offers it. The itinerary and enrollment form for the extension will be found on the DCS, as soon as it is available. The extension will give you the opportunity to further explore the region and the rich culture of the people you will be meeting during the professional program.
- Accompanying Guests: If you wish to bring a travel companion, non-professional guests can share this unique experience with you by participating in the parallel guest program. You may enroll your guest on the same application portal as your professional application. The guest program information can be found on your DCS as soon as it is available.
- Professional Presentations: You may wish to make a professional presentation, either as a requirement for your funding or to add to the professional experience. Additional Information can be found on the DCS under Forms and Miscellaneous. All presentations are subject to approval by the delegation leader and the counterpart organizing parties.
We are so pleased that you have chosen to participate in this important exchange. If we can assist you at any time, please contact us at citizenambassador@culturalvistas.org.