Medium length headline 
New York. Boston. DC. San Francisco. Sacramento. Tallahassee
The American Political Tour (APT) is a four-week tour to the United States in January to explore the polarising nature of US politics.
APT explores the relationship between citizens, the media and the government. Delegates will have an in-depth look at the American political system, and how other countries engage with aspects of it.
Past trips have explored themes of the evolution of democracy and state of modern democracy, alongside American foreign policy and global impact.
How does the media impact political systems, and what happens when those systems become drastically polarised?
Across the Tour, you’ll meet and engage with key players in US and international diplomacy – from UN representatives, American politicians, diplomats, embassies, leading thinkers and exports, NGOs and grassroots organisations.
Prepare to be fully immersed in the educational journey. The Tour will take you to breathtaking political and historical sites to provide a hands-on learning experience. Through educational workshops, consultations, and site visits, you’ll be challenged to grapple with significant questions about the nature of politics in the 21st century.
Across the Tour, you’ll meet and engage with key players in international diplomacy – from UN representatives, European politicians, diplomates, embassies, leading thinkers and exports, NGOs and grassroots organisations.
Prepare to be fully immersed in the educational journey. The Tour will take you to breathtaking historical sites to provide a hands-on learning experience. Through educational workshops, consultations, and site visits, you’ll be challenged to grapple with significant questions about diplomacy in the past and the 21st century.
Discover the Tour’s theme, cities and sites in the itinerary below.
International Activities designed for young people, by young people
UN Youth Australia’s International Activities are educational trips designed for high school students to explore the critical ideas and forces affecting today’s complex international society. Selected from all across Australia, ‘Delegates’ (our nickname for participants) embark on a tour to a country or region of countries to challenge their understanding and perspectives on issues and themes of global importance.
Tours are led by Facilitators and Welfare-trained UN Youth Australia volunteers and generally include:
- Workshops, designed by UN Youth Australia's education team.
- Consultations with relevant organisations, non-profits, and governments including their representations.
- Site Visits, to explore the history and current reality of how global themes and ideas have shaped our evolving societies.
- And general exploration of cities and cultural sites to immerse you in the country and its society.
CURRENT ITINERARY
Dates and cities of the trip. This itinerary is a good indication, but may slightly shift depending on operational requirements.
30 - 31 Dec
Sydney, Australia
Delegates will fly into Sydney from their nearest capital city to have some social time, a pre-event dinner, collect any last-minute necessities, and make sure we’re all ready to fly to the United States the following day.
31 Dec - 4 Jan
San Francisco, California
We will begin the tour in California, a Democrat stronghold. In San Francisco, delegates will begin to explore the rich and diverse culture of the US. They will begin to learn about the influence of demographics and geography on local decision making. There will also be opportunities for sight-seeing as we celebrate the new year.
4 - 7 Jan
Sacramento, California
Visiting the capital of California, delegates will further their knowledge on the impact of demographics and geography on local decision making. Furthermore, this is where we will take an in-depth look into the devolution of state bureaucracy.
7 -10 Jan
New Orleans, Louisiana
In Louisiana, we enter a Republican stronghold. Delegates will examine the demographics of this southern state to understand how different stakeholders impact decision making. We will discuss the effects of natural disasters, a strong LGBTQIA+ community, and segregation on local, state, and federal politics.
10 - 16 Jan
Washington, D. C.
Delegates will then visit the capital of the US, a place filled to the brim with museums, monuments, and governmental branches. Here, we will be consulting with key institutions that shape the contemporary America.
16 Jan
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Politics and history are intertwined in US politics. We’ll be visiting the birthplace of the Constitution to understand why the two major parties in the US hold certain views.
17 - 24 Jan
New York City, New York
Delegates will then have a chance to stay in the vibrant city that never sleeps. This melting pot of differing cultures will finalise our discussion on how demographics can change politics. It is here that we will be examining local, state, and federal politics, as well as the US’ place in international relations.
Interested? This is how the application process works.
Every tour has its own selection process to pick the delegates for the tour. You will be supported and guided at every step of the application process.
Step Two
Apply by completing all questions on the application form!
Step Three
If successful, complete Round Two and Three of your application.
Step Four
Selection! Welcome to the Tour. Enjoy your journey.
Applications to join this International Activity are currently
CLOSED
Express your Interest
for future International Activities. Open to all young people in High School across Australia.
Beginning your application to join the Tour
Due to the high interest and demand of our International Activities, delegates (young people/participants) are selected from an application process to attend their nominated Tour. The application process asks questions about your interests, understandings, and what you want to get out of attending this International Activity.
Applications are open to the following young people:
- All school aged students, in Years 10 to 12 (or equivalent year or age).
- Those residing in any Australian State or Territory.
You will need the following information to complete your application:
- Information about you (e.g. your name, age, and postcode).
- Answers to each question as outlined in the application form.
Applications typically open 8 to 12 months before an International Activitiy, depending on its region and duration of trip. Express your interested to be notified when applications open next.
Have a Question?
Get in touch with the Tour Convenor and our International Operations team with any questions you have about the tour.
Alternatively, you can email internationalactivities@unyouth.org.au and a team member will reach out.
Your information will be treated in accordance with our privacy policy.