Japan

The winner will spend five weeks in July with a host family in Suwa, in the Japanese Alps. The scholarship covers the cost of return flights, accommodation and full board, language classes, cultural activities and pocket money. Candidates must be between 16 and 18 years old. Selection is based on an essay and interview.

Mexico

This four-week odyssey to Mexico City, Oaxaca and Puebla will allow the winner to discover the extraordinary diversity of a country which saw several advanced civilisations before the arrival of Europeans. The scholarship will cover the cost all accommodation and travel with visits to major archeological sites, museums, onyx and ceramics factories and 16th century churches. Selection is based on an essay and interview. You must be between 17 and 20 years old with some knowledge of Spanish.

Ecuador

This scholarship will allow an Irish student between the age of 16 and 19 to spend July with host families in the smallest country in the rugged Andean Highlands. He or she will experience its array of vibrant indigenous cultures, well preserved colonial architecture, volcanic landscapes and dense rainforests. The scholarship which includes all travel and accommodation will be assessed by essay and interview.

United States

The winner of the Washington scholarship will represent Irish young people at the Future World Leaders' Summit in July. He or she will join students from all over the world to attend embassy briefings and seminars at the World Bank, the Organisation of American States and the National Defense University. There will be a seminar on the floor of the House of Representatives, a private tour of the White House and a graduation banquet. The prize includes return flight, accommodation and meals at the Georgetown University Conference Centre and all activities and social events. Applicants must write to a world leader of their choice addressing a global issue. They must be aged between 16 and 18 years. If you are considering a future in politics or diplomacy, then this is the scholarship for you.