“Our experience in Japan was formed by surreal moments, as when we walked through a town that was "frozen in time", with houses and constructions from the beginning of Japan as a country, and when met the Peruvian Ambassador to Japan in a little Japanese store during our trip, where we also saw they were selling Peruvian Pisco. However, more amazing than the places we visited, was the hospitality we felt during the whole trip. One night we wanted to make Pisco Sour during our local homestay program, in Gifu Prefecture, and the program's staff bought us a blender.”

“SWY for me is a life-changing experience. From my home stay in Nara, my lovely roommates on the ship, my amazing group letter, having incredible discussions and conversations, watching the stars from the deck at night, singing songs in different languages, trying new dishes every day… The whole experience made me fall for the World”.

“What is SWY? For me, SWY is a new life. Before this program, I didn’t have the chance to travel abroad, that’s why since I got the news that I was selected I started feeling many emotions: happiness, fear, excitement. When we arrived to Japan, wow! All that I was expecting was totally different, it was better! Japanese people, food, streets, places, India, Singapore, Sri Lanka, my homestay family in Iwate and the ship were wonderful experiences that I can never forget. Simply put: For describing SWY, there are no words”.

“The INDEX program has empowered me to develop initiatives of high social impact in my country and in the world. The opportunity to share with other change agents in the world has allowed me to develop intercultural communication skills, strengthen my leadership and has inspired me to make a positive change in our country. Currently, I lead CELID, a volunteer team of more than 200 young people in more than 20 universities in Peru. From this space, we transform the lives of young people by promoting their leadership. The skills I developed in INDEX, today allow me to continue contributing to the growth and empowerment of more young people, to make the world a better place.”

“SWY expanded my view of the world. Before participating in SWY, the image I had of Peru was Machu Picchu, Nazca Line, alpaca… Nothing more! However, as the program went on, I got to know more of each different country by taking seminars, learning their traditional dances and songs, and most importantly, just by spending time together with people on the ship! These experiences made me think the world is small and big at the same time. Now I live in Peru as part of my journey to discover the world just like I did on the ship.”

“In SWY32, I learned that differences unite us. I am a dancer and I had the opportunity to teach a previous delegation of SWY some traditional Peruvian dances. On the ship, I loved to share what I know about Peruvian folklore and our Andean music with my friends. I learned other dances from them, too. I feel so lucky to have had this life-changing experience and I truly recommend it".

“More than 10 years have passed... however, every time I close my eyes, I feel that same excitement as when I knew that I was selected to be part of the Peruvian delegation. The training sessions along with my friends, the time spent in Japan, on board of the Nippon Maru... all the experiences have marked my heart and have taught me, not only how great the world is, but that peace exists when there is intercultural understanding. Once a PY, forever a PY.”