Application Form
Q: Can I access the form with my mobile phone?
A: Yes! You can access the form with any internet-connected device, including a mobile phone.
Q: How do I put my name on the form?
A: Use your official name as it appears on your identity papers. Example: Jean’s passport specifies: NGOZI Jean-Michel. “Jean-Michel” will appear in the “first name” field and “Ngozi” in the “surname” field.
Q.: I don’t understand how to access the application form.
A: You can access it by clicking here . The form is a Word document to download. Complete Sections 1, 2, 3, and 4 and email the document to us at nh@america.gov .
Q.: Can I submit my application by mail?
A: No, you must submit your application by e-mail only.
Q: Can I submit multiple applications?
A: No, you can only submit one application. If you submit more than one application, you will automatically be disqualified.
Q: I have multiple email addresses. Which should I use?
A: We recommend using the address you use most frequently.
Q: How much do I have to pay to apply?
A.: You will not be asked for any money, registration is free.
Q: After completing and submitting my application form, can I submit additional information or corrections?
A.: No, once you have submitted your application file, you can no longer modify anything or send additional information. The file must be sent in one go.
Sale of New Horizons Books
Q.: If I am selected as an NH ambassador, will I have the right to sell your books?
A.: No, the NH ambassador is not a bookseller or a distributor. But the NH team can authorize it to be sold as part of an exceptional non-profit operation.
Q.: I am already a bookseller, can I apply to be an NH ambassador?
A.: No, because we cannot associate the purely voluntary NH ambassador activity with the commercial activity of selling NH books.
Q.: I am a librarian, can I apply to be an NH ambassador?
A: Yes – provided you meet the other selection criteria, as the librarian does not sell books and only with the prior consent of your employer.
Nationality
Q: I’m not sure if I’m eligible. Where can I find a list of eligible countries?
A.: The list of eligible countries can be found in point 5. “Prerequisites for applying” on the NH ambassadors page.
Q: I left my home country and am now a citizen of a non-African country, can I still apply?
A: No, you must be a citizen of a French-speaking African country or Haiti and permanently reside in a French-speaking African country or in Haiti.
Q.: I am Tunisian, am I eligible?
A: Yes, Maghreb countries – Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia are eligible.
Q: I have dual nationality – that of my African country of origin (eg Senegal), and that of a non-African country (eg France). Can I apply?
A: It all depends on where you live. If you are permanently residing in a French-speaking African country, you can apply. If you do not reside in an African country or in Haiti, you cannot apply.
Q: I am employed by the US government but am a citizen and resident of an eligible country. Can I submit my application?
A: No, you cannot apply. US government employees and their immediate family members (spouse, children) are not eligible.
Country of Residence
Q: What does “country of residence” mean?
A: Your country of residence is the country where you currently and permanently reside. You must reside in one of the eligible countries (see list in paragraph point 5. “Prerequisites to be a candidate” of the NH ambassadors page.)
Q.: I am a citizen of Benin and I currently live in Senegal. Am I eligible?
A: Yes, you are eligible. Applicants who reside outside their home country but in another eligible country may apply.
Q.: I live in the United States, but I am originally from a French-speaking African country. Am I eligible?
A: No, you are not eligible. Persons residing in the United States, or any other non-eligible country, cannot apply.
Q.: I am an African studying in France. Am I eligible?
A: No, you are not eligible. Persons residing in non-eligible countries cannot apply.
Q: I have resided in the United States in the past for my studies or for my work, but I have returned to my country of origin. Am I eligible?
A.: Yes, if you are a citizen and resident of a French-speaking African country or Haiti, therefore an eligible country, you can apply – provided of course that you meet the other eligibility criteria.
Q: I am a citizen of a non-eligible country, but I have lived all my life in an eligible country, can I apply?
A: No, you must be both a citizen and resident of an eligible country to apply.
Q.: I am leaving my country of residence during my mandate. Can I continue to be an NH ambassador?
A: No, if you are going to an ineligible country.
Language
Q.: I don’t speak English, can I apply?
A: Yes. You must speak French to be able to apply. We recall that only French-speaking African countries and Haiti are eligible.
Various
Q: Do I need to have a college degree to apply?
A: No. It is important to have a taste for books and a good command of the French language, but you will not be disqualified if you do not have a university degree or other.
Q: Do I have to have previously participated in programs organized by the American Embassy in my country to be eligible to apply?
A: No, prior participation in US Embassy programs is not required to apply.
Q: Is there an age limit to apply?
A: No, there is no age limit.
Q: Is there a minimum age to apply?
A: Yes, you must be over 18 years old.
Q.: Is the title of NH ambassador limited in time?
A.: Yes, the title is limited to two years renewable depending on the activities carried out and after declaration of interest by the ambassador.
Q: What activities should I do? Are there any required activities?
A.: You are free to choose your activities according to your tastes and availability. These can be online or on-the-ground activities, conducted with the U.S. Embassy in your country or independently. A few examples: sharing on social networks of events/favorites related to NH books, reading to groups of children, running a neighborhood library, an association or a book club or other, participation at a book fair, visit to one/several bookseller(s), conference on an NH book, etc. The least an Ambassador can do is share the NH Book posts on their social media.
Q: How can I contact the other ambassadors?
A.: A secret Facebook group is dedicated to NH ambassadors.
Q.: Can I stop being an NH ambassador?
A: Yes, just send us a message at nh@america.gov .