World Affairs Seminar (WAS) brings about a better understanding of world problems through a study of current issues, while at the same time providing the opportunity to discuss those issues with other young people from other countries. Emphasis will be placed upon promoting a better understanding of the causes of international conflict with the thought that if the causes are understood, problems are more likely to be solved peacefully by our future world leaders.
The World Affairs Seminar is a unique educational program for high school students, which provides a forum for future leaders to be introduced to some of the most perplexing global issues and problems. The week-long seminar provides an opportunity for students from a variety of backgrounds, from across the country and around the world, to discuss these issues in a non-threatening environment and to experience new and different viewpoints and ideas. Experts are invited to speak to the students on the central theme for the week. In the Global Forum and small discussion groups students discuss presented information and put their new knowledge to use. They will also simulate the complex interactions of different countries, corporations, and organizations to develop their own policy initiative. The university setting provides a college-like experience, including use of the residence halls and campus dining. Throughout the week students also have time for recreational activities with fellow participants including a dance, talent show, and recreational activities. Participants leave the Seminar with a greater awareness and understanding of the world around them, critical thinking and negotiation skills, and new friends from around the world.
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Purpose
The purpose of the World Affairs Seminar is to provide a forum for the world's future leaders to some of the most complex problems. It also provides an environment for students all around the globe to learn and discuss these problems. Furthermore, students get the great opportunity of meeting and sharing different customs from many different countries. In its 30th year (2006), there were students coming over from 32 different countries ranging from Canada to Nigeria. Every year, there are different central themes. The schedule of a regular day in the program includes: lectures, films, small group discussions and the chance to engage social and recreational activities in the campus.
History
The World Affairs Seminar (WAS) was founded in 1977 by Professors Dr. Gaylon Greenhill and Dr. Dale Brock. Dr. Brock became the first WAS General Manager. His vision and enthusiasm for the Program were central to its success. He was the embodiment of the dream he had for our world, always ready to learn something new from someone who understood something he had never considered. He believed that we could advance the cause of peace in this world by gathering together to learn from one another. And it is his tireless devotion that continues to inspire and motivate all who work as Seminar Staff today. Dr. Brock died September 2, 2008.
A scholarship fund in his memory has been created to honor his efforts and ensure his vision carries forward.
Throughout the last 32 years, the World Affairs Seminar has covered timely and significant topics, including human rights, nuclear arms control and disarmament, economics, environmental issues, global health, globalization, security, and global leadership, all with an emphasis on ways that students can make a difference in their communities and beyond.
The World Affairs Seminar has also offered students the chance to interact with people who have worked in government, international organizations, the media, and business. Some past keynote speakers include Dith Pran, New York Times photojournalist; Dr. Oscar Arias, former president of Costa Rica and Nobel Prize winner; Giandomenico Picco, former Assistant Secretary General of the United Nations; Dr. Heinz-Gerhard Justenhoven, director of the Institute for Theology and Peace in Germany; and Ed Cardoza, who works for Partners in Health in Boston, MA.
2009 World Affairs Seminar
The 2009 World Affairs Seminar will be held June 20-26, 2009 at Carroll University in Waukesha, WI. The theme is "World Hunger: Ethical Dilemma of Our Time" and will feature photojournalist Peter Menzel and former television news producer Faith D'Aluisio, authors of the book What the World Eats and creators of the display Hungry Planet: What the World Eats, which will be on display during the Seminar. Other speakers include Dr. Florence Chenoweth, Alexandria Spieldoch, Dr. Robert Spitzer, and Will Allen.
2009 WAS program highlights include a Critical Media Literacy session, Hunger Banquet and Hunger simulation, International Tastes of the World dinner, talent show, farewell dance, and multiple small group simulations and discussions.
Who can apply?
In order to apply, a student:
- Must have completed grades 10 - 12 before applying to go to the seminar
- Can come again for different seminars
- From different countries are highly encouraged to apply.
- Must be under 19 during the seminar.
- Must be open to new ideas.
Applications are due May 15th, 2009. You can apply online at our website.
Themes
- World Affairs Seminar 2002 (26th) - "Is Peace Possible in an Age of Global Terror?"
- World Affairs Seminar 2003 (27th) - "Making Peace: Managing Conflict"
- World Affairs Seminar 2004 (28th) - "Making Peace by Understanding Conflict"
- World Affairs Seminar 2005 (29th) - "Globalisation and Tradition: Two Roads Diverge?"
- World Affairs Seminar 2006 (30th) - "Global Leadership Rising Powers: Who Counts?"
- World Affairs Seminar 2007 (31st) - "Global Health: Bridging the Divides"
- World Affairs Seminar 2009 (32nd) - "World Hunger: Ethical Dilemma of Our Time"
References
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