World Affairs Youth Seminar

Dates for Summer 2013 will be posted in early December. If you would like to be notified via email when dates are released and registration begins, please click here.

Overview

The World Affairs Youth Seminar, conducted by faculty, staff, and students from Auburn’s College of Education and members of the Persistent Issues in History Network, is open to rising 10th – 12th graders and uses the Model United Nations (MUN) forum to examine global issues in a "real world" context.

Participants assume the role of country delegates and strive to accurately represent the viewpoints of their assigned country in daily MUN General Assembly sessions. If the following subjects interest you, consider attending this seminar:

• international and cultural affairs
• public speaking and debate
• social studies and current events
• government and politics
• persuasive writing
• public service

In preparation for daily MUN sessions, country delegates partner with Auburn University graduate and undergraduate secondary social studies education students to explore the value conflicts, factual data, and historical contexts of international issues. Delegates participate in group research sessions and collaborate to write resolutions or plan strategic alliances for MUN sessions which confront different global issues each day. Should delegates experience difficulty representing the views of their assigned country, require "fact checking," or begin to veer into implausible resolutions during General Assembly, education students offer assistance, but still allow delegates to experience shaping international policy through trial and error. Delegates are also supported by an experienced Secretary General, who teaches debate procedures and provides strategy coaching.

Seminar participants:

• gain a better understanding of complex international issues
• practice leadership skills
• develop communication skills
• make new friends from across the country

Additionally, while at Auburn University, World Affairs Seminar participants will attend lectures by faculty on international issues and get to experience campus life firsthand while residing in Auburn's resident dormitories, eating at campus dining facilities, and enjoying evening social and recreational activities. Camp participants will have 24/7 counselor supervision.

Tuition

Workshop tuition is $559 and includes all instruction, housing, meals, and recreational activities.

Registration

TBA

Scholarships

The Lee County (Alabama) Sunrise Rotary Club is sponsoring four partial scholarships valued at $279.50 and the four winning students will have $279.50 applied towards the program cost of $559. To apply for this scholarship, complete the scholarship application form and essay, per form instructions.

• Click here for the Lee County Sunrise Rotary Club Scholarship Application

Rotary Club Sponsorship

The World Affairs Youth Seminar was founded in 1986 by an Auburn University Professor and Lee County Sunrise Rotary Club member determined to prepare future generations for a life of service in their community, workplaces, and the world. In the spirit of Rotary International’s mission to provide service to others and advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through its fellowship of business, professional, and community leaders, the World Affairs Seminar prepares students for a life of service by helping them gain a better understanding of complex international issues while building leadership and communication skills, and meeting their peers from across the country.

If your club would like to sponsor a seminar attendee from your community, please complete the registration/endorsement form below. Questions may be directed to the Program Director, James Birdsong at 334.844.5817.

• Click here for the Rotary Club Sponsorship Registration and Endorsement Form

Thank you in advance for providing this unique education opportunity for the leaders of tomorrow!

Required Forms and Insurance

Complete and return the required camp form packet not later than two weeks prior to camp start date. Return instructions are included in the packet.

• Click here for the required camp form packet.

As proof of health insurance, all participants must attach a copy of the participant's health insurance card (front and back) with the camp form packet. If the participant does not have current health insurance coverage, please contact us as soon as possible for options.

Important Links

• Camp FAQs
• Camp Supplies
• Getting to Auburn
• Summer Experience on Facebook
• Auburn University Admissions: Prospective Students
• Auburn University Campus Tours + Visit
• The Auburn-Opelika Tourism Bureau: Local Lodging, Shopping, and Dining

Stay Connected

If you would like to receive updates on our Summer Experience summer programs, please join our announcement list. We also invite you to “like” our Summer Experience Facebook page.

Cancellation & Refund Policy

Please read our Cancellation & Refund Policy.

Contact Information

For program questions, please contact the coordinator, James Birdsong at 334.844.5817.

Last Updated: October 2, 2012