All About WAS
The WAS Vision:
Peace through Understanding is the WAS motto. Our vision is to build global leaders and citizens through an international seminar with an innovative, rigorous academic program. At WAS open dialogue is encouraged. Our focusiscurrent global topics and trends. We also offer recreational activities that foster interaction and understanding among participants, staff and speakers.
Please take a look at our WAS 2012 Brochure to learn more about our upcoming conference.
Who & What We Are:
The World Affairs Seminar is the vision of Rotarian Dr. Dale Brock, whose vision was to bring about better understanding of world problems among a select group of young people from around the globe. He imagined and built WAS to study current issues. In the course of this study, the WAS provides opportunities for participants to discuss issues with other young people from around the world. Emphasis is on promoting better understanding of the causes of international conflict with the idea that if the causes are understood, problems are more likely to be solved peacefully.
The World Affairs Seminar (WAS) is a unique interactive educational program for high school students. The week-long experience provides an opportunity for international students from a variety of backgrounds to discuss issues in a non-threatening environment. They experience new and different ideas and viewpoints brought forward both by their colleagues and by world renowned experts. In small and large groups students discuss information and ideas and put their new knowledge to use. Through public policy simulations they work through 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 have time for recreational activities which bring greater awareness and understanding of the world around them. Critical thinking, negotiation skills and the process of learning about new friends from around the world are all part of this incredible experience.
Since WAS first accepted students in 1972, over 27,000 future world leaders have participated. Many have stayed in touch with the friends they made at WAS, forming business relationships, political contacts and family friendships.
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 and spend hours listening to the participants, staff and speakers. He believed that we could advance the cause of peace in this world by gathering together to learn from one another. 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 34 years, the World Affairs Seminar has covered timely and significant topics, including human rights, world hunger, globalization, nuclear arms control, international economics, environmental issues, global health, security, and global leadership, all with an emphasis on ways students can make a difference now and in the future.
The World Affairs Seminar has offered students an opportunity to interact with leaders from government, international organizations, the media, and business. 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.
Privacy Policy:
The World Affairs Seminar does not share or sell personal information about students or sponsors with any other organization exept as authorized by signed release of the individual. This includes personal, health, financial, or other information. Information you post on public websites and other accessible media is your responsibility.
Refund Policy: To receive a credit or refund after payment has been made, students, sponsors or parents must notify the World Affairs Seminar in writing by June 16 if they are unable to attend, or if the sponsor will not fill a paid for space at the Seminar. (e-mail is considered "in writing" for these purposes as long as the e-mail is acknowledged as having been received.) Full refund or credit applies if notification is received by 15 April 2012. 75% credit or refund is application is cancelled prior to 21 May 2012. No refund or credit if application is cancelled after May 21 unless extraordinary circumstances such as illness, death, etc. in which case credit will be 50%. All cancellation refunds are subject to $50.00 processing fee. For further clarification contact the World Affairs Seminar offices at (414) 453-4984.