World Affairs Seminar
The WAS Experience
What is it really like to meet with international youth in an effort to foster change and understanding?
Take a look inside the seminar and discover the learning that makes place between young minds and world renowned innovators.
Student Testimonials
A Life Changing Experience
World Affairs Seminar was a life changing experience for me. It is probably the most important single experience I’ve ever had. I still see the positive change it has in my life, and in other delegates. In an ideal world a lot more would get the chance to attend, but the world is what is. So we just have to keep starting where we are, using what we’ve got and doing what we can.
Ben from Oslo, Norway
Meaningful Connections
It was one of the best weeks of my life! I met so many amazing people and was inspired to pursue a degree in environment science. The claim that this seminar can change your life isn’t just a cliche; it’s true!
Josh from North Bay, Ontario
Impactful Lessons
I was privileged to receive a scholarship to attend the WAS back in 1994. Although, I don’t remember the details of the presentations and discussions, I still hold on to the lessons I internalized to this day.
Joann from Plattsburgh, NY
Sponsor Testimonials
While visiting a Rotary Club in Turks and Caicos, I mentioned that I was from Rotary District 6270. I was pleasantly surprised and proud when the Club’s leaders said that they knew about D6270 because of the World Affairs Seminar. Over the years they had regularly sent scholars to participate in the amazing programs.
Brian Monroe Mequon-Thiensville Sunrise Rotary Club (Wisconsin – USA)
I began [our club’s] association with the WAS in 1997 and since then our club has sent 45 students. We are so very proud of the participants’ accomplishments over the years, for many have gone on to areas of life triggered by their wondrous experience. Many have retained lifetime friends because of it. For this, I thank all those responsible for the programs and the efforts to make such an experience possible.
Fran Desjardins, Rotary Club of Nipissing, MI World Affairs Seminar Sponsor
This is such a great program. Every student that takes advantage of it [from our club] tells us it’s one of the highlights of their educational lives! Thanks again.
Rotary Club of Burton-Middlefield World Affairs Seminar Sponsor
View Into Our Past
Past Themes and Speakers
- 2026: Uniting for Peace
- 2025: Peacebuilding: Creating Lasting Change
- 2024: Democracy and Governance: Evolving Global Perspectives
- 2023: Climate Change: Youth Take Action
- 2022: Reimagining Global Health and Wellness: Contagious Ideas
- 2021: Cities: Urban Life in a Changing World
- 2020: Hunger in a World of Plenty
- 2019: The Promise & Perils of Social Media
- 2018: Innovation: Shaping the World You Will Inherit
- 2017: Education & Social Justice: Creating Change Around the World
- 2016: Water: Global Resource to Share & Protect
- 2015: Global Energy: Who Has the Power
- 2014: World Health: Issues and Responsibilities
- 2013: Gender Equity and Social Justice
- 2012: Global Communications 2.0: Technology’s Impact on International Understanding
- 2011: Sustainable Development
- 2010: The Global Fresh Water Challenge
- 2009: World Hunger: Ethical Dilemma of Our Time
- Dr. Magda Peck – UW Milwaukee School of Public Health
- Will Allen – Growing Power
- Peter Annin – Author, The Great Lakes Water Wars
- Neal Patel – Amazon
- Barry Rassin – Rotary International
- Chuck Quirmbach – Wisconsin Public Radio
- Alex Runner – Johnson Controls
- Dr. Jon Riehl – UW Madison
- Dawn Borowski, Alice Lundstrom, Diane Voit – Plowshare
- Dr. John Walz – MSOE
- Pete Prodehl – Brinn Labs
- Michael Barber – GE Healthcare
- Maddy Power – Visual Journalist
- Michael Swedish – MSOE
- Dr. Stephen Hargarten – Medical College of Wisconsin
- Peter Sawyer – Pulitzer Foundation
- Fred de Sam Lazaro – PBS NewsHour
- Vice Admiral Ann Rondeau – IBM
- Peter Menzel & Faith D’Aluisio – The Hungry Planet
- Dr. Oscar Arias – Nobel Prize Winner
- Dr. Akbar S. Ahmed – American University
- Eric Plantenberg – Freedom Personal Development
- Wendy Baumann – Wisconsin Women’s Business Initiative Corp.
- RADM David P. Aucoin – US Navy
- Sahar Maher El-Issawi – Journalist
- Geneva Bolton Johnson – Family Service America
- Dr. Cary Silverstein – Organizational Consultant
- Jay Burdette – Sears China Division