Alumni Voices:

"This study-ambassadorshipcrystallized my interest in East Asia, international relations and international business. My perceptions of the remote East changed ta general sentiment that the world was a lot smaller than I initially thought and that, in the case of China, its dynamic development reflected its coming importance in the 21st Century. Over the course of the three weeks in China, my perceptions of the country shifted from one of threat to opportunity. I still value the free spirited debates I had with Beida students over political-economy and democratization.” — Patrick Franco, Credit Suisse First Boston, 1998 Alumnus

“I honestly don't think that a day goes by that I don't think of the China trip and the people we traveled with! It was such an amazing experience and my life wouldn't be the same if I hadn't gone. Experiencing different cultures has made me the person that I am today. The knowledge that I have acquired by traveling that helps me understand people and their life styles which help me not be judgmental about different people’s way of life besides my own.”— Stefanie Marra, Sophomore, Boston University, 2001 Alumna

“Looking back on my trip to China it still stands out as one of the most memorable experiences of my life. Seeing the great differences between life in America and life in China will be something I will never forget. The trip definitely influenced my life in many far reaching ways that I’m sure I’m not even aware of all of them. Mostly it gave me a new perspective on the world. In addition to these general things, the trip also interested me in studying about Asia. Visiting China also reinforced my interest to do work in an international field and health is my specific interest. I reflect on the trip very frequently reminding myself of things I learned or realizing new ways that it has impacted my life.”— Katherine Schlosser, Sophomore, Stanford University, 2002 Alumna

“Looking back on China trip, I have learned to look at things on a somewhat broader scale. Out time in China may have only lasted 3 weeks, but the experience of it was far longer. From our orientation meetings to our post-trip presentations, our fond memories and our photos, our trip is, for me at least, an important part of my past.”— Derek Betts, Sophomore, University of Miami, 2002 Alumnus

“People are still shocked when I tell them I've been to China. Of course, I can't possibly explain to them all that I saw or what I did. The china trip has impacted the way I think about China. Before, I thought of China as a far-away country that really did not impact me at all. But after this experience, I now consider China to be much closer than it actually is. I think of China as a country that will be very important to the world in the future.”— Jonathan Schwartz, Sophomore, Brown University, 2002 Alumnus

 

The American Forum for Global Education is a private non-profit organization founded in 1970. Our mission is promoting the education of our nation’s youth for responsible citizenship in an increasingly interconnected and rapidly changing world. The American Forum seeks to provide leadership and assistance in shaping American educational systems and practices. We also seek to provide opportunities for interaction and learning among and through educators world-wide. Our program fosters a global perspective that includes democratic and humane values, appreciation of cultural differences and commonalities, commitment to sustainable development, and the ability to think creatively, analytically and systemically about global issues.

• In the 11th Grade.
• Responsible, Curious, Flexible and Enthusiastic about learning.
• Able to serve as exemplary ambassadors from their school and community.
• Able to participate in the entire program.
• Able to contribute $700 to participate in the program.
  
  

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Application Process:

Each applicant should submit the following three items to the American Forum for Global Education:

1. An ESSAY describing why you wish to participate in this project. It should answer the following questions:
   • How much do you know about China? What do you want to learn about China?
   • Why do you think you would be an excellent diplomat to China?
   • What do you hope to gain from the experience?
   • How might you apply what you will learn in China?
   • What do you plan to do one year from now?
2. Two RECOMMENDATION LETTERS. They may be from teachers, administrators or community people.
3. A completed APPLICATION FORM.

We will conduct interviews in December and January 2005 at our office in Manhattan.

At the end of January 2005, you will be informed of acceptance.

The deadline for application is
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2004

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Download Pamphlet and Application form Here.(PDF)

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