Students: Last Chance to Apply, US-Canada Student Border Conference

We blogged the following some time back--the deadline is 1/15. Take a look here for the details--it's a great opportunity and is completely paid for by the Canadian Government.

This leads to a wider issue. We've posted several of these opportunities in past, and suggested that there could be funding where necessary for those interested. But we've have little response. I finally buttonholed some of my students last semester and asked why they thought students weren't interested. One answer I did get was that students didn't understand why they should want to go to student conferences or seminars like the one below. A good question, and one I didn't consider.

So here are a few thoughts. Student conferences, programs and seminars off campus:

• Are great learning experiences very different from the classroom
• Are a great way to meet people and start developing contacts
• Look good on a resume, especially if you are considering graduate education later on
• Can be a source for writing samples or statements of interest for job, scholarship, and school applications
• Are often really fun--you get to hang out with people your age as well as interact with professionals who are interested in you
  
• Give you a chance to travel
• Often open doors to other programs in future.

I wish that every one of our majors went to one conference, seminar, or summer program during their undergraduate years. The opportunities are there; the funding is possible; the missing piece is you.