So I'm always saying "students, this is a great opportunity!" This time it's a GREAT opportunity!!! Note the capitalization and extra exclamation marks. Conference is international, yet nearby (Seattle), select, completely funded, and last year they gave out $7000 in scholarships to participants.
As Professor Haltom would say: Conferences good!
'Crossing Borders - Issues & Resolutions' A Conference & Debate
for U.S. & Canadian University Students (WA, OR, ID, BC, AB)
Seattle WA 6-7 March 2008
Sponsored & Organized by
Consulate General of Canada
Seattle
Canada and the United States share one of the world's longest borders and are each others largest trading partners. Canada is America's largest supplier of crude oil, natural gas and electricity. The U.S. and Canada are allies in the War on Terror and partners in NORAD for decades. However, as in most relationships, challenges and differences do exist.
EVENT / DATES
The Consulate General of Canada Seattle, in collaboration with the Pacific Northwest Canadian Studies Consortium, is organizing a two-day Student Conference to focus on the US-Canada border and issues of importance in the bi-lateral relationship.
After arrival in Seattle on Thursday 6 March, the students will travel to the US-Canada border Port of Entry at Blaine WA / Surrey BC for presentations and tours organized by the Canada Border Services Agency and US Customs and Border Protection. Students will learn about the operations of both agencies and how they partner to secure the border against threats while expediting travel for legitimate trade and commerce. The day will conclude with a Welcome Dinner in Bellingham, Washington and return to Seattle.
On Friday 7 March the Conference will entail 4 panel presentations. Each panel will focus on an issue of importance to Canada and the United States and last 90 minutes. Each panel will have two teams. Each team will be composed of one American and one Canadian student. Each team will be tasked with researching, presenting and explaining the issue assigned (the American student will present the American position and the Canadian student will present the Canadian position). Each team will suggest a resolution / solution. A moderator and members of the audience will be invited to ask questions and / or challenge the presentations and resolutions of two teams. A team of judges will select the team deemed to have made the best presentation and proffering the most convincing resolution / solution. The day will conclude with an Awards Dinner.
STUDENT ELIGIBILITY / SELECTION
A total of 16 students will be selected. Eight American and eight Canadian. Students must be full-time undergraduates attending a university in Washington, Idaho, Oregon, British Columbia or Alberta that is a member of the Pacific Northwest Canadian Studies Consortium. No more than two students will be selected from any one university.
Interested students must complete the attached application and mail / fax no later than 15 January 2008. Successful applicants will be notified by 1 February. Students will be paired (one American and one Canadian for each of the 8 teams) and assigned their issue upon notification. Students are invited to work with their faculty advisors to see if this may qualify as an independent study to earn course credit.
TEAMS / ISSUES
The American students will present the American position and the Canadian students will present the Canadian position. Not personal opinions or beliefs! Each team will need to communicate and work together beforehand to organize their presentations and agree upon a resolution / solution.
The issues to be assigned will be one of the following:
1. Border Security: Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative; PASS cards; Enhanced Drivers Licenses; Perimeter Clearance, Visa harmonization
2. Northwest Passage: Sovereign Canadian waters or International waters
3. Multi-Lateral Diplomacy: Role of the United Nations
4. Gun Control
5. Capital Punishment
6. Gay Marriage / Gays in Military
FUNDING
The Canadian Consulate General is the principal sponsor of the conference. Students will be provided with travel funds (airplane ticket or mileage), two nights shared accommodation in Seattle, ground transportation for the Border Tour and meals.
AWARDS / PRIZES
One team from each panel will be selected for making the best presentation and proffering the best resolution. From those four teams one team will be selected as the overall top presenter. One individual student for best performance will be selected. Awards and prizes to be confirmed. $7000 in scholarships were awarded in 2007.
APPLICATION
You can find complete details and the application and contact info here.
