Washington, D.C. Conference (July 31 – August 3, 2008)

• Students will gather in  Washington, DC at the conclusion of the four-week academic program for a three-day conference. The program will include meetings with State Department officials; country/regional experts; tours of DC, including U.S. government institutions; a cultural event and a farewell reception.

• Participants will visit the Newseum — the museum of news — which offers visitors an experience that blends five centuries of news history with up-to-the-second technology and hands-on exhibits.  The museum is located on the National Mall between the White House and the U.S. Capitol and offers a behind the scenes look at how and why the news is made.  

• Participants should be prepared to conduct a thirty minute presentation on their student leader institute.  Each institute is in a different region of the U.S; therefore, students should share what makes their host institute unique such as the geographic region (major mountains, rivers, etc.), climate, culture (local cuisine, music, etc.), local attractions, and so forth.

• There will be a cultural fair where conference attendees will visit country booths to learn about the participants' cultural backgrounds.  Institute participants are encouraged to dress in traditional attire.  Students should bring along any items (scarves, hats, music, photos, etc.) they would like to showcase to American conference attendees. 

HOST INSTITUTIONS