June 28 to July 17, 2009
in Nashik, India

Mission Statement: The Global Youth Institute will create a community of international learners committed to investigating and seeking solutions to problems of global consequence.

Theme for 2008:

Generations: Traditions, Innovations, and Globalization

 

Dear Friends, Past Participants, and Prospective Students,

We are excited to announce that the 19th annual Global Youth Institute will be in Nashik, India! Please share this opportunity with students and encourage them to apply for this enriching program. We are hoping to attract students from around the world to build international friendships, cooperation, and understanding.

Yours,

Tom Forsgren, Ph.D.,
Coordinator for International Education

 

The following information is from our brochure which is being distributed by Friendship Force International to Friendship Force clubs around the world in December.

Introduction

Our world is growing smaller and our interdependence is increasing at a phenomenal rate. These conditions demand a response that will positively impact and support the peoples of the world.

The Global Youth Institute was created as a partnership between The Friendship Force of Greater Des Moines and the Des Moines Public Schools in 1990. This year The Friendship Force and Des Moines Public Schools of Des Moines, Iowa, USA, have joined to offer a unique learning opportunity for selected high school students. The Global Youth Institute will bring together approximately 40 students from different countries to study and contemplate significant global issues challenging the world today.

This year’s setting is the delightful town of Nashik, once known as “Rose” city, now a center of modern industry and agriculture. Farmers in this green-belt area produce a wide variety of fruits and vegetables for world markets. Nashik culture offers a classic blend of preserving cultural traditions and developing modern industry for a global economy.

India's flag

Program Objectives

Please select the following link to view a slide show describing the
Global Youth Institute Program

Students

The Global Youth Institute will review applications from US and international students. Approximately 40 students are selected to participate.

Staff

The Global Youth Institute is staffed by a selected group of experienced, multidisciplinary, and certified teachers. The Institute maintains a 1 to 10 staff-to-student ratio.

Cost

  • Tuition: $700.00 (U.S. Dollars)
  • Passport and visa fees
  • Transportation to and from the host country
  • Personal incidental expenses

Limited scholarship money may be available to qualified applicants.

Qualifications

US and Des Moines Area Students

Must have completed grade 10 with indications of superior student achievement.

In order to be considered for the Institute, you must return the following:

I.  Completed Student Application Form

II. Letters of recommendation from two of the following:

  • teacher
  • counselor
  • principal
  • Friendship Force member

III. One-page personal statement including:

  • Your reasons for wanting to participate
  • What you will contribute to the Institute
  • What you hope to gain form the experience

International Students

Must be 16 to 18 years of age with indications of superior student achievement.

In order to be considered for the Institute, you must return the following:

I. Completed Student Application Form

II. Letters of recommendation from each of the following:

  • teacher, counselor, or administrator
  • high school English teacher describing level of oral comprehension and spoken communication. (The entire program is conducted in English.)

III. One-page personal statement which includes:

  • Your reasons for wanting to participate
  • What you will contribute to the Institute
  • What you hope to gain from the experience

Schedule

Please select either of the following links to read about a typical schedule.
2005 Program Schedule in Australia

2006 Program Schedule in Taiwan
2007 Program Schedule in Canada

Day

The Global Youth Institute participants will contribute to investigations, engage in dialogue, and hear classroom presentations by invited resource personnel. Field trips to near-by locations related to the curricular topics will be part of the program.

Evening

Students will participate in social and cultural activities with their host families and/or other students attending the Global Youth Institute.

Retreat

Participants stay at a retreat center for an extended stay of four to five days and nights. The retreat will allow participants to discuss Institute topics and become better acquainted with each other in a natural environmental setting.

Housing and Meals

Students will be hosted by families arranged by the Friendship Force host club at no cost.

Curriculum

The curriculum will include an investigation of the following topics: cross-cultural communication; family customs traditions and celebrations; international political, economic and social issues; international organizations; conflict resolution; and global environmental issues.

Preparation

Participants will be expected to research and prepare information on each of the above topics from the perspective of their own country for discussion during the Institute. Each national group will make a presentation about its country.

Contacts

For more information about the Global Youth Institute contact Des Moines Public Schools Coordinator for International Education,
Dr. Thomas Forsgren

Email: Thomas Forsgren
Phone: 515-242-7846
Fax: 515-242-7598
 

Applications

Student applications may be completed on this web site and sent directly to Dr. Forsgren by email or you may send applications to:

Dr. Thomas Forsgren
Coordinator for International Education
Des Moines Public Schools
1800 Grand Ave.
Des Moines, IA 50309-3382

The Global Youth Institute is supported by

The Friendship Force
233 Peachtree Street, NE, Suite 2250
Atlanta, Georgia 30303
U.S.A.
Phone: 404-522-9490
FAX: 404-688-6148
www.thefriendshipforce.org
   

 

Central Academy
Des Moines Public Schools
1800 Grand Avenue
Des Moines, Iowa 50309
 

515/242-7846
fax: 515/242-7598

 

 

© Global Youth Institute

Questions or comments can be sent to:
Thomas Forsgren, Ph.D., Coordinator for International Education

Last updated 9/8/08