ABOUT IYLF

What is the International Youth Leadership Forum?
The International Youth Leadership Forum (IYLF) introduces high-achieving scholars to the global dimensions of the career field in which they have an interest. Held in Australia, China and Europe, students choose their preferred destination and one of these six career tracks on which to focus: Business, Environment, Engineering & Technology, International Relations, Medicine and Music & Arts. In addition to directly engaging prominent leaders and students in each host country, students personally explore cultural sites as well as professional sites associated with their chosen career track. All IYLF scholars participate in International Field of Study Meetings (IFOS) aimed at developing the key perspectives and cultural competencies that in this globally-connected world will provide advantages in their future careers.

How many sessions will there be? What are the dates?
There will be one session in each of the three destinations in summer 2008.  Scholars may also extend their experience by choosing the four- to five-day Optional Add-On in their chosen destination:

Australia: June 20 - June 29
with Optional Add-On: June 20 - July 2
           Environment
           International Relations
           Medicine

China: July 5 - July 13
with Optional Add-On: July 5 - July 17
           Business
           Engineering & Technology
           International Relations
           Medicine

Europe: July 20 - July 27
with Optional Add-On: July 20 - July 30
           Business
           International Relations
           Music & Arts

CAREER AND ACADEMIC HIGHLIGHTS

Who are the speakers?
Students participating in IYLF have the opportunity to learn from and exchange ideas with some of their destination’s most respected and internationally-recognized professionals in their chosen career field. They gain rare insights into current issues and make global connections while obtaining invaluable information about pursuing their career.

What institutions participate?
Prestigious institutions and organizations in each destination that are leaders in their respective career tracks welcome IYLF participants.  This includes embassies, cultural institutions, universities, hospitals, research facilities, non-governmental and community-based organizations, government institutions and businesses.

What is the curriculum?
The IYLF experience centers on a unique curriculum in a setting that translates to real-life connections and learning.  Capitalizing on an interconnected world that hinges on international acumen, significant perspectives for a global environment are woven directly through the program experience.  The perspectives lay a frame-work that will enable scholars to navigate an ever-evolving world while steering their professional development to correlate with personal interests and strengths. 

Specifically, the perspectives are: tenacity, empathy, analysis, innovation, ethics and influence. The perspectives are woven throughout the Forum and maximize the learning opportunities presented to scholars via unique Field Of Study site experiences.   Each perspective constitutes a daily theme of focus, as site experiences and speakers provide a springboard for discussions and curricular activities for scholars during their International Field of Study Meetings.

DAILY LIFE

Where will scholars stay?
Scholars will stay in at least three-star hotels, and each scholar will always have his or her own bed. All hotel rooms will have in-room, western-style toilet facilities and will be located in safe areas of cities and towns visited.

Will students have roommates? How many?
Yes. Two students will occupy each sleeping room. Each student will have his/her own bed.

Can a student and a friend room together or select roommates?
No. The Forum staff assigns roommates; roommate requests are not accepted. We strongly believe that learning about - and from - other young leaders from all over the country provides a significant networking and leadership development opportunity.

How many students will be in each session?
Depending on the restrictions of each individual program site, IYLF will admit 200-400 students per session.

What is the ratio of students to staff members?
15-to-1.

DRESS CODE

What is the dress code?
For most professional activities, professional attire is required. During certain program components, relaxed professional attire is appropriate. For cultural and leisure activities, casual dress is acceptable. Comfortable dress shoes are a must, as the Forum requires a lot of walking. In addition, closed-toe and closed-heel shoes are required for hospital visits for scholars in the medicine career track. All specifics regarding packing and appropriate dress will be explained in detail in the acceptance materials scholars will receive after January 1, 2008 and in the materials posted on the Enrolled Students section of the web site.

What is professional attire?
Professional attire for women includes blouses and skirts (no denim), dresses or suits.  Men must wear a sport coat, slacks (no denim), dress shirts and ties or suits. 

What is relaxed professional attire? 
Relaxed professional attire for ladies includes dresses or medium length skirts or khakis and blouses or sweaters. For gentlemen relaxed professional attire includes khakis or dress slacks and button-down shirts or polo shirts.

What is casual attire?
Jeans, T-shirts, tennis shoes, sandals etc. are acceptable. Consistent with our Student Code of Conduct, offensive or inappropriate clothing will not be permitted.

ELIGIBILITY AND NOMINATION

How are students nominated to attend the program?
Students are personally selected for nomination by teachers, mentors and alumni of NYLF programs. We also work with educational organizations such as the National Research Center for College and University Admissions' Talent Identification Program to identify high-achieving students who possess an interest in the career tracks offered by the International Young Leaders Forum, including arts, business, engineering, environment, international relations, medicine, music or technology.

Is there a GPA requirement?
All scholars who attend must have achieved a B+ average or above and have an interest in their chosen career track field. A student who does not meet the GPA requirement may not attend.

TUITION AND FINANCE

What does tuition cover?
Tuition covers:

• Travel to and from the destination country from the gateway city and all in-country travel
• All hotel accommodations (excluding laundry, telephone, etc.)
• Curriculum materials
• Two meals per day on average
• Faculty advisors who provide the instruction of the program and supervisory personnel
• Full-time, professional guides who are fluent in English
• All educational components, including speaker fees
• All entrance fees for guided exploration, taxes, gratuities and tips
• Visa processing fee (for scholars holding U.S. passports traveling to China)
• Group medical and emergency health coverage

What kind of spending money will scholars need at the Forum?
Every scholar will need money to purchase at least one meal per day (average U.S. $10-20, depending on personal choice), incidental expenses such as laundry and telephone usage and any excess luggage charges incurred. Additionally, there will be opportunities to buy souvenirs. Once a scholar is enrolled, IYLF will provide additional resources on spending money and currency exchange.

Is financial assistance available to help pay for the tuition?
We offer a limited number of scholarships that are awarded based on financial need, scholastic merit, leadership achievements and other factors. Because the scholarship program is so competitive, our office has also prepared a booklet to give students ideas about how to fundraise in their community to offset their expenses. Please visit the Tuition & Financial Assistance link on this web site for more information. Many participants are quite successful in raising all or most of the funds to attend.

TRAVEL AND TRANSPORTATION

May I arrange my own international transportation to and from the Forum?
Yes, however, we suggest flying with the program since it gives scholars the opportunity to meet prior to arrival and insures a safe and comfortable flight to and from the Forum. Scholars interested in this air credit option must contact the Office of Admissions by March 1, 2008.

Am I allowed to extend my stay in the destination country?
This may only be possible if a scholar chooses to purchase his or her own transportation to and from the Forum. Scholars interested in extending their stay and using the air credit option must contact the Office of Admissions by March 1, 2008.

How and when should I obtain a passport?
Scholars do not need to have a passport before enrolling in the program, but they will need to begin the passport application process to acquire one immediately after confirmation of enrollment. All necessary information regarding acquiring a passport will be sent in the first enrollment confirmation letter. This information may also be found on the U.S. Department of State's web site: http://travel.state.gov/passport_services.html.

Please note that travelers are encountering long processing times, and the State Department currently estimates that it can take at least 10-12 weeks to receive your passport.  

Do I need a visa?
U.S. scholars attending IYLF in China will need visas; however, scholars do not need to start the visa process until after they are enrolled in the program. All information regarding visas will be sent in the enrollment confirmation mailings. 

Scholars traveling on non-U.S. passports must contact the Consulate of their IYLF destination in the country in which their passport is issued to learn about specific entry requirements, as acquiring and payment of all required travel documentation is the sole responsibility of the scholar.

What is the optional Tuition and Travel Protection Plan?
Each student is automatically enrolled in the Tuition and Travel Protection Plan.  This optional trip cancellation insurance costs $149.  It is recommended, but may be declined by checking the appropriate box on the front of the application.  More information can be found on the Tuition & Financial Assistance link of this web site, and detailed information will also be sent to each enrolled participant.

SAFETY AND SUPERVISION

Should I be concerned about safety in a foreign country?
The safety of our scholars is our number one priority. Our programs are highly structured and thoroughly evaluated for quality and safety. We will not bring our scholars into areas where we think their safety might be in question. If conditions exist or arise that make it impossible for us to offer a safe program, we will alter the itinerary and re-route the Forum to safer regions. IYLF adheres to international travel advisories issued by the U.S. State Department and the in-country U.S. Embassy. All scholars are registered with the U.S. Embassy in the destination country prior to their departure.

How are students supervised?
Students are closely supervised 24 hours a day. We provide single-sex rooms and sections at our housing locations. Our staff includes highly trained and experienced faculty advisors who serve as educational facilitators and chaperones, guides fluent in English, operations personnel, as well as the program directors. The student to staff ratio is 15 to 1. Faculty advisors take attendance several times a day at every conference site and at room checks every evening. Designated staff members remain on-call at night to ensure that students remain in their rooms and to provide support for students who become ill or have an emergency at night.

What time is room check?
Forum staff will conduct a room check at 11:00 p.m. each evening. After 11:00 p.m., participants are required to stay in their rooms.

Special Needs and Medical Concerns

Will there be vegetarian options at every meal?
Vegetarian options are available but limited. Many meals are buffet-style, and due to limitations, vegetarian options may be repeated throughout the program.

Will there be kosher options at every meal?
Because of the cultures of the various countries, we are not able to guarantee kosher options. However, there will always be a vegetarian option at meals. In some cases, kosher meals can be provided at an additional cost. Please contact the Office of Admissions to speak directly with a staff member for more information.

Is it possible for physically challenged scholars to attend?
Potential scholars are encouraged to speak directly with a staff member to get a better idea of the program schedule. The staff member will be able to provide insight into potentially challenging activities, allowing scholars to make the decision whether or not to attend. Please contact the Office of Admissions to speak with an appropriate staff member.

Do I need any immunizations?
Scholars should consult with their physicians or local health care facilities to enquire about any health concerns or immunization options. We also suggest that scholars consult with the Centers for Disease Control and World Health Organization current recommendations regarding international travel. The most current information can be found at http://www.cdc.gov and http://www.who.org.

Will there be an on-site nurse?
No. Scholars should bring any medication along that they think they might need (i .e. cold medication, anti-diarrhea, fever, etc.). Should scholars need medical attention, we will assist them in visiting a doctor or hospital.

PREPARING FOR TRAVEL IN A FOREIGN COUNTRY

What assistance will be available to prepare for the program?
Once a scholar is enrolled we will mail all the information necessary to prepare for the program including packing suggestions, suggested attire, currency, travel documents, academic preparation and useful travel tips. We also rely heavily on our web site to communicate important information.

Are language skills going to be an issue at all? Will there be any basic conversational language training during the program?
Scholars are encouraged to prepare basic language skills for their respective country on their own, as this will enhance their experience significantly. In areas where English is not prevalent, guides with fluency in English and the language of the host country accompany the group for all scheduled activities. All professional visits, speakers and workshops are conducted or translated in English.