Fulbright Canada fosters mutual understanding and progress by creating opportunities that bring people from diverse backgrounds together to collaborate on challenging policy issues of our day.
From September 30 to October 8, 2017, Fulbright Canada will be hosting the Youth Institute on Canada in the World, a Canada 150 initiative supported by Global Affairs Canada and the Canadian Foreign Service Institute. The Institute will bring 20 Canadian and American undergraduate students to Ottawa and Quebec City for a week of debate, discussion, policy formulation, and cultural activities. Canadian diplomats, senior government officials, Fulbright Canada alumni, academics, and the media will be invited to engage students in conversations about the political, social, and economic issues that will shape Canada’s future and its role in the world.
Over the course of the program, students will explore key international challenges — trade, development, security, environment, and culture. They will also explore how trends in public diplomacy, media, and Canada-U.S. relations impact Canada’s foreign policy and its role in the world.
Participants will take part in working groups and begin to develop a vision for Canada in the World. At the end of the program they will work together to formulate and publish a collaborative policy brief that will be sent to the Government of Canada.
Eligibility
1. Participants must be citizens of the United States or Canada, or permanent residents in Canada.
2. Participants must be enrolled in a recognized post-secondary institution, have completed at least two years and be registered to return for the 2017-2018 academic year, and be in good academic standing.
3. Participants must be at least 19 years of age by the start of the program and hold a valid passport.
In addition, ideal candidates will demonstrate the following:
- a clear and compelling interest in Canada and in global issues
- the ability to think critically and engage in respectful discussions with experts and peers, and
- a commitment to community engagement.
Requirements
1. Submit a completed application by May 31, 2017. You must apply through the online Application Form. You may contact us if you require alternative methods for submission.
A complete application will include the following items:
- Application Form
- Personal Statement about your interest in the program (300-500 words)
- Responses to each of the 3 theme-based questions o Resume o Transcript (scanned and uploaded)
- Contact information for 1 academic and 1 other referee (academic, professional, volunteer supervisor, or mentor).
- 2 Reference Forms (*Please note that we will provide your referee with a reference form to complete, upon receipt of your application. The Reference Form must be completed by June 7, 2017. It is your responsibility to advise your referee of this deadline, as their completed form is required for your application to be eligible.)
2. Successful students must be willing to participate in the full week of planned activities (September 30-October 8, 2017). Further, the students are expected to be respectful of the other participants and speakers. If the students fail to comply with these expectations they will be asked to leave and any costs accrued to modify travel arrangements will not be covered.
3. Following the program in Ottawa, by agreeing to participate in the institute, the students also agree to participate in the development of a policy brief that will lay out a vision for Canada’s role in the world, which will then be reviewed by Fulbright Scholar subject experts, sent to the Office of the Prime Minister, and published in an open-access journal.
Selection Process
A Selection Committee made up of representatives from Fulbright Canada, its partner universities, and the Government of Canada will choose candidates based on their academic standing, the strength of their personal statement, responses to theme-based questions, and recommendations letters. Furthermore, Fulbright is committed to promoting diversity – factors such as province/state of origin, field of study, and ethnic background will also be considered.
For more information, please visit http://www.fulbright.ca/activities/canada-150/signature-initiatives/youth-institute-on-canada-in-the-world.html.
