February 15, 2019
The World Affairs Councils of America is pleased to present two opportunities that arise from our relationship with Liaison America, an international education organization connected to five countries and dedicated to working with young people who want to impact lives and make a change in the world.

The first initiative is a 30-day scholarship opportunity for one (1) university student to live and experience Brazil this summer through immersion in the culture, education, and language!

Also below, we present the second opportunity: Following presentations by outstanding Brazilian high school students visiting the U.S. in Liaison America's "Triple L" Program - both at WACA headquarters and to Council leaders who attended the WACA Breakfast at the Global Ties U.S. National Meeting - we will offer a Liaison America webinar for Council leaders and staff on February 28. This call will provide information for Councils interested in fee-for-service hosting of similar student groups from Brazil in July 2019 and January 2020. It will include information on program goals, administrative responsibilities, logistics, and funding.
WACA-Liaison America Scholarship Opportunity
June 2019 in Goiânia, Brazil
Applications Due by March 12
The World Affairs Councils of America is delighted to announce the Liaison America Trent Argo International Scholarship for a 30- day study tour in Brazil for one lucky student ambassador. This scholarship will be an immersive experience in culture, language, education, and international affairs in the city of Goiânia, one of the richest agricultural districts and a key player in the production of sugar, rum, coffee, tobacco, cotton, cattle, hides, and castor oil. Goiânia is located the state of Goiás, where Brasília, the capital of Brazil, is also located. Goiás is a strong, well-structured state that is growing both socially and economically.

The scholarship recipient will have the opportunity to meet with university students, business and government leaders, and others who are making a positive change locally and globally.

This experience will include:

Living Like a Local
  • Be accompanied by a college-aged chaperone
  • Live with a host family (includes accommodations and meals)
  • Take Portuguese language lessons
  • Experience the natural beauty of Brazil’s parks, outdoor recreation, and engage in the culture through food, music, dance, and folklore

Global Learning 
  • Shadow university students studying international affairs or other topics related to the recipient’s area of study
  • Meet with faculty and university international affairs officers and representatives from Education USA

Understanding Government Relations
  • Meet with the Secretary of Education
  • Learn about Brazil’s approach to immigration and border control
  • Learn about the role of the consulates and embassies
  • Discover the political role of agri-business and its impact locally and globally

Note: The scholarship is intended to take place in June 2019; the award, however, will be valid through December 2019.

With this announcement, we welcome submissions including a letter of recommendation. Council leaders: please publicize and share with your local networks and educational partners. We expect to announce the winner on  March 22, 2019.
WACA-Liaison America Scholarship Details
Eligibility

This scholarship opportunity has been created for one (1) student representing WACA and a local World Affairs Council. The award is open to any U.S. full-time student and U.S. resident, over the age of 18, who is enrolled at an accredited university or college in the United States. The ideal candidate should meet the following criteria:

  • Fluency in English
  • Experience in community service projects
  • Demonstrated leadership experience
  • Passion for learning and meeting people 

Students should also have a connection to a local World Affairs Council, whose organizational membership in WACA is current and in good standing.

Selection Process

Applicants are asked to submit the following to the WACA National Office by email to Liz Brailsford at lbrailsford@worldaffairscouncils.org by the close of business on Tuesday, March 12, 2019:

  • Both a one-minute video and a 250-word essay describing why an educational experience abroad such as this is important. Please include the link of the video at the bottom of the essay and send the file by PDF (The video should not be a reading of the essay, but a separate expression of interest; both are required)
  • A letter of recommendation from a professor, coach, or mentor from an educational institution
  • Mention in the application email the student's connection or affiliation with a local World Affairs Council (how the student learned of this scholarship opportunity)

Each submission will be judged on the following: content, inspiration, and the ability to communicate effectively. One (1) video and essay submission per entrant.

Expenses

Liaison America's generous scholarship will cover in-country expenses for the student, including accommodations, meals, and meetings.

WACA will reimburse the visa fee of $160 for the scholarship recipient.

The scholarship awardee is responsible for making and covering flight and travel insurance arrangements. S/he is also responsible for any souvenirs and incidentals.

Expectations

Before Departure 

Briefing materials will be provided to the scholarship winner in advance of the trip; however, the student ambassador should also be proactive in learning about Brazil's history, social mores, and current issues in domestic politics and foreign relations.

During the Trip

The student ambassador representing the World Affairs Councils of America is a citizen diplomat in every sense of the phrase. The scholarship recipient should observe local laws and customs and act with decorum and professionalism at all times as a representative of WACA. Participation in all aspects of the itinerary is required, except in the case of unexpected illness.

Upon Return

The awardee is expected to contribute in two ways during and after this scholarship study tour in Brazil:

  1. Communicate via social media before, during, and after the trip to WACA's social media pages, in public posts, using designated hashtags (TBA).
  2. Write a two-page report summarizing the experience within 30 days of return from the trip. This report will be distributed through the WACA newsletter, social media, and uploaded to the WACA website and shared with the participant's local Council.

Liaison America Student Exchange Programs for Councils:
February 28 Webinar

WACA will host a webinar led by Liaison America so that Council leaders and program staff can learn more about he opportunity to partner with Liaison America in hosting one of their groups of Brazilian high school students. These are exceptional students with a diverse set of talents who will share their culture and projects during their educational exchange programs in the United States.


Webinar Details

Date: Thursday, February 28
Time: 2:00-3:00 pm ET
Topic: Liaison America High School Exchange Programs - How Councils Can Participate
Tech: Zoom meeting (instructions will be shared following your registration)

Register now! Please contact Drew Lorelli at the WACA National Office, indicating your name, title, Council affiliation, phone number, and whether you attended the WACA Breakfast at Global Ties U.S. last month. Email dlorelli@worldaffairscouncils.org or, if you have any questions, call 202-833-4557.

World Affairs Councils of America | 202-833-4557
1200 18th Street NW, Suite 902, Washington, DC 20036