FAQ | AYUSA World Leaders

Frequently Asked Questions

These are some of the most commonly asked questions by students, advisors and parents. If you are unable to find an answer to your question, please call 877.853.6489 or send us an email to info@ayusaworldleaders.org.

General

What are the program dates?

The program begins in Berkeley, CA at UC Berkeley on July 25th and ends on August 14th, 2011.

How much does the AYUSA World Leaders program cost?

$4850 and covers everything except spending money and travel to/from Berkeley, CA. Visit the program fees page for a complete list of what this fee covers. There is also a local Bay Area student rate for students who wish to commute to and from Berkeley each day. Please contact us directly for more details at 877.853.6489.

What are the application deadlines for high school students?

The application deadline for U.S. and international students is March 31, 2011.

What are the requirements for U.S. high school students to take part in the program?

U.S. high school students must be between the ages of 15 and 18 years old by the program start date. They must also have a minimum GPA of 3.5 (on a 4.0 scale.) Please visit the application requirements page for a list of details.

What are the requirements for international students to take part in the program?

International students must have a SLEP score of 55 points or higher in addition to the regular application requirements.

How will I know if my application has been accepted?

We will review all applications on a first come, first served basis until all spots have been filled. Once all the supporting documents of your application have been received, a selection committee will carefully review each section to determine if you will be a good fit for the program. The essay portion of the application is the best way for us to get to know you so we recommend that you really take the time to answer the essay question. Semi-finalists will then be interviewed by the program manager. Our office will respond to all applicants whether or not you have been accepted. Most applications with a good school record and a clear passion for the themes of this program will be accepted as long as there is space. Learn how to apply.

Curriculum

Can I get high school or college credit for participating in the program?

AYUSA World Leaders does not offer high school or college credit, however we will provide you with a course transcript at the close of the program. We encourage you to speak to your guidance or college counselor as it may be possible to get credit as well.

Will there be homework?

Any homework assigned by your professors will be designed to enhance what you learn in the classroom and may involve journal writing, reflective activities, group projects or social activities.

Will I be graded on my work?

Yes. AYUSA World Leaders’ classroom coursework will be graded. However, we want you to make the most of what you learn and think about how you can apply these leadership skills to your life instead of focusing on grades.

What does the Environmental Science portion of the classroom curriculum consist of?

This environmental science course is designed to be the equivalent of a one-semester, introductory college course in environmental science. It encompasses many perspectives including geology, biology, chemistry, geography, etc. The goal is to provide students with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world, to identify and analyze environmental problems both natural and human-made, to evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems, and to examine alternative solutions for resolving or preventing them.

How many high school students are in the classroom?

There will be a total of fifty U.S. and international students on the AYUSA World Leaders 2010 program. We believe in limiting class sizes to encourage exchanges between students and professors; at times lessons may not even take place in the traditional classroom space! Learn more about the curriculum.

Is this an high school academic program or a fun program?

AYUSA World Leaders program is intended to challenge you academically, give you an opportunity to meet ambitious peers from around the world, and to provide you with a structured environment where you are supported to think “outside the box” about leadership and the environment. We can assure you that our program will be a fun, meaningful and unforgettable experience. Learn more about the program.

Can I still apply even if I have never studied environmental science before?

Yes, we encourage you to apply even if you have not previously studied environmental science, as the study of the environment is only one aspect of the program. The characteristics that are more important to us are an open-mind and a desire to learn, a mature and flexible attitude and a strong interest in attaining a global perspective to positively affect change in the world. Learn more about the application requirements.

On Program

What will a typical day/week look like?

You will attend classroom instruction in the mornings. In the afternoons you will either attend a guest lecture, volunteer in a service project, participate in team-building activities or visit sites in or around the San Francisco Bay Area. In the evening there will be organized social activities such as dances, movies, etc. On the weekends you will take part in cultural excursions as a group.

How many high school students will live on campus?

All AYUSA World Leaders participants will live in a UC Berkeley residence hall for the duration of the program.

How much money should I bring?

The program fee is all-inclusive and spending money is optional should you want to buy snacks outside of meal times or souvenirs during site visits or excursions. We do not recommend that you bring more than $300-$500 for the three week program.

What should I pack?

Once you have been accepted in the AYUSA World Leaders program you will be sent an orientation packet which will include recommended items to pack. Essential items such as towels and bed sheets will be provided in the dormitories. You can also check Berkeley, CA weather before leaving at www.weather.com.

Will the high school students be supervised?

Yes, we guarantee full time guidance and support to ensure that this is an enriching, secure, and supportive summer program environment. Some students may be away from home for the first time, which is why we believe strongly in providing structure, guidance, and mentoring that will prove helpful and necessary for the success of the students and the program.

The program director, assistant program director, and resident assistants will live on campus and be responsible for students' academic and personal well-being. The resident assistants will live in the dorms with the students. Resident assistants will hold floor meetings every evening and will be available 24 hours a day.

Can parents contact their kids during the program?

Yes, of course. Students will have access to email and parents will be provided with an on-site contact number, as well as an emergency telephone number which will be answered by an AYUSA World Leaders representative 24 hours a day.

About AYUSA

Do you offer any other high school programs?

AYUSA World Leaders currently only offers a three week summer program. Our parent company, Intrax Cultural Exchange, offers a variety of programs for high school and college students as well as young professionals for the U.S. and abroad, read About Us to learn more.

Why did you decide to create this high school exchange program?

Over the years, we have frequently heard students on our youth exchange programs say that they would want to participate in a program where both U.S. and international students were on a program together. We strongly believe that true cultural exchange exists when young people have a chance to exchange their world views, values and cultural perceptions. Since we didn’t see any other short term summer programs that filled this need, we created our own! As a plus this is also a unique opportunity for high school students to demonstrate strong leadership, intercultural and academic potential to college admissions teams and get a competitive edge on their application.

Other

Will taking part in this program make me more likely to get accepted to UC Berkeley after high school?

During the AYUSA World Leaders program we will organize campus visits, however we cannot guarantee that this will make you more likely to be accepted to UC Berkeley as an undergraduate.

Are scholarships available for students?

There are limited scholarships available for students wishing to participate in the AYUSA World Leaders program this summer. Please contact us directly for details at 877.853.6489.

Learn More About The Program

The more you learn about the campus, curriculum, culture and community the sooner you'll realize that no other summer high school program offers such a unique blend of learning and fun!