World Affairs Youth Seminar
July 7 – July 12, 2024
Rising 10th – 12th Grade

The World Affairs Youth Seminar is conducted by faculty, staff, and students from Auburn’s College of Education and members of the Persistent Issues in History Network, uses the Model United Nations (MUN) forum to examine global issues in a "real world" context. Participants assume the role of country delegates and strive to accurately represent the viewpoints of their assigned country in daily MUN General Assembly sessions.

In preparation for daily MUN sessions, country delegates partner with Auburn University graduate and undergraduate secondary social studies education students to explore the value conflicts, factual data, and historical contexts of international issues. Delegates participate in group research sessions and collaborate to write resolutions or plan strategic alliances for MUN sessions which confront different global issues each day.

World Affairs Seminar participants will attend lectures by faculty on international issues and get to experience campus life firsthand while residing in Auburn's resident dormitories, eating at campus dining facilities, and enjoying evening social and recreational activities. Camp participants will have 24/7 counselor supervision.

Students have the unique opportunity to participate in research with parental consent. This camp is associated with a research project run by Dr. Tirado and his colleagues that seeks to investigate how students learn about human rights and the international affairs. Participation is not required, and no personal information will be collected by the research team. We are just looking to learn more about how students grapple with learning about human rights and the world.

Research Consent Form

If the following subjects interest you, consider attending this seminar:

  • international and cultural affairs
  • public speaking and debate
  • social studies and current events
  • government and politics
  • persuasive writing
  • public service

Seminar participants:

  • gain a better understanding of complex international issues
  • practice leadership skills
  • develop communication skills
  • make new friends from across the country
HOUSING:

Campers will reside in the Hill Dormitories. They are designed in suites consisting of two double-occupancy rooms connected by a bathroom.

MEALS:

Meals will be provided at The Edge at Central Dining. All dietary restrictions and allergies are taken into consideration for each meal.

FACILITIES:

The majority of the campers’ instructional hours will be in newly renovated Mell Classroom Building.

Jesus Tirado
Jesús A. Tirado

Dr. Jesús A. Tirado is an Assistant Professor of Secondary Social Sciences Education. Prior to joining Auburn University, Tirado taught high school and future social studies teachers for 14 years. He is a graduate of Yale University and University of Georgia. His research centers of questions about how students and teachers learn the different ways that they belong. This is Dr. Tirado’s first year with WAYS Camp and he is looking forward to coordinating the academic events and learning with everyone.

Registration and Scholarship Applications open on December 1, 2023 at 9AM.

Register Now

Apply for Scholarship


Students have the unique opportunity to participate in research with parental consent. This camp is associated with a research project run by Dr. Tirado and his colleagues that seeks to investigate how students learn about human rights and the international affairs. Participation is not required, and no personal information will be collected by the research team. We are just looking to learn more about how students grapple with learning about human rights and the world. Please see the Research Consent Form on the Overview tab.


Camp Fees are $890 and include the following items:
  • On campus housing
  • All meals, snacks and drinks while at camp
  • Program instruction, materials and equipment
  • Transportation to and from off-campus field-trip sites
  • Recreational activities

Cancellation:

All cancellation requests must be submitted via email. Please send your request to opce@auburn.edu.

Cancellation Procedure:

  1. Cancellation request received at least 6 weeks prior to the start date of the program: Full refund, less $100.
  2. Cancellation request received less than 6 weeks but at least 3 weeks prior to the program start date: Refund of 50%
  3. Cancellation request received less than 3 weeks prior to the program start date or “no show”: No refund.

Note: Refunds will be issued to the individual/organization who made the original payment.

What to Bring to Camp:

Please pack lightly – but do not forget to bring bedding, a towel, and toiletries.

Campers should refrain from bringing no more than one (1) suitcase and one (1) personal sized bag to camp.

Dorm Room:
  • XL twin sheets/thick blanket or sleeping bag and pillow
  • Alarm Clock
  • Phone Charger
Toiletries:
  • Shampoo/Conditioner
  • Body Wash
  • Toothbrush and Toothpaste
  • Soap
  • Bath Towel
  • Hairbrush
Clothing & Shoes:
  • T-shirts: Loose fitting, tank tops must have straps three fingers wide and cover all undergarments
  • Shorts: At least 3.5” inseam
  • One (1) pair of jeans/long pants
  • Underwear
  • Socks
  • Pajamas
  • Tennis Shoes: We walk up to 6 miles daily!
  • Closed toed shoes
  • Swimsuit: For girls, a modest one piece swimsuit. For boys, no speedos or jammers.
  • Flip-flops or Water Shoes: For the pool
  • Sweatshirt or Jacket
  • Dress up Outfit: Dressy casual (modest) outfit (e.g.: modest sundress, polo & khakis, pants & blouse)
  • Rain Jacket or Poncho
Miscellaneous:
  • Laundry Bag
  • Hat
  • Sunglasses
  • Beach Towel: For the pool
  • Bug spray/Sunscreen
  • $50 key/meal card deposit: Make check payable to Auburn University
Optional:
  • Spending Money

Last Updated: November 17, 2023