Study Tour to China

APPLICATION China Leadership Experience for Iowa High School Students Sponsored by Iowa Farm Bureau Federation Iowa Soybean Association Iowa State University Extension

July 31 – August 10, 2011

Name ______

Address ______

Phone # (home) ______(cell) ______

Email ______

Date of birth ______

Your grade level in Fall 2011 ___ 10 ___11

Your school ______

Your signature ______Date Parent’s or legal guardian’s approval

______Signature Date

Application deadlines and notification: This application is due in ISU Extension’s office by April 29, 2011. Enrollment is limited, and submission of an application for the study tour does not guarantee acceptance. You will be notified of your application’s status no later than May 20, 2011. If your application is accepted, you will be required to either commit to the study tour or decline the opportunity no later than May 30, 2011. All participants will be required to attend a preparatory session in June. The date will be announced later and held in Ames.

Costs of the tour: Cost per participant is $4,500 (airfare from Des Moines, lodging, food, transportation within China, etc.). Through a gift from the Iowa Soybean Association and the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation $4,000 per person will be covered. Participant will be responsible for the remaining $500, payable to Iowa State upon formal acceptance or no later than May 30, 2011. Participant will also be responsible for all incidental expenses while on the trip.

Itinerary: This is an 11-day trip inclusive of travel days. Participants will be accompanied by Iowa State University Extension staff and staff/farmer directors from the Iowa Soybean Association, and the Iowa Farm Bureau 2

Federation. Participants will meet with in Beijing to learn about the import/export assistance and trade issues, visit a leading hybrid rice seed company in China, learn about the food and agriculture industry in China and visit historical sites in Beijing and Xi’an.

Who may apply: Iowa students entering sophomore or junior years in Fall 2011 may submit an application for this study tour. The study tour group will likely include a mix of students throughout the state. Previous international travel experience is not required nor is a requirement that students be from a farm.

Participants will be covered by MedEx travel insurance. They will be responsible for obtaining their own passports and getting the necessary vaccinations for travel to China. Daily activities involve a fair amount of walking and climbing stairs. Participants may wish to check with their primary care physicians regarding their health conditions before committing to the study program.

All participants will be required to attend an orientation with their parents and provide at least two presentations to local civic groups and agricultural groups by December 2011.

Please answer the following questions to the best of your knowledge:

1. What does it mean to be a global citizen? (limit to one page double spaced) 2. In your opinion, why is it important to improve our understanding of China? (limit to one page double spaced) 3. How can the future of agriculture be enhanced with strong relationships between the U.S. and China? (limit to one page double spaced) 4. What do you hope to gain by going on this trip? (limit to one page double spaced) 5. Tell us a little more about your accomplishments in and out of school. (limit to one page double spaced)

Please send your completed copy (limit 5 pages to questions response plus application form) and contact information of two references (include one from guidance counselor) by April 29, 2011 to: Sok Leng Tan Iowa State University Extension Global Extension Program 2150 Beardshear Hall Ames, IA 50011

Or email a copy in Word or PDF format by April 29, 2011 to [email protected]

Please direct all questions to: Sok Leng Tan (515) 231-3670 [email protected]