Global Link 2010-2011

We are pleased to launch University Prep’s 2010-2011 Global Link Program. At this time, students may apply for the following five programs: China, Colombia, India, Japan and Samoa.

The programs were announced to students on Wednesday, April 28, and students should stop by Ms. Denton’s office (A235) to request an application, which will be due Tuesday, May 11.

What are we looking for in an applicant?
In your application, you will have to show that you understand the Global Link philosophy and guidelines and that you will honor the commitments required. We want you to be successful in this program. You will be building bridges of friendship and understanding with your counterparts overseas.

You will have to show that you can communicate well and that you can respect lifestyles, beliefs and values different from your own. You will also have to show that you can be flexible and, using good judgment, adapt to situations that may be uncomfortable or unexpected. You will have to show your ability to be self-reflective and to modify your behavior to maintain healthy and safe relationships with others in your group and with your host country counterparts.

We will take into consideration your ability to represent University Prep overseas, your academic standing, attendance, and adherence to community expectations.

The application process
The Global Link committee will review all applications completed by May 11 at 3:00 p.m. Applications must reflect the criteria above, with careful consideration given to the four essay questions, in order for a student to be invited to an interview on May 18, 19, or 20. The week of May 24, you will be notified via school e-mail as to whether you have been accepted, so be sure to check your school e-mail.

What is the Global Leadership class?
This class is part of Global Link training for overseas cultural immersion. It will impart cultural competency and leadership skills necessary to be an ambassador while overseas. All students applying for Global Link must register for the Global Leadership class as one of their spring semester elective courses. The class is 5 credits, BUT it will only meet twice a week during class hours. Students will receive the remaining 3 credits for time overseas and by attending country-specific meetings during lunch, meeting hours, or whenever their group leaders and peers determine is the best time. These meetings will take place during both first and second semester approximately once or twice a month.


What are the program particulars?
U Prep students in grades 10-12 are eligible to apply for Global Link and there will be no language requirements for any of our 2010-2011 Global Link programs. This will allow students to explore a cultural immersion opportunity in a country outside of their language choice should they wish to do so. As always, student applications will be reviewed based on all of the student’s skills, including language ability, and students will be chosen for a particular program based on the composite of all of their skills.

China
Students will visit the city of Zhongshan in the province of Guandong. They will attend classes at the China-Hong Kong English School as well as participate in various cultural events.

Colombia
This program is an opportunity to continue to build our relationship with Colegio San Jose in Barranquilla.

India
This program is a direct exchange. Students will visit the city of Hyderabad and live with host families from the Oakridge International School. Those students will be expected to host Oakridge students when they visit us in Seattle in May 2011.

Japan
Students will live with host families in Kobe, Japan. They will work closely with Seattle-Kobe Sister Cities and the Keimei Gaukin School. This program is an every other year exchange. Therefore, students from Keimei Gaukin will visit U Prep in the spring of 2012.

Samoa
This program is an opportunity to return to our host village, Faleseela, and participate in daily life with the village youth group.

Estimated departure times
Programs will run between ten and fourteen days depending on our host countries’ schedules. Students may miss two to three days of school the week of March 28 and will return mid to late week during the last week of spring break.

Cost
The cost for all Global Link programs is $2,900. Global Link grants are available to all students and no student will be denied participation for financial reasons.

Pre-departure training and “Bring It Back” activities
Global Link students will receive pre-departure crosscultural and country-specific training through the Global Leadership class and meetings in their country groups. They will also establish Seattle-area connections with the local community of their overseas hosts. Parents and students will participate in three Family Information Night meetings. Upon return, all participants will present Global Link projects to the University Prep community and will continue to foster their relationships with Seattle-area host country connections.

What international opportunities are available for students who are not part of Global Link?
All students can be matched with an international experience that best suits their individual interests by visiting the Director of Global Programs.

Communicating about Global Link
We will be communicating through the weekly all-school e-mail and at parent, faculty, and student meetings throughout the year. Information is also available on www.universityprep.net.