Harvard Conference 2012
The Harvard Conference 2012, organized by HPAIR - Harvard Project for Asian and International Relations, is being held from February 17th - 20th, 2012 at the Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA. This year's general theme is "Cross-Cultural Connections: Weaving New Silk Roads"
In the past century, Asia has captivated the world's attention with its ability to preserve ancient traditions while still adapting to the modern times. In particular, rapid growth and development experienced in countries like China and India have changed international dynamics. As Asia becomes increasingly more influential with each country striving to make its mark in the global arena, they face new challenges and are confronted with new domestic and international issues. How will countries respond to issues such as the threat of nuclear proliferation in North Korea and Pakistan's critical role in global counter-terrorism efforts? How can they balance economic growth and environmentalism? What role should the media and entrepreneurs play in shaping politics and the economies in these countries? By addressing these questions in a forum of open debate, the HPAIR 2012 Harvard Conference hopes to stimulate discussion concerning these significant questions. Just as Asian countries work towards building a more vibrant future, by reflecting on the successes and failures of the past and assessing relations with other countries, delegates will utilize their past experiences to build the future, a pursuit that will prove critical for success.
The Harvard Conference affords ~150 international delegates with the opportunity to cover the above-mentioned issues in panel discussions, workshops and six different panels. Top-class speaker discuss with students how to approach the challenges ahead. The conference program is accompanied by a varied social program consisting of an International Performance Night, a Harvard University campus tour and a gala dinner.
Application by APAIR members will be handled prioritized
As APAIR member your application will be treated prioritized by HPAIR. APAIR members also receive a 10-20% discount on the Harvard Conference registration fee (the level of discount depends on how many APAIR members are applying for the Harvard Conference in total).
The application for the Harvard Conference is made through the HPAIR website. In the course of your application you are asked whether you are a member of a Partner Club. As APAIR member please state APAIR. Accordingly, you will enjoy the benefits of being an APAIR member.
What is the application procedure for the Harvard Conference 2012?
As already mentioned, prospective delegates need to apply for the Harvard Conference 2012 through the HPAIR website. In addition to entering basic information about yourself and study data (e.g. university, field of study, grade point average) you need to upload an English CV / Resume as well as prepare English essays about given topics. As APAIR member please do not forget to cite APAIR as Partnership club in the course of the application in the predetermined field of the application form. HPAIR will subsequently contact us to obtain confirmation of whether you actually are an APAIR member.
After the written application, some applicants will be contacted to arrange an appointment for a telephone interview (probably Skype). These telephone interviews are conducted by students of Harvard University. It is also possible that your application will be accepted without the need to conduct a telephone interview.
There are two different application deadlines.
Early Application Round (apply by December 2nd)
Regular Application Round (apply by December 16th)
Please be aware that decisions are made and spots are filled on a rolling basis - it is certainly beneficial to apply and to register as early as possible.
Please inform us under info@apair.at, if you have applied for the Harvard Conference 2012.
What are the costs of participating in the Harvard Conference?
In general, delegates pay for their own costs, e.g. flight costs. HPAIR will charge a participation fee. For accepted applicants, who confirm their participation until January 14th, 2012 the participation fee is USD 270,-, for accepted applicants, who confirm their participation until January 24th, 2012 the participation fee is
USD 290,-.
HPAIR provides some selected delegates the opportunity to pay a reduced or no participation fee. For this purpose it is required to prepare two or three more essays in the course of the application process.
APAIR members normally will be hosted by a Harvard University student in his dorm at the campus. In this case no accomodation costs will arise (first come - first serve).
APAIR awards partial scholarships in the form of a grant for participation fee and/or travel costs to outstanding students with ties to Austria. The final amount depends on the overall number and quality of the applications. The decision on the awarding and the amount of grants is made after a positive decision on the applicants’ HPAIR applications. All APAIR members with ties to Austria are eligible for the scholarship.
