Int'l symposium teaches diplomacy, helps students find jobs

For the second year, University of Arizona students could be selected to attend the International Student Symposium on International Negotiation in The Hague, Netherlands, between July 21 and Aug. 15.

The symposium teaches participants about dispute resolution and use of international force and law, said Charles Peterson, spokesman for the Institute for International Mediation and Conflict Resolution.

He said students will examine various international case studies and interact with world leaders who have negotiated conflicts.

"They will be given real scenarios and try to solve this or that crisis," Peterson said. "The speakers spend the whole day with the students, eating lunch and dinner and just hanging out."

Speakers scheduled this year include retired United Nations mediator Lord David Owens and three prime ministers, Peterson said.

The prime ministers have not been announced yet.

Russian and marketing senior Michael Druke, who was chosen for the symposium last summer, said it was interesting to take notes and learn from international personalities.

"They seemed more like human beings and were a lot more interesting to speak with.

"Then at night, they (the speakers) would play pool with us," he said.

Outside the classroom, participants have the opportunity to experience their studies firsthand.

The Dutch capital is the home of the International War Crimes Tribunal, where Bosnian and Rwandan war criminals are tried, Peterson said.

"There are lots of United Nations agencies in Hague and in nearby Geneva," he said.

Peterson said tours to NATO headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, and Paris are available to students.

Druke was one of 50 American students selected for the symposium. Fifty students from other countries attended as well, Peterson said.

"We try to get students who are interested in diplomacy, business and law," he said. "The students need to be articulate, well-read and able to work well with others."

Peterson said the symposium is an excellent opportunity to share experiences with other cultures. Groups from Japan, England and South America attended last year's symposium, Druke said.

Besides meeting a variety of people, the best part of attending the symposium may be the abundance of job opportunities offered to students, Peterson said.

"Once you are admitted, students use IIMCR as a springboard to get recommendations for graduate school, internships or full-time jobs," he said. "I can make a few phone calls, and it takes about 15 minutes to find someone (a participant) a job."

Druke said the symposium's $3,500 tuition was worth the experience.

"I recommend it because it is worthwhile learning about politics, seeing Europe, and working with students from other countries," Druke said.

"A lot of students walk around like they are machines," Peterson said. "We want students to become interested in improving themselves."

Students interested in applying for the symposium can call IIMCR for a brochure and application at (202) 828-0721, or inquire via electronic mail IIMCR@erols.com.