TESTIMONIALS FROM 2008 ISL ATTENDEES:

“I think that the most important thing to say that when I describe the Costa Rica experience would be all the friends that I made. I am so grateful to all the great people that I met, and I feel like meeting everyone and getting to know everyone was one of the highlights of the trip. I also think that I learned a lot of new techniques for leadership, but by far the most important thing is the friends that I made... thanks everyone.”

“Coming back to Dallas after Costa Rica was difficult. I had trouble going back to all my usual customs.  Telling everyone about my trip was not easy. I didn't really have words to describe what we did, who I met, or how incredible the entire experience was. Every time I would tell someone what we did they always looked at me oddly. They couldn't believe I had such a good time arguing about who should rightfully own Jerusalem, discussing the UDHR, and learning leadership skills. In a way I'm happy they didn't understand the trip because I feel like the experience we had is something that only we will be able understand and appreciate. I'm so glad that I met all of you, and like Elizabeth said I think the friendships I made will stay with me for a long time.”

APPLICATION RELATED MATERIALS (Apply Now!  There are a few spaces left for this year's ISL and we're accepting applications through May 2008!)

Application Packet:

The links below will direct you to the forms that you must fill out and sign in order for your application to be complete. Download the Application Checklist to see a list of all required application forms that NAIS must receive from students and teacher participants. You can send the Travel Itinerary after you purchase your tickets and you can either fill out the form or send us a copy of your flight confirmation letter.

Reading Materials for Students and Teacher Participants:

• Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR)
• UDHR Topic Discussions

Travel and Tours Information:

Extend your fun and adventure in Costa Rica with a pre or post-conference Eco-Adventure. Our partners at Activated Life Experiences have arranged several exciting excursions throughout Costa Rica specifically designed for student/teacher travel groups including:

These packages include lodging, transportation, listed activities, and meals. Each package is subject to availability. These tours are optional for ISL attendees but keep in mind that during the six-day institute, we will not have any other opportunity to travel or sightsee.

To read details about pre or post ISL excursions, visit the Activated Life Experiences website at http://www.activatedlife.com/nais.cfm. 

To sign-up for these excursions, click here or visit:  http://www.activatedlife.com/nais-contact-form.cfm.

Costa Rica has many different types of weather.  To view a list of what to pack for your excursions, click here.

ABOUT THE 2008 INSTITUTE FOR STUDENT LEADERS (ISL)

The Institute for Student Leaders is a collaboration between NAIS and the Global Youth Leadership Institute (GYLI), a nonprofit organization that runs a successful and comprehensive three-year summer leadership training progression and which originated in member independent schools in the Midwest. The institute curriculum will promote an interactive approach to global leadership. Participants will be immersed in a population of students and teachers from many different backgrounds and nationalities. They will be challenged to develop relationships with the other participants through activities that will build trust and communication across their cultural differences. The 2008 ISL coincides with the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The ISL curriculum will address the meaning of the UDHR by forming discussion groups based on human rights issues in the modern world. Additionally, the institute will include presentations by featured speakers that involve negotiation and conflict resolution, an excursion to the unique EARTH University, and service projects in the local community. There will also be curriculum developed for the accompanying faculty in attendance. To view a copy of the Schedule of Events, click here.


PROGRAMMING AT THE ISL

The 2008 NAIS Institute for Student Leaders will take place in Costa Rica, June 22 - 27, 2008. It will bring together approximately students and teachers from around the globe. ISL provides students an extension of the Challenge 20/20 program experience in which students explore real global problems and learn about cross-cultural communication. ISL will take place on the campus of United World Colleges in Santa Ana, a suburb of San Jose, the capital of Costa Rica. There will also be activities at EARTH University located in the mountains between the Caribbean Coast and the Central Valley. To view a copy of the Schedule of Events, click here.


WHO SHOULD ATTEND

The Institute for Student Leaders is open to students in current grades 8th, 9th and 10th.  While we will primarily be filling slots on a first-come, first-served basis, in order to maintain a balance in gender and country of origin, NAIS reserves the right to select schools as needed. As in past years, priority will be given to Challenge 20/20 participants.


PRICE

The price per student and per accompanying faculty member is $1,200, not including airfare or optional tours. This price includes programming, meals, and accommodations for five nights. Students and accompanying faculty will participate in all aspects of the program.


APPLICATION

To apply, fill out the application, related agreement, and emergency forms and return them by fax, scanned and emailed to wheeler@nais.org or by mail to NAIS.

Fax:  202-247-9694

Mailing Address:
National Association of Independent Schools
Attn: Ioana Simona Suciu Wheeler - ISL
1620 L Street, NW, Suite 1100
Washington, DC 20036
USA

QUESTIONS?  Contact Ioana Simona Suciu Wheeler, Associate Director of Global Initiatives, at wheeler@nais.org.