AMP Global Scholar 2019 Review

flowersun
Sat, 09 Nov 2019 06:35:14 +0000

Actually, I had a very different experience than you at the program this summer. Firstly, the schedules we were given on our first night there were actually very well planned and I feel that we did stick to them and get the most out of the program because we knew what would be happening when. They truly did provide a structure to those two weeks, and we were also told each night what the expectations would be for the following day.
You speak about the cafeteria food being limited in options. As a person with dietary restrictions myself, i was still able to find different things to eat most days. Also, we were dining in the AU dining hall along with people from other programs. It makes no sense to blame our program for the general campus dining provided to all the different programs.
We did have a packed schedule, but that was necessary for us to experience everything that we were able to experience! You say that we didn’t have free time, but we had a few days where we were able to wake up late, the monument walk, and I believe even upwards of half of one of the days was just complete free time. I personally appreciated all this free time, and even on the days with packed schedules, when I wanted to talk to my friends, we would stay up at night and have a great time.
You also criticize the communication, but all I can say is that I truly believe a groupchat is the best way to communicate with a group like this. Email is far less conducive to conversation that goes both ways, but the groupchat allowed us to ask questions and get quick responses.
Overall, we did get the chance to meet a lot of renowned people and see interesting places. Yes, the camp wasn’t two weeks of intense academic study about international relations, but that is what drew many of us to it. They did state that we would be learning about ways to make change AS WELL AS careers in international relations and more. The skills that they gave us were taught in a less traditional and more fun and interactive way, and I don’t see how you can complain about that. If you did want a textbook-heavy, academic class, you should have researched about the program more, because they do indicate that they are trying to shape leaders for tomorrow. Additionally, you could stand to benefit from broadening your horizons and being more positive. Although you had issues with the program, think of everything you gained from it. It was a great experience to me and to so many others I know.