Photo courtesy of Ruth CookUniversity of Tampa seniors Ruth and Aaron Cook have been selected to visit the People’s Republic of China this summer with the International Scholar Laureate Program’s Delegation on Diplomacy and International Relations.
Five destinations were offered this year including Australia, Central and Eastern Europe, China and South Africa.
The Cooks will visit destinations including Beijing, Xi’an and Shanghai.
ISLP nominates outstanding students from the United States and abroad to take place in this unique leadership development program.
According to the ISLP website, approximately 60 to 100 scholars attend each program.
‘Being a member of Phi Theta Kappa, I was nominated to attend based on academic performance and leadership skills,’ Ruth Cook said. ‘Aaron’s nomination came after, based on inquiry and a review of academic achievements.’
‘[We] decided on China because of its relevance and current role in world affairs,’ Aaron Cook said. ‘We hope to better understand the Chinese culture by interacting with people from all walks of life.’
The program is designed to increase students’ real world experience in their respective fields, providing many opportunities for personal and professional growth.
For students traveling from the U.S., tuition is around $5,000. This includes round-trip airfare, transportation in the host country, meals, guides, lodging, tips, taxes, group health insurance and curriculum materials.
‘With so many interesting destinations and activities, it’s very hard to choose a favorite. Interacting with elementary school children, meeting with China’s future diplomats and seeing amazing historic areas such as the Terracotta Army and the Great Wall- each has its own wonderment, and is something we anticipate,’ Aaron Cook said.
The Cooks leave for China on May 17 and return May 29. After the trip, the Cooks plan to move north to Rhode Island in order to further their educational and professional careers.
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