2013 International Business Week Programs

4 Programs will be held in Poland in 2013

• City of Minsk Mazowiecki – June 30 – July 5, 2013   (departing June 26th and returning July 8th)
• City of Boleslawowo – July 14 –July 19, 2013   (departing July 10th and returning July 22nd)
• City of Gdansk – July 21 – July 26, 2013   (departing July 17th and returning July 29th)
• City of Gdynia – August 18 –August 23, 2013   (departing August 14th and returning August 26th)

The program is an amazing opportunity for all involved. Given the Pacific Northwest's importance in the global economy (we are number #1 nationally for exports per capita), students, volunteers and business partners have a unique opportunity to practice diplomacy, educate others about free enterprise and form new personal and professional relationships abroad. The Polish students and educators learn, in English, about the practice of capitalism beyond theory. They view this collaboration as sharing America’s long history of free enterprise and democracy with their region. Our foreign partners are excited for the US team to visit their programs.

Be a part of the International team in Summer 2013!

Your week-plus abroad provides a:

- cross cultural business and social experience like none you have had
- chance to be a servant leader and learn how to help your peers learn business, English and what it means to work on a team
- great way to meet new life long friends (peers and business representatives)
- lots of experiences and ideas for you to use when you do your Senior project, apply for college or an internship

This is a definitive "jumpstart" experience that will open your eyes to new ideas, opportunities and networks.

See below for comments from students and parents of students who made the leap to the International perspective.

What American Student Advisors have to say about the International Business Week experience:

“I am positive that international business week will help me in the future it was the real tipping point that made me want to work in international business.”

“Anyone can go to a different country but it takes something special to say that you've taught kids in another country all about business.”

"International Business Week was without a doubt the best experience I've ever had as a student."

What their parents have to say about the International Business Week experience:

From parent of Kelsey - IBW Student 2009 and 2010 - "My daughter's experience at IBW...opened her eyes to the world to see how we are intertwined and just how important culture is to business relations among countries. ...made a positive impact in her life and helped guide her exciting future."

From parents of Andrew - IBW Student 2012 - " ...the experience he gained was life changing. He gained a first hand view of global economics and business, established an international network of friends and contact, experienced a new culture and broadened his view of the world and his place in it."

What Polish high school students have to say about their International Business Week experience:

“I think that most important thing that I have learned here was how to take risk.”

“Teamwork is very important; it saves times, brings more ideas, improves the company.”

“I learned the importance of international friendships and how important it is to understand how other countries work in order to succeed.”

“It has changed my approach towards teamwork. I can distinguish the difference between a leader and a manager.”

Learn about the International Business Week experience:

Kristie English, one of our 2009 Gdynia Company Advisors, shared photos and a little about here experience at Gdynia Business Week on her blog here.

International Business Week -

Volunteer as a Company or Student Advisor!

As a Company or Student Advisor for International Business Week, you will enjoy one of the best professional/personal growth experiences of your life when you join a group of 8-12 English-speaking Polish high school students at the program. Throughout the week, students will work their way through our BizSim business simulation, addressing everything from daily HR issues to project based work under a tight deadline. As a Company or Student Advisor, your challenge is to encourage the students to take the lead, share your experience and help answer questions along the way.

Participation in an International Program provides hands-on experience that will contribute to your future – both your educational and professional life. Involvement in an international program will help you grow and learn, and teach you how to behave and succeed in the global workplace of the future. Organizations and colleges seek top employees and students with the character and dedication to excel. This is your opportunity to challenge yourself and gain valuable leadership and communication skills in diverse cultural surroundings.

Above all, it is a wonderful international adventure and exceptional opportunity to visit the foreign country and have cross-cultural experience.

Each program will include: one hundred Polish high school students, ten business volunteers from the US, ten American high school students, Polish Educators and 2 Business Week staff. All of the students speak English.

Advisor Preparation

Company Advisors and Student Advisors (and their parents) are required to attend several program planning meetings in the greater Seattle area to program preparation. These meetings are typically held on weekends starting in May. Your personal commitment to these meetings prior to the program will contribute to the overall success of this unforgettable experience.

Requirements:

• We ask that Company Advisors be 21 or older and have completed at least one Washington Business Week program as a CA.
• We ask that Student Advisors have attended at least one Washington Business Week program or pathway. If this is not the case, please contact Janice Jaworski at janice@wbw.org.
• Program participation includes a full 12-day commitment (including travel). Depart Seattle at least 3 days before the program starts and return 2 days after it is over. The Student Advisors will travel together in group with adult chaperone.
• 100% willingness to participate and assist students in developing a better understanding of the free enterprise system.
• Compliance with all program rules and policies
• Each Student Advisor pays (or raises*) a $1,000 program fee and approximately $1,500 to cover their airfare and ground transportation expenses. Corporate and Polish sponsors pay the program & material costs, lodging, and food for the Advisors during the week. The fee is to be paid after receiving an acceptance letter. (* Financial assistance will also be available to a limited number of students.) Please contact Janice Jaworski at janice@wbw.org if you have any questions.

2013 International Volunteer Applications

Company Advisor - Online - Each Company Advisor pays a $200 program fee and approximately $1,500 to cover their airfare and ground transportation expenses.

Student Advisor - Online - Each Student Advisor pays (or raises*) a $1,000 program fee and approximately $1,500 to cover their airfare and ground transportation expenses.

Student Financial Assistance Information and Application

Poland Business Week, Washington Business Week and the Pathways are programs of The Foundation for Private Enterprise Education, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. We provide equal opportunity to participate in all the rights, privileges, and activities sponsored by the organization regardless of the participant’s race, color, sex, national or ethnic origin, religion, or sexual orientation. The Foundation does not discriminate in the administration of its educational scholarship policies and strives to provide every student full opportunity of participation in all scheduled activities.