Skip to Content

Global Perspectives on Democracy - New Media

Charlottesville, Virginia: May 31 – June 25, 2010

As part of the Study of the U.S. Institute for Student Leaders on New Media sponsored by the Study of the U.S. Branch in the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs , the University of Virginia Center for Politics in partnership with Relief International was pleased to host Global Perspectives on Democracy – New Media (GPD – New Media).

This program provided 20 undergraduate students from Bangladesh, India and Sri Lanka with knowledge on the use of new media and its importance to journalism, freedom of expression, politics and civic engagement. The four week academic residency was hosted at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville. Students also learned about the foundations of American history, government, rule of law, pluralism, and freedom of expression on the Grounds of the university founded by President Thomas Jefferson and at sites throughout Virginia. They participated in exercises on leadership, management practices, team building and the necessity of civic engagement to a healthy democracy and had structured opportunities to interact with students and members of the public.

The course schedule included an ongoing new media project, classroom sessions with special guest speakers and Center for Politics staff, site visits, internships, reading assignments, student presentations and more. Each speaker session concluded with an open question and answer opportunity where the student were encouraged to ask questions based on the presentation as well as on related issues that their nation or region may face. The dedicated student finished the course residency with thoroughly enhanced knowledge on how new media is vital to contemporary journalism and freedom of expression, and a greater understanding of American history and culture.

Sabhanaz Rashid Diya recounts her experience as a Global Perspective on Democracy - New Media participant.

View Center Director Larry Sabato’s letter of welcome to the participants of GPD – New Media.

View Relief International – Schools Online International Education Program Coordinator Tali Klein letter of welcome to the U.S. Institute for Student Leaders on New Media.

The GPD – New Media Syllabus includes a full schedule while at the University of Virginia. You may also view the itinerary from the arrival in the U.S. until the participants’ stay at U.Va., as well as their travel following the academic residency.

Key Center for Politics staff connected to GPD – New Media include:

The Relief International Program Coordinator was Kristin Smart.

For questions about the content, planning and execution of this program contact Daman Irby (irby@virginia.edu, 434 243 8475) or Meg Heubeck (mfheubeck@virginia.edu, 434 982 5726).

You can also view the average weather conditions and our suggested packing list.

Participants were encouraged to visit the following travel related links:

Other important links include:

The participants lodged from May 31 through June 25 at the Budget Inn Charlottesville located adjacent to university grounds. Students participated in home-stays June 11 through 13 at various locations.