New York

Foreign Policy in Chautauqua With the American Foreign Service

Program No. 6881RJ
Alongside ambassadors and Foreign Service officers, explore the complex issues of U.S. diplomacy, enjoying lectures and gaining insider knowledge.

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At a Glance

Examine the challenges facing U.S. diplomacy and the functions of embassies and consulates during this fascinating program designed in collaboration with the American Foreign Service Association. Investigate case studies and take part in expert-led discussions with retired diplomats. Spend the week with ambassadors and foreign service officers and their spouses in a wonderfully informal and friendly, yet very educational atmosphere. And take part in fascinating lectures, followed by Q & A sessions, as speakers share their wealth of expertise and experience on the world of foreign policy.
Activity Level
Easy Going
Minimal walking through hotel and to meals. Handicap accessible shuttles to classes and entertainment.

What You'll Learn

  • Gain insight from Foreign Service experts on key issues, including peace in the Middle East and security in Europe.
  • Examine global stability obstacles posed by developing nations' population growth, poverty and nuclear proliferation.
  • Engage with Ambassadors and veteran Foreign Service officers as they discuss America’s professional diplomats and how they assist U.S. citizens and protect U.S. interests in the world.

General Notes

Please check back around 3 months prior to the start of your program for a list of topics and instructors. Due to the nature of this program, listening devices are not available. Airport transfer available at added cost.
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Year
2024
  • 2024
Date
Sep 22 - Sep 27
  • Jun 02 - Jun 07
  • Sep 22 - Sep 27
Please Note: The program differs on certain dates.
Sep 22 - Sep 27, 2024 Itinerary Differences: Specific topics and instructors will be provided by AFSA in July 2024.
Please Note: The program differs on certain dates.
Select trip year and date
2024
  • 2024
Sep 22 - Sep 27
  • Jun 02 - Jun 07
  • Sep 22 - Sep 27
Sep 22 - Sep 27, 2024 Itinerary Differences: Specific topics and instructors will be provided by AFSA in July 2024.
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
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6 days
5 nights
15 meals
5 B 5 L 5 D
DAY
1
Check-in, Registration, Welcome Dinner, Orientation
Chautauqua, NY
D
Athenaeum Hotel

Activity note: Hotel check-in from 3:00 p.m.

Afternoon: Program Registration: 3:00-5:00 p.m. After you check in and have your room assignment, join us at the Road Scholar table in the lobby to register with the program staff, get any updated information, and confirm the time and location of the Orientation session. If you arrive late, please locate your Group Leader and let them know you have arrived. We will gather for a welcome reception before dinner.

Dinner: In the Athenaeum Dining Room Heirloom Restaurant.

Evening: Orientation. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. We will review COVID-19 protocols and will adhere to local COVID-19 guidelines and requirements throughout the program. We will then divide into smaller groups for introductions and more detailed information about the program and our group schedules. Morning class sessions are from 8:30-10:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.-12:00 Noon. Afternoon sessions are 1:30-3:00 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday. (No afternoon sessions on Wednesday and Friday.) Each group will rotate through all the scheduled presentations. Shuttles are available to and from classes. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/current conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.

DAY
2
Two Morning Classes, One Afternoon Class
Chautauqua, NY
B,L,D
Athenaeum Hotel

Activity note: Getting on/off buses; riding on Chautauqua campus. Extent and duration of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.

Breakfast: In the hotel dining room.

Morning: Morning class sessions will run from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. with a mid-morning break. We will have one instructor each morning on one of a variety of topics. These stimulating classes with intriguing speakers will be enlivened by post-session Q&A. Each group will rotate through all presentations during the program. Established in 1924, AFSA is the professional association and labor union of the United States Foreign Service with more than 16,000 dues-paying members and 31,000 active and retired Foreign Service employees of the Department of State, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS), Foreign Commercial Service (FCS), Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), and Broadcasting Board of Governors (BBG).

Lunch: In the hotel dining room.

Afternoon: We will gather for another class with AFSA diplomats from 2:00-3:30 p.m.

Dinner: In the hotel dining room.

Evening: Nightly entertainment. Our program was planned far in advance when details of performances were not available. When confirmed, the information will be posted on the Road Scholar website under this program number and will also be included in preparatory materials sent following enrollment.

DAY
3
Two Morning Classes, One Afternoon Class
Chautauqua, NY
B,L,D
Athenaeum Hotel

Activity note: Getting on/off buses; riding on Chautauqua campus. Extent and duration of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.

Breakfast: In the hotel dining room.

Morning: Morning class sessions will run from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. with a mid-morning break. We will have one instructor each morning on one of a variety of topics. These stimulating classes with intriguing speakers will be enlivened by post-session Q&A. Each group will rotate through all presentations during the program.

Lunch: In the hotel dining room.

Afternoon: We will gather for another class with AFSA diplomats from 2:00-3:30 p.m.

Dinner: In the hotel dining room.

Evening: Nightly entertainment.

DAY
4
Two Morning Classes, Afternoon Electives
Chautauqua, NY
B,L,D
Athenaeum Hotel

Activity note: Extent and duration of walking and other activities during independent exploration according to personal choice.

Breakfast: In the hotel dining room.

Morning: Two morning classes with AFSA experts.

Lunch: In the hotel dining room.

Afternoon: There is a non-AFSA session today followed by some time to enjoy informal, independent activities from nature walks to history strolls, a scavenger hunt, walking the labyrinth, or exploring the Chautauqua Bookstore. The Group Leader will provide more detailed information at the time of the program.

Dinner: In the hotel dining room.

Evening: Nightly entertainment.

DAY
5
Two Morning Classes, One Afternoon Class
Chautauqua, NY
B,L,D
Athenaeum Hotel

Activity note: Getting on/off buses; riding on Chautauqua campus. Extent and duration of walking and other activities during independent exploration according to personal choice.

Breakfast: In the hotel dining room.

Morning: Two morning classes with AFSA experts.

Lunch: In the hotel dining room.

Afternoon: We will gather for another class with AFSA diplomats from 2:00-3:30 p.m.

Dinner: In the hotel dining room. Share favorite experiences with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.

Evening: We'll enjoy one more performance before preparing for check-out and departure tomorrow.

DAY
6
Final Morning Class, Wrap-up Panel, Program Concludes
Chautauqua, NY
B,L

Activity note: Hotel check-out 10:00 a.m.

Breakfast: In the hotel dining room.

Morning: Our final morning class from 8:30-10:00 a.m. will be followed by a panel wrap-up with Q&A from 10:30-11:30 a.m. The AFSA presenters will make closing comments with an opportunity for Road Scholars to ask final questions.

Lunch: Pre-ordered boxed lunches will be provided for all participants. You are welcome to have it at the hotel or take it with you. This concludes our program.

Afternoon: If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!






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