Culver students on the floor of the Security Council

It was in this spirit of a “new conceptual vision of the future” that “Culver @ the UN" was born. The program’s mission is to give Culver students the unprecedented opportunity to go directly to the heart of the international community and interact with leaders from throughout the world.

Culver Academies students with Iraq's Ambassador to the United Nations.

Under the direction of the Global Studies Institute, Culver students may design a “global studies” project; make arrangements to meet with relevant UN officials; and schedule appoint-ments at UN diplomatic missions. Students then spend several days in New York—interacting, reading, listening, and learning. Upon return to Culver, a formal presentation is made to the Global Studies Institute, and a report submitted to Culver’s e-cannon, the school’s online newsletter. Some students may even use this opportunity to supplement an on-going Global Studies “honors” project.

The program’s inaugural visit to the UN was in February of 2003, on the eve of the war in Iraq. Four students designed a project called—“US Policy Towards Iraq—An International View,” and spent several days in the United Nations community. The agenda included a meeting with UN Disarmament Chief Michael Cassandra, followed by private appointments at the diplomatic missions of Costa Rica, Germany, Nigeria, and Iran, where they interviewed either the Ambassador or Deputy Ambassador.

H.E. Ahmed Own, Libya's Deputy Ambassador to the UN.

H.E. Ali Hachani, Tunisia's Ambassador to the UN.

The Global Studies Institute has visited the following diplomatic missions and met with the Ambassador or Deputy Ambassador in his office. Small groups of 3 or 4 are recommended per visit.