Please contact Shell Stuart at shell@gciv.org or  404-832-5560 x 21 to learn about sponsorship opportunities.

Open World delegation at Tybee Island.

Watch GCIVideos on YouTube!

GCIV trustees Laurie Nichols and Jai Rogers hosted visiting Fulbright scholars for dinner in November 2011.

Trustees in the News

John E. Parkerson, Jr., director of International Programs at Clayton State University and the Honorary Consul of Hungary for the southeastern United States, attended the annual meetings of the Hungarian Consular Corps at the Embassy of Hungary in Washington, D.C. As a part of those meetings, Parkerson had the opportunity to meet with Hungarian President Pál Schmitt. "We were privileged to have with us this year the President of Hungary, Pál Schmitt, who was in Washington on an official visit," said Parkerson. "During our private conversations, President Schmitt related that he last was in Atlanta in 1996 for the Olympics." Ambassador of Hungary to the U.S. György Szapáry also participated in the meetings.

Speakers Announced for GCIV's 2012 Great Decisions Foreign Policy Lecture Series

The speakers have been announced for GCIV's 2012 Great Decisions Foreign Policy Lecture Series at the Dunwoody United Methodist Church and include experts from Georgia Institute of Technology, Emory University, Georgia State University and the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum. Click here for a complete list of dates, speakers and topics. The topics are based on the Foreign Policy Association's nonpartisan briefing books.

The eight week lecture-series is every Thursday evening at 7:30 PM from January 19 - March 8, 2012. This year, GCIV is offering a special 50th anniversary offer, just $50 to participate in the series with briefing book and a one-year membership in GCIV which offers exclusive opportunities to interact with distinguished international visitors. Otherwise, the cost is $30 for individuals and includes a briefing book or $40 for companions sharing a book. Click here to pay online with a credit card, download a registration form to mail with a check payable to GCIV or view more information on the topics.

GCIV works with a number of community organizations and neighborhoods to create and sustain discussion groups. If you are interested in starting your own Great Decisions group, joining an existing group or would like to pre-order your 2012 Great Decisions books, please contact Nicole Rateau at nicole@gciv.org.

GCIV Congratulates Ambassadors Circle Member Mrs. Richard R. Hallock

 

 

   

Become a Citizen Diplomat this Year!

Become more globally-minded this year! Become a Citizen Diplomat member of GCIV. GCIV's membership is critical to the success of our organization, as it serves as an important indicator of community support for the U.S. Department of State and other agencies that rely on us to arrange programs for and host hundreds of distinguished international visitors each year. Becoming a member or giving a gift membership is easy and offers perks like exclusive members-only receptions and hosting opportunities. Visit our membership page or contact Nicole Rateau at nicole@gciv.org for more information.

Discover Diplomacy

The U.S. Department of State has launched a new interactive website to introduce the world of diplomacy and the work of the Department to high school and college students. Through the use of video clips, audio tracks, images and interactive components, the site covers the basic questions about diplomacy: who engages in it and where, as well as an exploration of the range of international issues addressed through the diplomatic process. Check out what is diplomacy here: www.diplomacy.state.gov/discoverdiplomacy.

Win a FREE GCIV Membership!  

If you like GCIV, like us on Facebook! When GCIV accumulates 500 likes, one random lucky fan will receive a free one-year Citizen Diplomat membership or renewal of their current membership for a year! You can also view images, upcoming events, who's coming to town and post your own comments, thoughts, photos, etc. Click here to like us now: www.facebook.com/GeorgiaCouncilforInternationalVisitors!

Facebook is a social networking site where users create a personal profile, add other users as friends, and exchange messages, including automatic notifications when they update their profile. There is no fee to participate. Sign up and "like" us today!

6th Annual Istanbul Center Art and Essay Contest

 

 

 

Middle and high school students in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina and Tennessee are invited to submit an original artwork and/or essay in the Istanbul Center's annual contest on the theme "1 Billion Hungry in the World: What's Your Role?" The purpose of the contest is to have students be aware of and involved in solving social problems in our world today. Each year the program theme looks towards global peace and intercultural understanding. The prizes include all-expense paid trips to Turkey and gift cards for both students and teachers! Submissions will be accepted until January 27, 2012. For more information visit www.artessay.org or www.istanbulcenter.org.     

 

International Environment Project Olympiad Returns to Georgia!

 

 

 

Language Learning Opportunity

  

Summer 2012 Federal Service Language Academy   

North Georgia College & State University (NGCSU) will host the second summer language academy for high school rising sophomores, juniors and seniors in June and July 2012. The Federal Service Language Academy (FSLA) is a 3-week residential program for students who are interested in an immersion intensive language experience, fitness and exploring international-related careers with the federal government. Students will be immersed in intensive language instruction in first-year Arabic, Chinese, Russian, German, Korean or second-year French from highly qualified teachers as well as participate in a daily fitness program, receive career counseling from federal agencies (CIA, FBI, State Department, Homeland Security and U.S. Armed Forces) and receive high school credit for successful completion of the academy. Application process is open January 16 - April 1, 2012. For more information and to apply, visit www.northgeorgia.edu/summeracademy.   

Upcoming GCIV Events

  

Thursday, January 19, 7:30-9:00 PM

Great Decisions Foreign Policy Lecture Series

The first lecture in the Great Decisions Foreign Policy Lecture Series is about Middle East Realignment. The lectures are held every Thursday through March 8, 2012 at The Dunwoody United Methodist Church, 1548 Mount Vernon Road, Dunwoody, Georgia 30038. For more information and to register, visit www.gciv.org/programs/gd/dunwoody.   

   

Community Events

  

September 25, 2011 - January 8, 2012
"Torn from Home: My Life as a Refugee"

Today, more than 30 million people around the world have been displaced due to war and violence. Of that number, nearly 10 million refugees are children. Through this inspiring, hands-on exhibit, children ages 8-12 can explore what it means to be a refugee through the eyes of children who are forced to leave their homes and seek safety in a new land. This special exhibit is at the Breman Jewish Heritage and Holocaust Museum in The Selig Center at 1440 Spring Street NW, Atlanta, Georgia 30309. For more information, visit www.thebreman.org.     

    

Thursday, January 12, 7:00-8:30 PM

"Human Rights in the Democratic Republic of the Congo"

Featuring Sophie Borel Ghosn, field office director for The Carter Center in the DRC; Elizabeth Caesens, project manager for The Carter Center's mining transparency project in DRC; David Pottie, associate director of the Carter Center's Democracy Program and project manager for the Center's observation of the DRC elections. The event is at The Carter Center's Ivan Allen Pavilion, 453 Freedom Parkway, Atlanta, Georgia 30307. Free and open to the public. For more information, visit www.cartercenter.org.       

 

Tuesday, January 17, 6:00 PM

The Hazara of Afghanistan: Cultural Exhibit and Lecture

Learn about the Hazara tribe of Afghanistan as local college student Mohammed Ali Razaee shares stories and discusses photographs of his native land. The program also will include a display of costumes and foods from the region to sample. The exhibit is at the Tucker-Reid H. Cofer Library, 5234 LaVista Road, Tucker, Georgia 30084. 

 

Thursday, January 19, 7:30-9:00 PM

"The Next Eleven: Development in West Africa"

International Issues Forum (IIF) discussions are free and open to the public. They are located at the Villa International Library, 2nd floor, 1749 Clifton Road (0.4 miles from Briarcliff), Atlanta, Georgia 30329. Additional parking is available across the street. For more information, email mjjohnst@gmail.com.