Program Goals and Results
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In very broad terms, political study tours provide delegates with direct knowledge of political systems in countries around the globe and here in the United States. More specifically, ACYPL’s domestic and overseas study programs give participants, who are in the beginning of their political careers, access to decision-makers at every level of government, while introducing them to the diverse social and political factors that affect international affairs. Since many ACYPL delegates will have little or no prior foreign relations experience, the programs are tailored to maximize their learning experience when traveling abroad; follow-on activities, such as conferences, other travel opportunities, and occasions to host visiting overseas delegations, initiated by ACYPL, encourage further involvement in international affairs and public diplomacy.

General Program Structure

Delegates are selected to represent the political, social, and geographic diversity of the nation. They must be between the ages of 25 and 40 years old; have little or no travel experience abroad; and be recognized as holding current or future leadership roles in politics and government.

Programs last either 10 or 14 days in length. Delegates first travel to the host nation’s capital city for meetings relating to national and international politics; this is followed by visits to other cities to gather knowledge of how government is run on the regional and local levels. Meetings will focus on discerning the various functions of government and how policy is developed and implemented. Also included in the program are cultural activities that give delegates a real understanding of the nation’s history and its people. Finally, as they are integral to the success of the exchanges, numerous occasions for open, frank, informal dialogue between the delegates and their hosts are incorporated into the program.

Goals

Upon completion of the program, delegates will:

1. Better comprehend the structure and function of the host nation’s government.
   
   
2. Gain a deeper understanding of the nation’s culture and history.
   
   
3. Have been exposed to the political and ideological diversity that is present.
   
   
4. Have the opportunity to interact on a personal basis with individuals and establish lasting contacts.
   
   
5. Have a greater understanding of world events and appreciation for the role domestic politics and society has in formulating a nation’s foreign policy.
   
   
6. Have a keen interest in remaining involved in citizen diplomacy.

How ACYPL Achieves Its Goals

ACYPL study programs incorporate the following:

1. Meetings with elected and appointed members of the host nation’s three branches of government (executive, legislative, and judicial) at the national, regional (state), and local levels.
   
   
2. Meetings with the major political parties, including opposition ones, from all regions of the country and non-governmental organizations that represent political and social interests.
   
   
3. Candid discussions on current bilateral and multilateral relations with policy-makers and those who implement policy.
   
   
4. City tours; visits to museums and places of natural beauty; and informal interactions with local hosts.
   
5. Meeting structures that encourage and foment dialogue among delegates and their in-country hosts, including formal and informal receptions and meals.
   
   
6. Involvement of alumni who meet with or host visiting delegates, thereby reinforcing the importance of remaining active with international citizen exchange programs.

Measuring Results

Delegates complete pre and post program surveys to measure their knowledge of the country they visit, complete a written evaluation and participate in debriefing session at the end of the program. Follow-up activities with alumni provide for continual dialogue and a means by which ACYPL can receive updated information on their political careers.