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PROGRAMS
Academic WorldQuest
2024 Academic WorldQuest will be held at the University of Montana on Monday, March 4th and Tuesday, March 5th.
Since 2005, Academic WorldQuest (AWQ) has provided over 4,000 Montana students with an immersive global experience and the opportunity to engage in a wide range of interactive, international education programs. The Montana AWQ program is widely recognized as one of the nation’s best: being the largest in the country, the only multi-day conference, and completely free to all schools- offering scholarships to schools to help cover the cost of transportation, lodging, and substitute teachers.
This multi-day international affairs event provides students with the opportunity to engage with global experts including Ambassadors, international thought leaders, policy experts and practitioners covering a wide range of topics such as Montana’s role in the global economy, global conservation efforts, and current events. Participating students “meet” face-to-face with students from around the world in countries such as Congo, Japan, Honduras, and Egypt as each year we host a “Student to Student Global Conversation.” The event concludes with a global “trivia” team competition, which tests students’ knowledge of global issues. Participating teachers are offered continuing education credits with an array of short courses held during the event.
AWQ prepares students for the growing challenges they face in an increasingly global and interconnected world. By participating in AWQ, Montana students have the opportunity to develop a greater sense of the world around them, their critical role in it and how they can most effectively engage. AWQ is more than a knowledge competition; it is an opportunity to engage students from across Montana, in conversations and analysis of international affairs and responsible global citizenship.
The winning team in the knowledge competition travel to Washington D.C. to represent Montana at the National AWQ Competition. While in Washington, teams are exposed to a variety of unique global experiences, such as being hosted at an embassy or receiving a tour of the State Department. This exciting program is generously sponsored and supported by The Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation.
Hotel Room Block for Academic WorldQuest
Comfort Inn Missoula N Reserve Street Location. You can book under the block name of "WorldQuest" directly through Courtney Szalay, General Manager(406) 549-1800
https://www.choicehotels.com/montana/missoula/comfort-inn-hotels/mt118?mc=llgoxxpx
Fairfield Inn & Suites Missoula. You can book under the block name of "WorldQuest" directly through Nellie Kinney, Director of Sales (406)532-7840
https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/msofi-fairfield-inn-and-suites-missoula/overview/
Academic WorldQuest Sponsors
"Academic World Quest has expanded the knowledge of the students in Hamilton High school. It is a unique experience that is approachable and affordable for all schools. I am in awe that my students in a small rural community have access to the caliber of speakers and opportunities that are offered by the World Affairs Council. I can' t express enough gratitude toward MWAC for the advantages that has provided to my students that will better prepare them for a increasingly globalized society."
Kiah Nisly, Teacher from Hamilton High School
"Bringing my students to Academic WorldQuest is something that is non-negotiable. Making the future of Montana aware of our global world is necessary, and in rural Montana even more so. My students have limited resources in our small community to explore worlds outside of Montana and the United States. Being exposed to this competition and the activities associated with it expands minds and horizons."
Jennifer Graham, Teacher from Granite High School
"This is such an awesome event for students, especially for students from small schools. I am still in shock that my students just talked with students from Congo. My students worked so hard on studying, making their worlds bigger. Thank you so much for such a great experience. It also inspires me to add more current world affairs into my daily teaching."
Christina Cote, Gardiner High School
"Being a Title 1 school, we find this competition an invaluable experience for our students to learn more about the world around them. With our population being 100 percent Native Americans, it was also comforting for our students to see others like themselves represented in the competition. Meeting with students from Honduras was also a highlight for our students."
Paul Condon, Teacher from Hays Lodgepole High School