IDEA Youth Forum 2010 to offer unique cultural experience as well as debate training

This summer, from July 22-August 4th, 2010, IDEA will host 200 young people from over 30 countries at its 16th annual IDEA Youth Forum, this time in the Province of Zeeland.

The Forum will take place in the cities of Vlissingen and Middelburg, both of which offer international students a diverse experience in Dutch culture. Not only will students have the opportunity to improve their debating skills at the Youth Forum, they'll also enjoy unique experiences such as these cities’ main form of transportation: cycling! Possible accommodations include a Zeeland naval base and a final night stay in a Hogwarts-like venue, to add some magic to the debates!

This year's Forum will focus on increasing diversity and supporting cultural exchange, by offering more financial aid for teams in need and for teams from countries that have never attended.

The Youth Forum is a team debate event for high-school students which includes three debate competitions, along with a week of debate instruction and social activities! The Forum begins with the Karl Popper Debate Championship. It then continues with small group training sessions, which include several tracks that offer training in different debate levels and techniques.

This year's Forum is co-organized by the International Debate Education Association (IDEA) and Zeeland's Institute for Social and Cultural Development (Scoop), in cooperation with the municipalities of Middelburg and Vlissingen, the Hogeschool Zeeland and the Roosevelt Academy.

More information will be available in the coming weeks! To receive updates on the Youth Forum be sure to sign up for the e-newsletters! To learn more about the Youth Forum, check out information, pictures and videos from last year’s event on the YF website.