We're so excited you're thinking about applying to NSCF!
OUR PROGRAM.
The National Student Commonwealth Forum, held every May in Ottawa, Ontario for over 40 years, brings together Canadian youth leaders from across the country. Over the course of an immersive week, these youth build leadership skills, learn about global issues and the Commonwealth, and gain independence while exploring Canada’s capital. The program also includes an Amazing Commonwealth Race through downtown Ottawa, a cultural evening, and conversations with High Commissioners, Canadian MPs, and Senators. At the end of the week, delegates will apply everything they’ve learned to NSCF’s capstone event: a mock Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), during which they’ll represent Commonwealth countries and work to pass resolutions on global issues.
FAQ.
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Who can apply to NSCF?
NSCF is open to any youth holding Canadian citizenship or Permanent Residency in grades eleven, twelve, CEGEP, or first- to second-year post-secondary. How are delegates selected for NSCF? Our registration team selects applicants on a first-come, first-served basis, with a focus on an even distribution of delegates from across the country. Your answers to the long-answer section in the application form may also be taken into consideration. What will I do all week? Great question! NSCF strives to be an immersive week that offers something for everyone. We also seek to provide a balance between programming and free time to tour Ottawa! You may also view a sample schedule from a past NSCF to gain a better understanding of exactly how you’ll spend your time all week. Why do I need a partner for NSCF, and can I apply alone? During the week’s capstone event, the mock Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), delegates will represent Commonwealth countries in pairs of students. Thus, we suggest partner applications if possible. However, if a student applies as an individual, a partner will be assigned from a pool of other individual applicants. What is CHOGM? CHOGM stands for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, and is the capstone event upon which NSCF is based. Delegates will have the opportunity to represent a Commonwealth country in a mock CHOGM during the NSCF, at which time they will work with other delegates to pass resolutions using a consensus-based model. You can read more about CHOGM here. I have family/friends in Ottawa, can I stay with them? Yes, please submit the relevant portion of the application form, or email bulleting@nscf-fnec.ca. NSCF requires specific approval from the delegate’s parents or guardian to stay with friends or family. Will I be billeted alone or can I stay with my partner? We try to accommodate billeting requests the best we can. Please submit your request to billeting@nscf-fnec.ca. How is travel organized? Travel for participants is organized by the NSCF Planning Team. Travel to and from Ottawa is generously underwritten by The Royal Commonwealth Society Ottawa Branch with a contribution from the Department of Canadian Heritage. For participants who must travel by air, flights are booked between March and mid-April. Any special flight requests must be indicated on the Application Form. Any baggage fees incurred by the participant during their flight to/from Ottawa and their residence in Canada will be reimbursed upon arrival in Ottawa and after the Forum, provided they present proof of purchase to the appropriate Planning Team member. Participants traveling to Ottawa by bus must wait to be given notice by the NSCF Planning Team to book their own tickets, and will be reimbursed upon arrival in Ottawa provided they present proof of purchase. Under no circumstances should participants book their own travel without authorization from an NSCF Planning Team member. Will I travel alone or with my partner? We try to accommodate partner travel requests as best we can, they must be indicated on the Application Form or sent by email to travel@nscf-fnec.ca. Will someone be there to greet me at the airport/bus station? Yes, look for the large group wearing t-shirts that say “NSCF” on them. You can’t miss us and we look forward to seeing you! What does the registration fee cover? Registration fees (discussed below) include: public transportation within Ottawa, various activities and associated entrance fees, receptions, and several meals throughout the week. Travel to and from Ottawa within Canada will not be funded by NSCF. You must pay your own way for travel, though financial assistance may be available through your local Royal Commonwealth Society branch or local charities. |
How many students per school are allowed to apply?
We encourage all students to apply; however, our registration team usually only accepts 2-3 pairs of students per school. If the number of applicants from a single school exceeds this amount, our team may prioritize upper-year students over lower-year ones, or take into consideration their long-answer responses on their applications. Moreover, in the case of high school applicants, we may also reach out to students’ teachers or guidance counsellors to make this decision. Please also note that although we will work to accommodate students’ requests for partners; however, in certain cases it may not be possible to do so. I don’t debate or have a comprehensive knowledge of the Commonwealth or global issues! Should I still apply to NSCF? Yes! We encourage any student who has an interest in learning about these topics, the world around them, and making a difference within it to apply without hesitation. Our Planning Team is prepared to assist you and to answer any questions you may have during your preparation for NSCF. Where will I stay in Ottawa? NSCF offers delegates a choice between a local billeter and a hotel. Each option is described below: Billeting: This option is free and available to delegates in need on a first-come, first-served basis. A limited number are available, made up of community members, and friends of the Royal Commonwealth Society - Ottawa Branch. Local billeters must meet strict criteria including reference checks and/or a police check. The majority of our billeters have been a part of our Forum for many years, and we have a strong trust relationship with all host families. Hotel: delegates may also choose to stay in a hotel in the National Capital Region. These accommodations are available to delegates who wish to stay in a facility centrally located near the Forum activities at the University of Ottawa. The hotel accommodations will be monitored by at least two Planning Team members (one male, one female) at all times when there are no official Forum events scheduled. Same-sex double rooms in the hotel will be available on a first-come, first-served basis for an additional cost to the delegate for the week. Breakfast is provided daily to all delegates regardless of the accommodation option they choose - host billeters will provide breakfast on an individual basis. For those who choose to stay at the hotel, a continental breakfast is served daily at the facilities. What should I wear during NSCF? You will be participating in a range of events during NSCF, from relaxed group settings to visiting high ranking government officials, so you need to dress appropriately at all times. Closer to the Forum you will receive a schedule which will indicate what kind of clothing you should wear each day. Casual refers to what you would wear to school/going to the movies. We also recommend you bring a pair of running shoes so your feet don't get sore. Business casual is what you would wear to an interview: girls should wear a nice blouse with sleeves (NOT sleeveless unless you have a jacket) and dress pants (no jeans) or skirt (below the knees with tights) and boys can wear a collared shirt (tie or jacket not necessary) with dress pants (no jeans). Formal business attire is what you would wear to meet with high ranking diplomats and during model CHOGM. Tie and jacket for boys is highly recommended and jackets for ladies are also suggested. Formal attire could include dresses (long/cocktail) and jacket/tie for boys. You can also bring clothing representative of your culture or heritage (ie. Cadet/Girl Scout uniform, traditional Indigenous dress, traditional Ukrainian attire, etc.) to wear during the Cultural Evening event. They should not be worn during CHOGM or the visit to the Senate. If you have trouble getting all the types of clothing mentioned above, please contact registrar@nscf-fnec.ca and they can help arrange to access to dress code-appropriate clothing for all events so lack of appropriate clothing is not a barrier to participation in NSCF. |
COSTS.
In Town (hosting a delegate): $120
In Town (not hosting a delegate): $220
In Town (not hosting a delegate & staying at a hotel): $850
Out of Town (staying with family or friends, or billeting with a local family): $330
Out of Town (staying at a hotel): $850
International Student (staying at a hotel): $1,200 CDN
In Town (not hosting a delegate): $220
In Town (not hosting a delegate & staying at a hotel): $850
Out of Town (staying with family or friends, or billeting with a local family): $330
Out of Town (staying at a hotel): $850
International Student (staying at a hotel): $1,200 CDN
* Travel to and from Ottawa within Canada WILL NOT BE FUNDED BY NSCF. You must pay your own way for travel, though financial assistance may be available through your local Royal Commonwealth Society branch or local charities.