WHY THE NATIONAL STUDENT COMMONWEALTH FORUM?
The National Student Commonwealth Forum (NSCF) provides a unique, out-of-classroom learning experience for Canadian high school and post-secondary students, and allows students to expand their knowledge of Canadian politics and the structure and function of the Commonwealth. It encourages students to work together to reach consensus and enables students to build connections and lasting friendships. The NSCF is in its 47th year as an annual program of The Royal Commonwealth Society Ottawa Branch with financial contributions from the Canadian Heritage Exchanges Canada Program.
What will my child/student do during the week of NSCF?
The NSCF gives your child/student a chance to meet over 100 other like-minded youth from across the country, participate in important international discussions, meet with prominent political figures such as Members of Parliament, Senators and High Commissioners, explore Canada's role in the Commonwealth and participate in a model Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM). Interactive activities based around a common yearly theme allow students to learn about their role as both local and global citizens by representing the views of a Commonwealth country for the duration of the week. The educational goals of the NSCF enhance student’s understanding of their current history and social studies curriculum. If curriculum allows, many high schools can and have used the NSCF as an opportunity for students to complete an Independent Learning Project. Students may also use the NSCF as their Residential Project for the Duke of Edinburgh's Award.
What is the cost of the program?
The total cost of delegate participation in the National Student Commonwealth Forum can range from $120 to $770. There are two costs payable:
1. Registration fees (including travel costs)
-In Town delegate who hosts an Out of Town delegate(s): $120
-In Town delegate who does not host another delegate: $220
-Out of Town delegates: $330
2. Accommodations Fee:
-In Town delegates staying at home and Out of Town delegates staying with family, friends, or billeted with local families: $0
-Delegates choosing to stay at local hotel: $440 (additional)
Fees must be paid within 3 weeks of receiving email notification of acceptance into the program, by personal cheque or bank certified cheque made out to the “RCS National Student Commonwealth Forum” or online using PayPal/major credit card. We cannot accept cash.
1. Registration fees (including travel costs)
-In Town delegate who hosts an Out of Town delegate(s): $120
-In Town delegate who does not host another delegate: $220
-Out of Town delegates: $330
2. Accommodations Fee:
-In Town delegates staying at home and Out of Town delegates staying with family, friends, or billeted with local families: $0
-Delegates choosing to stay at local hotel: $440 (additional)
- In Town delegate (not hosting a delegate and staying at hotel): $770 total
- Out of Town delegate (staying at hotel): $770 total
Fees must be paid within 3 weeks of receiving email notification of acceptance into the program, by personal cheque or bank certified cheque made out to the “RCS National Student Commonwealth Forum” or online using PayPal/major credit card. We cannot accept cash.
What does the registration fee cover?
Registration fees (see options above) include: flights or buses for Out of Town delegates and all public transportation within Ottawa, various activities and associated entrance fees for the week, receptions, daily breakfast, as well as several lunches and dinners.
Where will my child/student stay in Ottawa?
The 2018 NSCF offers delegates a choice of accommodations - for those who wish to have a more immersive experience the culture of the National Capital Region, delegates are strongly encouraged to stay with a local billet family (hosts can include international diplomat families, esteemed 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. This option is free and available to delegates in need, on a first-come first served basis.
In addition, there is the option of accommodations at 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 Ottawa University. 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 serve basis for an additional cost to the delegate of $440 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.
In addition, there is the option of accommodations at 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 Ottawa University. 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 serve basis for an additional cost to the delegate of $440 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.
How can my child/student pay the registration fee?
Registration fees can be paid via Personal Cheque or Bank Certified Cheque made out to the “RCS National Student Commonwealth Forum” or online using PayPal/credit card. We cannot accept cash.
What will my child/student need to send to you for registration?
The online application form for the 2018 NSCF must be filled out and submitted.
If your child/student has been accepted, our registration team will contact them with further information including a Code of Conduct, Consent waivers, and Photo/Video Release forms to be signed by the parent/guardian and returned for delegates who are under the age of 18. All delegates will also be asked for a recent individual photo of themselves for identification upon arrival in Ottawa. Also included will be either a link to pay online using PayPal/major credit card or the address to which to send payment via cheque by mail (total cost dependent on registration type and accommodation option chosen).
A complete registration consists of a completed Application Form, appropriate waivers and release forms, a photo of the delegate and the payment of the appropriate registration fee and applicable accommodation costs, either through major credit card/Paypal or by mailing a cheque.
If preferred, a hard-copy of the application form is available here. Students can email the application to registrar@nscf-fnec.ca OR mail the 11-page document along with their cheque (registration fee and applicable billeting costs) to the address provided within.
Please contact registrar@nscf-fnec.ca with any questions regarding the application/registration process.
If your child/student has been accepted, our registration team will contact them with further information including a Code of Conduct, Consent waivers, and Photo/Video Release forms to be signed by the parent/guardian and returned for delegates who are under the age of 18. All delegates will also be asked for a recent individual photo of themselves for identification upon arrival in Ottawa. Also included will be either a link to pay online using PayPal/major credit card or the address to which to send payment via cheque by mail (total cost dependent on registration type and accommodation option chosen).
A complete registration consists of a completed Application Form, appropriate waivers and release forms, a photo of the delegate and the payment of the appropriate registration fee and applicable accommodation costs, either through major credit card/Paypal or by mailing a cheque.
If preferred, a hard-copy of the application form is available here. Students can email the application to registrar@nscf-fnec.ca OR mail the 11-page document along with their cheque (registration fee and applicable billeting costs) to the address provided within.
Please contact registrar@nscf-fnec.ca with any questions regarding the application/registration process.
Will my child/student be billeted alone or can they stay with their partner?
We try to accommodate billeting requests as best we can; please indicate on the application form if the student wishes to stay with their partner or submit them to billeting@nscf-fnec.ca.
i have family/friends in Ottawa; can my child/student stay with them for the forum?
Yes. This would need to be indicated on the Application Form. The family member/friends contact information would need to be emailed to billeting@nscf-fnec.ca. NSCF requires specific approval from the delegate’s parents/guardian to stay with friends/family.
What dates will my child/student travel?
Travel for Out of Town participants will be booked for arrival on Saturday April 27th and departure on Saturday May 4th. If participants have any special travel requests, they MUST be indicated on the Application Form or sent by email to travel@nscf-fnec.ca
Will my child/student have to travel alone or can they travel with their 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 my child/student at the airport/bus station?
Yes, NSCF Planning Team members will be there to greet your child/student(s) at the airport or bus station. Participants will then meet their billeters, receive introductory packages and transportation passes, and go over any questions or concerns they might have about the week to come before leaving with their billet family for the evening or traveling with the Forum group to the hotel.
How will my child/student travel around Ottawa while they are there?
Travel within Ottawa is by public transportation or by chartered bus for certain events. All participants are provided with a transit pass for the duration of the Forum. All participants are also provided with specific schedules to/from the location of each day’s events, as well as several emergency contact numbers for designated Planning Team members should any issues arise.
What if my child/student misses their flight/bus?
Unfortunately, we are unable to cover any costs incurred by participants who miss their bus/flight. Any additional fees required to rebook transportation are the responsibility of the participant.
What CLOTHING should my Child/Student bring for the Week?
Delegates will participate in a wide range of activities and need to be well prepared for each day. Each event has a specific dress code ranging from casual, business casual/formal to formal attire. Closer to the Forum, delegates will receive a schedule which indicates how they should dress each day. Casual wear refers to what students would wear to go to school/wear on a daily basis. It is highly recommended delegates bring running shoes with them. Business casual refers to the type of clothing worn to a job interview. This could include dress pants (no jeans) with blouse (NOT sleeveless unless a jacket is worn) or collared shirt (tie or jacket not required). Skirts must be below the knee AND tights must be worn. Business formal wear will be used when visiting diplomats and during the model CHOGM. Tie and jacket for boys is highly recommended and jackets for ladies are also suggested. Formal attire includes dresses (long/cocktail) or jacket and tie. If they wish, your child/student can bring clothing representative of their culture or heritage (ie. Cadet/Girl Scout uniform, traditional Aboriginal dress, traditional Ukrainian attire, etc.) to wear during the Cultural Evening event and other times during the week. If your child/student is unable procure 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 the stated events.
How will you Help ensure that my child is safe throughout the week?
The NSCF is organized by the Royal Commonwealth Society Ottawa Branch and the NSCF Planning Team - a group of 30 dedicated university and graduate students from across Canada. The ratio of Planning Team to delegate supervision during all official NSCF activities is at least 1 to 6, and one in three Planning Team members are First Aid/CPR certified. Delegate safety is the number one priority of all Planning Team members and they will be available throughout the week of the Forum to students at all times via emergency contact numbers.