Conferences & Workshops
Operation Smile proudly offers a range of conferences and workshops that allow students around the world to explore the organization and the ways in which they can help children regain smiles and hope.
Each opportunity allows youth to focus on building leadership skills, providing means for character development, and exposing them to a network of other leaders around the globe.
Operation Smile's Annual International Student Conference
Each year, Operation Smile hosts the International Student Conference at a different university around the world. In celebration of Operation Smile’s 20th anniversary in China, the International Student Cultural Exchange (ISCE) will be held in Beijing! The annual conference helps students develop and strengthen leadership skills and character, receive training on how to help those in developing countries, as well as learn cultural awareness.
The conference recognizes the diversity among our students and celebrates what each unique student has to offer. We believe students play a vital role, not only in the future of Operation Smile, but also in the future of our country and the world.
High school students, at least 15 years of age, and college students around the world are invited to attend this 4-day leadership conference. Here, youth will develop and enhance skills to become a leader among peers. Participants will have the opportunity to hear great speakers share their insights on the topics of leadership, overcoming obstacles and what it means to make a difference.
2012 International Student Leadership Conference (ISLC)
WHO: For high school students (at least 15 years old) and university students
WHAT: Join students from around the world to hear top rated inspirational speakers, strengthen your own character, attend motivational workshops, and network with leaders from around the globe. Share ideas with hundreds of other youth as we all join together for one common cause – to create smiles for children in need.
WHEN: July 30–August 4, 2012
WHERE: Washington, D.C., USA
Learn more about the 2012 ISLC.
Medical Mission Opportunities for Students and Adult Student Sponsors:
High School Students
Operation Smile offers high school students the unique opportunity to participate on international medical missions. The primary role of a Student Team member is to EDUCATE. Students will become prepared to educate on several teaching modules including burn care and prevention, oral rehydration therapy, dental hygiene and nutrition. These modules are designed to inform local populations of basic health care that will improve quality of life. Find out more information about this role.
Requirements
• A rising high school sophomore, junior, or senior (at least 16 years of age)
• An active member of an Operation Smile Student Club (OSSC)
• Involved for at least one year
• Able to indicate dedicated participation and exceptional leadership
• A participant at a previous International Student Leadership Conference from 2011 or earlier
• Students MUST meet all requirements in order to apply
Adult Student Sponsors
The primary role of an Adult Student Sponsor is to ensure students are properly prepared prior to the mission and to ensure the student’s safety during the mission. Adult Sponsors also help facilitate education opportunities, off-site visits and team inclusion. The Adult Student Sponsor’s role is unique in that it is a 24/7 position. The Sponsor must also complete a log of off-site visits to include location, contact information and a brief description. Find out more information about this role.
Requirements
• An adult over the age of 26
• Able to demonstrate previous involvement in Operation Smile
• Involved for at least one year
• An adult participant at a previous International Student Leadership Conference from 2011 or earlier
• Comfortable chaperoning two high school students in a foreign country
• Sponsors MUST meet all requirements in order to apply
University Students
The primary role of a U-Voice Student is to tell the story of an Operation Smile Medical Mission. The U-Voice student will capture stories of our patients, our volunteers and of the unique components of the mission. They will then tell these stories through writing, photos and video. The U-Voice student will be responsible for, but not limited to maintaining a daily mission blog, writing a patient story, writing a volunteer story, writing a unique mission story, and creating a video encapsulating their experience. Upon returning from the medical mission the U-Voice student will also be required to present their video to at least 5 different audiences. We also ask that they work to have their stories published in their university and local newspapers.
Requirements
- A university student
- An active member of an Operation Smile Student Club
- Involved for at least one year
Summer 2012 Mission Training Workshop
Location: Washington, D.C.
Date: July 26-29, 2012 (does not include travel dates)
Students and Student Sponsors interested in attending the Summer Mission Training Workshop should complete the following applications and submit it no later than April 15, 2012. Applications must be postmarked on or before the due date.
Mission Training Workshop questions? Contact us.
For information on medical student programs and medical student mission opportunities, check out Medical Residents and Students or contact us with your questions.
