Future Visitors
Expand Your World... Be a Citizen Diplomat...
During the next few months YOU have the opportunity to do just that! CIVIC will be hosting a wide range of visitors and YOU can be involved!
Citizen Diplomacy Opportunities:
If you would like to be a driver and guide or host a meal (or organize a picnic or potluck) for any of the visitors below, please contact Sharon at 319-384-2260 or sharon-benzoni(at)uiowa.edu
Upcoming Visits
2 Engineers from South Korea
Energy Security and Renewable Energy
August 31 - Sept 3
Meeting the world’s energy demands and securing energy resources for the future are growing challenges for the global community. The participants in this program will meet with members of the U.S. renewable energy research community to achieve a better understanding of U.S. policies on energy, security, renewable energy resources and energy-related environmental impacts including climate change.
Meet our guests:
Dr. Johg Bo Ahn is the leader of the Power Conversion and System for the Renewable Energy Security research group at the the Korea Electric Research Institute (KERI), where he has been a researcher since 1996. He has a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from Pusan National University, and is the author of several scientific publications. Dr. Ahn has traveled to the U.S. three times before.
Dr. Chun Beom Lee is the Director of Environmental Research and Development for the Korea Automotive Technology Institute (KATECH), a position he has held for nearly 15 years. He has a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering and has published numerous papers for international conferences.
Home hospitality and drivers/guides needed! Please contact Sharon at 319-384-2260.
Mr. Marek Opiola, Polish Member of Parliament
National Security and Disaster Management
Sep 7-10
To better prepare for the unconventional challenges of the 21st century, Poland’s Armed Forces must continue their period of modernization. Utilizing the full potential of its units in combating national security threats such as terrorism entails an enhanced appreciation of several key issues. These include the critical role played by coordinated intelligence and logistics, and ways in which civilian agencies complement military efforts against such national security risks. As a national legislator who sits on the Defense and Intelligence committees, this program would empower Mr. Opiola to propel the necessary changes in Poland’s Armed Forces and intelligence services.
In Iowa, Mr. Opiola, he will learn about the role of federal, state and local emergency management entities in our recent floods. He will also meet with state official to discuss disaster preparedness and national security issues.
Mr. Marek Opiola is a member of the Polish Parliament representing the Law and Justice Party. In addition to his strong interest in security issues, he has worked on international cooperation and NATO and social problems within the Polish army. He is currently Deputy Chairman of the Sejm National Defense Committee and a member of the Sejm Special Services Committee
Home hospitality and drivers/guides needed! Please contact Sharon at 319-384-2260.
4 Chinese Foreign Affairs officials
Domestic Roots of U.S. Foreign Policy
Sep 7-10
This project will expose the visitors to the fundamental issues of American foreign policy, incuding the role of domestic lobbies on the creation of foreign policy. In Iowa, they will focus on the role of agriculture and energy security in shaping U.S. foreign policym and media freedoms and responsibilities. They will also meet with a small group of Iowans to discuss elections and foreign policy and visit a campaign headquarters to observe campaign staff at work.
Meet our guests:
Mr. Guijun Lu is the Deputy Director of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Japan Division. He holds an Master's degree in the History of Chinese and Foreign Political Thought.
Ms. Xiaoying Wu is the Director of the Russian Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Counselor for the Eurpope Central Asia Department of the same ministry. She has traveled extensively throughout Asia, Europe and the Middle East.
Home hospitality and drivers needed! Please contact Sharon at 319-384-2260.
American Studies
4 University Professors from Armenia
Sep 20-24
These visitors from Armenia are academics interested in the discipline of American studies, including teaching methods, curriculum design and academic resources. In addition, they hope to get exposure to American regional diversity through experiencing regional and local arts, natural and historic sites, and political and social organizations.
More biographical information coming soon!
Home hospitality and drivers/guides needed!
Please contact Sharon at 319-384-2260.