Real? International Scholar Laureate Program

[zerf25]

I got a fancy letter today. From the International Scholar Laureate Program Delegation on Technology in China. They say I was nominated to participate because of my exemplary leadership, exceptional academic performance, and because I am a member of The National Dean's List. Blah, blah, blah..... I've heard worse.

I quote from their website :

Participants travel to Beijing, Shenzen and Shanghai, where they will have an opportunity to see first-hand why U.S. and European technology companies are rapidly shifting their research and development functions to China. Students get an up-close look at the technological, financial and competitive forces that fuel the high-speed race for power in the field of technology. Participants also examine the ways in which China's education system prepares future technology leaders, and the challenges of government requirements and regulations.

The catch is that I have to pay over $5000 dollars for the 16-day program plus personal expenses.

I have to figure out if this is for real or some kind of scam. I might try to do it if it is real.

Anybody heard of this, or maybe know someone or are themselves someone who participated? It sounds like a good opportunity, but could be a scam.

What do you guys think?

[zerf25]

they say at the website that they have some help or tips for fundraisinng. But I didn't see anything for scholarships or financial aid and that might be suspicious.

[shampoogal]

Hi,

Although this thread is old, I really hope to find some help.

1. I read about the GYLC in the newspapers and thought it sounded great. So I went to surf around and chance upon International Scholars Laureate Program.

2. Now I'm worried. I can't find out anything about the company on the site. Is the International Scholars Laureate Program legitimate? I'm worried as I'm embarking on fundraising...

3. Since you have worked there before, if it was legitimate, I would like to know, what kind of students go for their conferences? The Ivy Leagues, or the run of the mills colleges kind of students?

4. Has anyone been there? Please contact me.

Many thanks and gratitude!

[Janjamoja]

I went through this same thing last year. I got the letter, no one in my school had heard of it, and I was worried it was a scam. I thought long and hard about it, and finally opted to give it a shot, and I'm so glad I did.

It is a for-profit organization--but that doesn't mean it isn't both educational and worth-while. I went on the Technology trip to China this Spring and was overwhelmed by how much I enjoyed myself. The advisors they sent with us were wonderful, the hotels/stops/etc top-notch (don't let the fact that one of the hotels is a Days Inn fool you, even it was a very nice hotel), and our local guides were outstanding. It's *the* way to see China if you can afford it. No worrying about getting lost, how to arrange for travel, etc. You get to see many cities and many sights where if you went on your own you'd probably stay a week in the same city.

I really would encourage any one to try it, even though the price is a bit steep. There are scholarships, but they do not cover much I don't think.