This summer of 2006 I have been interning for the World Debate Institute at the University of Vermont.  I have to say that it’s been a fairly uneventful experience for me, but it has also been very interesting.  The first week of the institute I spent watching the “beginner” middle school and high school students.  I have to say that I was very impressed with what these kids were doing, the beginners especially. The middle school group had a lot of enthusiasm and energy, and did quite well with the hard debate topics that they were given.  I was especially impressed with the high school institute that week, the kids were not only focused but were able to give great impromptu discussions on a variety of topics. Yay!  

    Although the institute is very academic, it’s still a fun experience.  The faculty is great and they do a great job relating to the kids, at least when I’m around.  The classes are small and inclusive and give everyone a chance to ask questions or get their point across.  I have enjoyed sitting in on these classes, as well as working with the staff “behind the scenes.” Although being involved in the Institute hasn’t been overly extraordinarily shocking and unexpected so far, it has been a good experience and introduction to the people and the world of debate.