WHAT TO EXPECT
Q: What is a typical day at Freedom Week like?
A: A typical day might include four lectures in the morning, followed by smaller discussion groups to allow participants a chance to share their perspectives on the lectures and bring up questions that haven’t been addressed. This is followed by lunch and an afternoon break during which you can explore the surroundings, read, or just relax. Students reconvene after the break for another lecture, which is followed by dinner and an evening lecture. Finally, an evening social gives everyone a chance to unwind and chat about big ideas with other students and seminar faculty.
Q: Is there a cost to attend Freedom Week?
A: No. There is no registration fee and participants will be provided with accommodations and most meals. Participants are, however, responsible for arranging and paying for their own transportation.
Q: Why are there so many questions on the application?
A: Getting to know our applicants helps us put together an amazing a group of participants. There are no right or wrong answers. We’re looking for a diverse group of people who are passionate about ideas.
Q: I don’t know anything about classical liberal ideas, would I enjoy Freedom Week?
A: Yes! Many participants come to Freedom Week with little prior knowledge of the subjects we’ll be discussing. You don’t need to be well-versed in classical liberal ideas, but you should have a passion for talking about ideas.
Q: I already know a lot about classical liberal ideas, would I enjoy Freedom Week?
A: Yes! We can almost guarantee you’ll still learn from the lectures, and your contributions will be valuable during the breakout group discussions.
Q: Is there funding to assist with travel?
A: The ILS does not provide travel assistance. You may want to ask about travel support from your university.
Q: I can only attend some of the seminar. Is that okay?
A: No. You must be able to attend the full seminar.
Q: I can attend most of the seminar, but may need to miss one or two sessions. Is that okay?
A: No. You must be able to attend the full seminar.
Q: I’m not sure of my schedule for the summer yet, what should I do?
A: We realize that some people who are accepted to Freedom Week will no longer be able to attend due to schedule changes or other unexpected events. That’s fine. We do ask that you notify us immediately if anything happens that will prevent you from attending.
APPLICATIONS
Q: Who should apply to Freedom Week?
A: You should be a current post-secondary student (undergraduate or graduate) or have graduated within the last two years. We look for participants with a diversity of backgrounds, academic qualifications, and political ideologies. You must be 18 years of age or older at the time of the seminar.
Q: I’ve already graduated, can I still apply?
A: If you have graduated within the last two years, we are happy to consider your application.
Q: I’m a mature student, can I apply?
A: We are happy to consider your application, but may give preference to traditional students.
Q: I’m a part-time student, can I apply?
A: We are happy to consider your application, but may give preference to full-time students.
Q: I’m a high school student, can I apply?
A: We do not accept high school students for Freedom Week. We may accept students who have completed high school but have not yet begun their university studies, so long as they are 18 years of age.
Q: I’m not a classical liberal, am I a good candidate for Freedom Week?
A: Yes! We select participants with a broad range of backgrounds. We’re looking for people with a variety of beliefs and perspectives to help enrich the conversation.
Q: My degree is in arts/science/underwater basket weaving. Am I a good candidate for Freedom Week?
A: Yes! While the most common majors among Freedom Week applicants are Political Science, Economics, and Philosophy we like to include people from other backgrounds too. Having people with different knowledge, experiences, and perspectives adds to the seminar.
Q: What are my chances of being accepted?
A: That will depend on the number of applications received. In 2022 we were able to accept about 30% of those who applied.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
Q: I’m not Canadian, can I still apply?
A: Yes! Students from other parts of the world bring valuable experiences and perspectives.
Q: Will you help me get a visa to come to Canada?
A: Unfortunately, we are unable to provide any advice on immigration questions. If you are accepted to Freedom Week and require a visa to visit Canada we can provide a letter confirming your acceptance to the seminar to include in your visa application.