Fee seminar worth time
Issue date: 4/3/08 Section: Opinion
Students who want to learn economics - or students who just adore Dr. Pongracic - should consider attending the Foundation For Economic Education seminar.
Last year's attendees found it fun, educational and interesting.
Each of us attended a week-long FEE seminar last summer, an unforgettable experience. We encourage all Hillsdale students to consider it, regardless of major.
The Foundation for Economic Education offers conferences at their old 19th century mansion near the Hudson River. It is a one-hour train ride north of New York City.
Their bread-and-butter seminars include Freedom University, which covers a broad swath of introductory economics, and an advanced seminar on Austrian economics.
This year, FEE is adding two new seminars focusing on history and modern public policy with a free market twist. The historical seminar this year will include a lecture by Hillsdale's own Dr. Folsom on the "Robber Barons" and FDR.
Dr. Pongracic is another reason to attend. Last year, he spoke in his engaging, passionate style on monopoly, antitrust, and public choice economics. He will be speaking again this year.
Examples of other lectures included "Economic Solutions to Environmental "Problems" and "My Life in the Soviet Union by Dr. Anna Ebeling. In this lecture, she told us her life-story growing up in the USSR, becoming politically active, and protesting in Moscow for free market reforms.
At FEE, you will learn with 40 top-notch students from around the world. For example, one student we met from Kenya, named Simon, had a huge impact on his home country. His free market-oriented blog is one of the most widely read in Kenya.
The FEE mansion has picturesque grounds, grassy fields, and cobblestone pathways. Each afternoon, students are allotted free time to play volleyball, soccer, frisbee and a multitude of other outdoor activities. Before and after the seminar, they can tour New York City. Some students went to NYC night clubs after the lectures.
All majors are encouraged to apply. Anastasia Ealey, a Hillsdale College English major, said that it was difficult but within her competence.
Possibly the best part is, it's free. Through the Staley Foundation, you can apply to have everything paid (airfare and travel) in addition to $200 spending cash. E-mail them at kathskx@sbcglobal.net
For those of you who want to meet like-minded students from around the world, learn valuable lessons in economics, and have a great time in New York, FEE is the place for you this summer. Apply online at www.fee.org, or click this link.
What is your favorite FEE memory?
The one thing I loved most about my time at FEE was how it was so demographically diverse. I was in the unique position of being in my own country, yet being in the cultural minority! I particularly remember talking to a young man from Botswana about the existing problems of corrupt government and AIDS in his country and the practical solutions to these problems.
-Anastasia Ealey '09
My favorite memory was the Beatles sing-along led by Dr. Pongracic on guitar. Forty students were packed into a room belting out, "I want to hold your hand." I also enjoyed traveling around New York City and meeting up with Hillsdale College friends.
-Joe McCleary '09
I enjoyed my talks with Dr. Anna Ebeling. A group of us would sit on the porch debating ideas and economic policy deep into the night. Particularly moving was Dr. Ebeling telling us the story of her life in the Soviet Union. She and her family had to risk so much to secure freedoms. I would also ask Dr. Ebeling about her views on Hillsdale College. She was a former Hillsdale business and history professor.
-Mary Beth Maxfield '09
The Foundation for Economic Education challenged me to really consider the way that I think and encouraged me to stand up for my convictions while being open to other viewpoints. You can learn a great deal from meeting new people and listening to what they have to share!
-Cameron Rodeck '08
I really enjoyed hearing the life experiences of students who lived under socialist and totalitarian governments. It was fascinating and encouraging to meet individuals who were inspired to help their countries' economic state. I also enjoyed the lecture on the developing field of experimental economics.
-Micah Seppanen '08
(All those quoted above contributed to this piece)
Last year's attendees found it fun, educational and interesting.
Each of us attended a week-long FEE seminar last summer, an unforgettable experience. We encourage all Hillsdale students to consider it, regardless of major.
The Foundation for Economic Education offers conferences at their old 19th century mansion near the Hudson River. It is a one-hour train ride north of New York City.
Their bread-and-butter seminars include Freedom University, which covers a broad swath of introductory economics, and an advanced seminar on Austrian economics.
This year, FEE is adding two new seminars focusing on history and modern public policy with a free market twist. The historical seminar this year will include a lecture by Hillsdale's own Dr. Folsom on the "Robber Barons" and FDR.
Dr. Pongracic is another reason to attend. Last year, he spoke in his engaging, passionate style on monopoly, antitrust, and public choice economics. He will be speaking again this year.
Examples of other lectures included "Economic Solutions to Environmental "Problems" and "My Life in the Soviet Union by Dr. Anna Ebeling. In this lecture, she told us her life-story growing up in the USSR, becoming politically active, and protesting in Moscow for free market reforms.
At FEE, you will learn with 40 top-notch students from around the world. For example, one student we met from Kenya, named Simon, had a huge impact on his home country. His free market-oriented blog is one of the most widely read in Kenya.
The FEE mansion has picturesque grounds, grassy fields, and cobblestone pathways. Each afternoon, students are allotted free time to play volleyball, soccer, frisbee and a multitude of other outdoor activities. Before and after the seminar, they can tour New York City. Some students went to NYC night clubs after the lectures.
All majors are encouraged to apply. Anastasia Ealey, a Hillsdale College English major, said that it was difficult but within her competence.
Possibly the best part is, it's free. Through the Staley Foundation, you can apply to have everything paid (airfare and travel) in addition to $200 spending cash. E-mail them at kathskx@sbcglobal.net
For those of you who want to meet like-minded students from around the world, learn valuable lessons in economics, and have a great time in New York, FEE is the place for you this summer. Apply online at www.fee.org, or click this link.
What is your favorite FEE memory?
The one thing I loved most about my time at FEE was how it was so demographically diverse. I was in the unique position of being in my own country, yet being in the cultural minority! I particularly remember talking to a young man from Botswana about the existing problems of corrupt government and AIDS in his country and the practical solutions to these problems.
-Anastasia Ealey '09
My favorite memory was the Beatles sing-along led by Dr. Pongracic on guitar. Forty students were packed into a room belting out, "I want to hold your hand." I also enjoyed traveling around New York City and meeting up with Hillsdale College friends.
-Joe McCleary '09
I enjoyed my talks with Dr. Anna Ebeling. A group of us would sit on the porch debating ideas and economic policy deep into the night. Particularly moving was Dr. Ebeling telling us the story of her life in the Soviet Union. She and her family had to risk so much to secure freedoms. I would also ask Dr. Ebeling about her views on Hillsdale College. She was a former Hillsdale business and history professor.
-Mary Beth Maxfield '09
The Foundation for Economic Education challenged me to really consider the way that I think and encouraged me to stand up for my convictions while being open to other viewpoints. You can learn a great deal from meeting new people and listening to what they have to share!
-Cameron Rodeck '08
I really enjoyed hearing the life experiences of students who lived under socialist and totalitarian governments. It was fascinating and encouraging to meet individuals who were inspired to help their countries' economic state. I also enjoyed the lecture on the developing field of experimental economics.
-Micah Seppanen '08
(All those quoted above contributed to this piece)
Be the first to comment on this story