By far the one of the best experiences I’ve ever been a part of was attending the 2nd Annual Clinton Global Initiative University Conference in Austin, TX last year.

If you are a student bent on making a positive difference in the world then this is the place to get your start. This year, the 3rd CGIU is happening in Miami from April 16-18. It will undoubtedly be as awesome this year as it was last year. Participants will get to hear speeches from and interact with world leaders in many disciplines. Be sure to check out the webcast from last year’s meeting to get a scope of what happens. More importantly you will meet dozens of other university students from all around the world engaged in globe changing projects.

There is a catch though. Potential applicants need to make a ‘Commitment’ to the Clinton Global Initiative in one of 5 areas: Education, Environment & Climate Change, Peace & Human Rights, Poverty Alleviation, or Public Health. My commitment was the UBC MIX project and fell under the Education category.

If you are interested in submitting a project you are currently working on to the CGIU and attend be sure to check out the CGIU homepage. The early application deadline has already passed but the final deadline is February 22, 2010. It is crucial that you start working on your application early as it is quite a lengthy process.

UBC is also looking at finding some support for student’s who are interested in applying. I’d be happy to help you out with your application and show you mine from 2007. UBC Student Development also wants to help out so please contact Kim Kiloh if you intend to apply. You can look her up in the UBC Directory. The best way to contact me is to e-mail me – geoffcosteloe at gmail dot com (phonetically spelled but you know how to fix it).

Best of luck applying!