Frequently Asked Questions
FEE is pleased to host experts and well-known professors to teach free market economics at our seminars. With the understanding that travel plans (especially of any great distance) are a commitment and that this experience may be new for you, we have provided answers to some frequently asked questions below.
1. Who’s invited?
2. Which seminar(s) should I attend?
3. What is the cost to attend?
4. What will FEE provide when I’m there?
5. What is a typical day’s schedule?
6. Where do I stay when I’m there?
7. Will FEE address the current economic crisis?
8. I’m not majoring in Economics or Business, should I still come?
9. I’m interested in supporting the seminars, who do I contact?
10. Are donations tax-deductible?
11. Atlanta is a big city. How do I know I or my child will be safe?
12. How long is a typical lecture?
13. Is there homework throughout the week or recommended pre-readings?
1. Who’s invited? Return to top
While there are no age requirements for FEE seminars, we especially encourage students and teachers at the secondary, undergraduate, and graduate levels to join us. No acceptance judgements are made based on educational background or university major. International students are also welcome.
2. Which seminar(s) should I attend?Return to top
We encourage students ages 15-18 to attend one of our Freedom Academies, held in Estes Park, Colorado, and Atlanta, Georgia. Students interested in free market fundamentals or those unfamiliar with economics should attend one of the our introductory-level Freedom Universities in Estes Park, Colorado, or Atlanta, Georgia. Those who are prepared to study at a more in-depth level should attend intermediate-level seminars in Atlanta, Georgia, or the Advanced Austrian Economics seminar in Irvington. See our travel page for more details on locations.
3. What is the cost to attend? Return to top
Full scholarships are provided to all successful seminar applicants. These scholarships cover housing, meals, lectures, and class materials. Travel expense is the only cost for attendance.
4. What will FEE provide when I’m there? Return to top
FEE is proud to provide experience and resources that will last a lifetime. Aside from changing the way you view the world, you will receive free books and perhaps win one of our prize packs from our extensive book collection! Thousands of students have gained the intangible benefits of networking both professionally (through our faculty and staff) and privately (through meeting lifelong friends). Our friendly staff is ready to take care of any needs that arise during your stay.
5. What is a typical day’s schedule? Return to top
Each day is a little different, but most include at least three lectures. During breaks, meals are served and students have free time. You will be assigned to a discussion group with whom you will meet periodically throughout the week to discuss the lectures. Students enjoy one free afternoon to see nearby attractions (see our travel page for information on specific locations).
6. Where do I stay when I’m there? Return to top
FEE is pleased to offer excellent accommodations for each of our seminars. Individuals attending seminars held at our headquarters in Irvington, NY, stay at a near-by hotel. For those coming to seminars in Atlanta, Georgia, will stay in a downtown hotel. Our seminars in scenic Estes Park, Colorado, will be hosted at YMCA of the Rockies.
7. Will FEE address the current economic crisis?Return to top
Absolutely. While seminars initially focus on historical trends, their application (or lack thereof) in the current political landscape is an important element of each seminar’s curriculum. Our mission is to empower students as advocates of liberty; understanding the dynamic of our present day economy is an indispensable part of that work.
8. I’m not majoring in Economics or Business, should I still come? Return to top
We strongly believe that gaining knowledge about economics is important for citizens everywhere, regardless of their field of study. If you are very new to economics, we recommend attending one of our more introductory seminars.
9. I’m interested in supporting the seminars, who do I contact? Return to top
Students are only able to attend because the generous support of FEE’s friends. If you are interested in giving a half or full scholarship, call Krista Tverdak at (914) 330-8006.
10. Are donations tax-deductible? Return to top
FEE is a 501(c)3. As such, all donations are tax-deductible. Donate here.
11. Atlanta is a big city. How do I know I or my child will be safe? Return to top
We fully understand the concern of staying downtown in a big city. We take precautions to make sure that students walk the short distance (no more than two blocks) from their hotel to the Georgia-Pacific building in groups. During high school weeks, students will always be accompanied by a chaperone or staff person. Also, a staff member will stay the week along with adult chaperones in the hotel.
12. How long is a typical lecture? Return to top
Typically, lectures are just under an hour, followed by a fifteen or twenty minute question and answer session.
13. Is there homework throughout the week or recommended pre-readings? Return to top
There are no assignments throughout the week, though we do have optional recommended pre-readings to complement your time at the seminar.
