"And although the seminar is short, we have found over the years that the participants generally tend to stay in touch with each other," the acting director added.

The motives which the participants had for applying to the seminar vary, but there is an overall consensus that the academic side of the program was secondary to the change to become familiar with the United States.

A comment by Robert Skidelsky, a research fellow of the British Academy, was typical of the feeling among the other members. "I didn't come primarily for the program. I was more interested in meeting what I thought would be people of eminence and talent from different countries, and in being exposed to American life," he said.

Bogoljub Kustrin, a researcher for the Institute of International Politics in Yugoslavia said "This was a fine opportunity to made a first visit to the United States. I know America only from books, and it's very different when you see it for yourself.

"I had no real preparation for the program itself because I had not much idea of what it would involve beyond discussions. But I was very pleased wit the opportunity to meet American people. I have found them to be spontaneous and very kind."

A more political reason for involvement was sited by Mohamed Berjaoui, a Lebanese ambassador and former MP. He explained, "I had a more selfish reason. My first purpose was to give a better idea of my own country. We are Americans to have a more objective misunderstood over here and I want view of Lebanon. My participation in the seminar has also helped my colleagues have a clearer understanding of my country."

Exactly how the seminar members feel they apply their experiences in the United States after they return home again varies, although most say the most useful result is the understanding and friendship established from the six weeks of living together.

Skidelsky remarked that "my chief interest is in current affairs, and although the seminars did not increase my knowledge, they helped broaden my perspective. I now also have contacts all over the world. So I think the benefit of the International Seminar is both very personal and worldly."

Skidelsky also pointed out a crucial drawback of the seminar. "There are so many different countries represented here that it is often difficult to get into anything more than a general discussion. There are just too many different interests to be catered to."

Brown concurred, adding that "Because their knowledge of the United States and their colleagues' countries is inconsistent it's necessary that they begin conversing on a general level. But there is a more specific focus placed on issues as they move along.