David Tonko Kozar

48/28 Ferry Road

West End, QLD. 4101

Australia

+61 0451013370

Rotary World Peace Fellowship Report #1

1: Academic Activities and Progress

            In this first semester at the University of Queensland I have been taking a total of three courses under the faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences.  These courses include; Advanced International Studies, Principles for Deep-Seated Conflict Resolution, and Culture, Conflict and Reconciliation.  The first course, Advanced International Studies, has proven to be the most challenging and is very heavily based in theory and conceptualization.  This has been hard for me to adjust to as I have been using practical approaches to the field for several years.  The second course, Principles for Deep-Seated Conflict Resolution, is a basic introduction to the field of conflict resolution.  In this course I have had the opportunity to use my previous experience working in the Balkans to give video presentations and supplementary information on the “5 step” mediation model, which is not currently being used in Australia to great lengths.  The final course, Culture, Conflict, and Reconciliation, has provided an overview of conflict since the pre-Columbian era in Central America and Mexico.  This course is also very theoretical and conceptual based without much practical application being taught. 

            Overall these courses have proven to be far more theoretical and conceptual than I was lead to believe by researching the departments website prior to my arrival at the University of Queensland.  This has caused some frustration on my behalf as I feel that I have reached a point in my life/studies where I know where my true passion for learning lies, and that is with the practical application of conflict resolution process in divided societies affected by protracted conflict.  In spite of this slight frustration I have been able to focus my time and energy to my studies and have received “Distinction” for all of my work, with the exception of one paper, which I am still in debate over with the instructor for the course.

2: Involvement with Rotarians

            Upon arriving in Brisbane I was met at the airport by my host counselor, James Goodman.  James and his family immediately made me feel at home in their house.  The first night I spend in Australia I was treated to a real “Aussie” barbeque James had organized.  It was a really wonderful way to get to know my host counselor, his family, and some of his closest friends.  James and I continue to stay in touch and have met on several occasions since I moved into my apartment.

            I have also been invited by other members of the local Rotary club to partake in local events taking place in Brisbane.  I had the wonderful opportunity to attend the concert “See You in Court”, which was an orchestral performance that took place in the Supreme Court chambers here in Brisbane.

3: Impressions of the Program

            As I have previously mentioned in the first section of this report, my impression of this program is that, in regards to academia, the studies are too heavily based in theory and conceptualization.  At this point in many of the Peace Fellows studies/careers the need for more practical knowledge is invaluable, and unfortunately we are yet to receive this education.  My hope is that in the following semesters, when we are given more flexibility in choosing our course work, I will be able to focus my studies in the areas I am most passionate about.

            In regards to the Rotary side of the experience, I have been very happy with the kindness and availability of my rotary host here in Brisbane as well as Terrie McCants, my local Rotary sponsor.  Terrie and I talk twice a month to go over the experience and discuss the program I am studying in.  This regular contact is very appreciated and has helped to keep me motivated and focused.

4: Successes and Challenges as a Rotary World Peace Fellow

            Since becoming a World Peace Fellow and arriving at the University of Queensland I have already enjoyed some successes.  I was recently invited to take part as a presenter at the Training Workshops International conference series on “inter-ethnic cooperation in the globalized workplace” which will be taking place across the Balkans.  In addition, I have been alerted to several other opportunities involving work in the field of conflict resolution research by Rotary International and former World Peace Fellows.           

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From Terrie McCants on our World Peace Scholar David Kozar:

I stay in frequent contact with our World Peace Scholar, David Kozar.  He tells me that the Rotarians in Brisbane are keeping him very involved.  He has been attending several meetings a week, plus accompanying several Rotarians to lectures, concerts, and the like.  His courses are keeping him busy as well.  He is enjoying studying about deep-seated conflicts, international politics, and culture-conflict-reconciliation programs.  He tells me our program at K-State prepared him well for the Queensland graduate program. He lives with a couple from Utah; the wife is also a WPS.  What he particularly enjoys are the perspectives from his classmates from all over the world - fabulous conversations!  All in all, I think things are going fairly well.  He did want me to pass on his sincere appreciation to the Manhattan Rotary Club for their support and continued encouragement.