WorldQuest was created by the Council and has grown into a nationwide international knowledge competition played by councils around the country. This program is part of the WAC Charlotte's growing international education initiatives in the Charlotte area.  

The thrill of competition and enthusiasm for world affairs has made this program one of our most successful education programs. Over 50 teams of 8 individuals and students compete annually in the Joint WorldQuest / Academic WorldQuest for the prestige of winning and received generous raffle and door prizes donated by the community.   

In addition to the competition, a silent auction is held during the course of the competition to help raise funds in support of the WACC’s education outreach in the Queen City.    

Proceeds from Joint Academic WorldQuest / WorldQuest 2012 will benefit the following education outreach programs:    

• Academic WorldQuest: High school version of this international knowledge competition
• Council Scholar Program: Provides grants to teachers to study abroad or participate in international professional development opportunities
• Global Ambassador Programs: Enables high school students from Mecklenburg, Union and Gaston county schools  to attend WAC Charlotte programs and listen to world renowned experts discuss pertinent global issues impacting the world today
• Young Explorers Essay Competition: Focused on a specific global issue with a goal of building awareness about world affairs and promoting core competencies in writing and composition for middle school students in CMS
• Speaker in the Classroom: Round-table discussions or classroom presentations facilitated by leading international experts for schools in Mecklenburg and Union Counties  
• Language Luncheons: Foreign language luncheons honoring outstanding high school language students in Spanish, German and French
• International Career Panel: College students from Charlotte area higher education institutions and young professionals listen to mid-career professionals who can offer valuable advice on job entry in the fields of international business, international education, the Peace Corps and the State Department
• Partnerships with local higher education institutions for International Education Week and the International Speaker Series Program

Since 1996, through our educational programming and outreach, the Council has directly benefited almost 700 teachers who in turn have impacted more than 70,000 students.

Who Can Play?  

WorldQuest - Each team of eight players is formed by businesses, government institutions, schools/colleges, non-profits or other self-determined groups. Individuals without a group will be assigned to a team by the Council. Academic WorldQuest - Each high school in Mecklenburg, Iredell, Cabarrus, Gaston and Union County can send eight students as part of their individual teams. 

How is WorldQuest Played?    

This fast-paced game is played in 7 rounds of 10 questions (for WorldQuest participants) and 8 rounds of 10 questions (for Academic WorldQuest participants) each with typically 30-seconds for every question. Some questions may require additional time. Each team collaborates to answer the questions and submits their answer sheet at the end of each round. 

What Do You Win?

AWQ and WQ teams will be judged separately. Medals and trophies are awarded to the first, second and third place teams for both WQ and AWQ winners. Top teams will also have their photos takenand receive special recognition. 

How Should My Team Prepare?