PRACTICE points. ONE OF THE HALLMARKS OF THE RONALD W. REAGAN LEADERSHIP PROGRAM has been its tradition on mentorships with an international emphasis. In this year alone, Fellows have traveled and worked with leaders across five continents, including health professionals in Africa, Asia and Central America; military, not-for-profit and business leaders in Europe and North America; as well as educators in South America. For many of our Fellows, the international experiences here serve as their first opportunity to travel, explore and gain personal insight into foreign cultures. All Fellows begin their international journey during a week-long trip near the end of their freshman year. This group trip serves several purposes, including Dr. Michael Thurwanger, Director of The Ronald W. Reagan Leadership Program at Eureka College
a first opportunity for international travel, and for most an initial experience in overcoming language challenges. These first-year students are given an active role in researching and planning ground transportation, tours and the week’s agenda. While traveling, there is a conscious effort to tie travel and educational opportunities back to campus learning. Tours and cultural events are selected to offer new experiences in food, entertainment, as well as exposure to arts and antiquities through museum and gallery tours. At the same time, students are allowed ample time to explore major cities on their own in small groups, to interact with local citizens, and to develop self-assurance and selfreliance in their own travel abilities. The confidence gained through this initial experience carries on to the two funded mentorships provided through the Reagan Leadership Program. Typically, Fellows seek one of their mentorship experiences somewhere in the U.S., often with a leader in a field related to their academic major and career aspirations. And the second mentorship is often with a leader, organization or institution in another country. This international experience opens new doors and cultural perspectives essential to those preparing to lead in today’s global society.
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