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SAI CERTIFICATES: LEADERSHIP & SERVICE

Deepen your academic experience abroad by pairing your coursework with hands-on learning, community engagement, and critical reflection. SAI’s Global Leadership and International Service Certificates offer structured pathways to explore complex global issues, work alongside local leaders, and apply classroom concepts to real-world challenges. These programs are designed to enhance your studies, broaden your perspective, and prepare you to address the interconnected challenges of our world.

Upon successful completion, students receive a reference letter that confirms completion of the certificate and related activities, along with a printed certificate.

SAI GLOBAL LEADERSHIP CERTIFICATE The SAI Global Leadership Certificate (GLC) is offered in Florence, Rome, Milan, Barcelona and Paris. The certificate combines academic courses, community engagement, mentoring and structured reflection to enhance global awareness and build a framework for leadership development.

• Develop leadership skills that contribute to academic and career success.

• Broaden your awareness of global issues.

• Engage in your local community abroad.

• Interact with local and global leaders.

• Bridge the gap between your classwork and real. world experiences in your host community.

GLC Responsibilities • Enroll in one (or more) global awareness course, and earn a B or better in the course.

• Engage in community service during the semester for a minimum of 15 hours.

• Participate in three seminars, lectures and/or meetings with experts and leaders on topics such as migration, multiculturalism, role of women, diplomacy, social justice, sustainability, and globalization.

• Maintain a journal of activities, observations and reflections on how their study abroad experiences may inform their understanding of global issues, format the final journal entry as a blog post, and meet with a SAI mentor to discuss related activities.

• Submit a 500-word leadership paper that incorporates research and analysis of the global issue (selected earlier as the main topic), describes how local and global leaders respond to the issue and recommends further social action.

SAI INTERNATIONAL SERVICE CERTIFICATE The SAI International Service Certificate (ISC) is available to SAI semester students in Florence, Rome, Barcelona and Paris who are motivated to engage with and give back to their host community in a structured manner. Supported by SAI on-site staff, students who earn the certificate gain valuable skills collaborating with local community groups, and gain a unique perspective of their host city. Volunteers are able to explore a field of their interest, and build skills that can transfer into their future careers.

• Collaborate with local residents to make an impact in your community.

• Build skills that meet your goals and transfer to future careers.

• Explore the local culture and its perspectives.

ISC Responsibilities • Attend an initial information session and training on-site.

• Engage in consistent community service during the semester for a minimum of 15 hours.

• Attend two group meetings throughout the term (one mid-term, one end of term) that offer time to share experiences and deepen cultural understanding.

• Submit a 250-word minimum final reflection blog post that incorporates lessons learned and skills gained through the experience.

“It’s not hard to say that this has been my most important experiential work in study abroad – for learning the culture, advancing my language, and focusing on the people around me. I couldn’t ask for anything more.”

~ Somkar, SAI Barcelona GLC student

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