Global Leadership Washington, D.C. United States

How leaders examine critical issues, shape policy and strategy, and address local and global challenges are topics of paramount importance in today’s modern landscape. The next generation of world leaders must possess an understanding of not only domestic affairs, but international concerns that will challenge our global community for the decades ahead.

The two-week Global Leadership Program at George Washington University provides undergraduate and graduate students with timely, real-world insights on global issues, instilling a comprehensive grasp of leadership using foreign policy, economic development, media and diplomatic relations through the lens of the US government. Students will also evaluate and analyze how US domestic factors influence the way leaders develop, shape and implement global strategy and policy.

Through IES Abroad, SAF manages end-to-end logistics including curriculum development, pre-departure support, health and safety orientation, housing, transport, academic coordinator, site visits and high-level staff support for all students and staff on the program.

Hands-on experience in an iconic capital city like Washington, D.C. provides an up-close and personal look at where international decisions are made and access to top global leaders

Exclusive site visits to international organizations such as the US Department of State, the World Bank and the United Nations Foundation

Group projects on current global issues to allow students to work together to create solutions and present policy recommendations to a panel of experts

Global Leadership Washington, D.C. United States Program Composition & Characteristics

International leadership curriculum – Preeminent scholars in global leadership at George Washington University design and teach this comprehensive political course, covering topics like diplomacy, foreign policy and economics in English-taught classes.

On-site teaching – With exclusive access to IES Abroad’s global network of teaching centers, along with a comprehensive schedule of political and cultural site visits, students in this course experience a combination of quality in-class instruction and immersive on-site teaching.

Experience Washington, D.C. – America’s capital, Washington, D.C. is the heart of the country’s political infrastructure. With edifying visits to world-famous sites like the US Supreme Court, United Nations Foundation and the Smithsonian Museum of American History, students enhance their learning outcomes and develop a deeper appreciation of both American and international politics.

Format

14 days in Washington, D.C. USA

Curriculum focus

To explore a cross section of global issues to develop an understanding of leadership skills in complex and diverse environments

Course intensity

■ 25 hours of seminars and guest lectures from current world leaders

■ 25 hours of group projects and co-curricular site visits to international organizations

Faculty expertise

The George Washington University (GW), a preeminent research university in the nation’s capital, is dedicated to educating and preparing future leaders. The GW mission is to provide an environment where knowledge is created and acquired, and where innovative endeavors enrich global society

On-site support

George Washington University International Student Service staff are available during the entire program to provide support and guidance to student participants

Housing style

On-campus residence hall with common areas, including access to high-speed wireless internet, breakfast & dinner, and laundry facilities

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

■ SAF and Program Orientation

■ Welcome Dinner

■ Lecture: leadership

■ Smithsonian Museum of American History

■ Visit US Congress and the US Supreme Court

■ Evening tour of D.C. monuments

■ Lecture: Sovereignty & statehood

■ Visit the German Embassy

■ Lecture: diplomacy

■ Visit the Newseum

■ Seasonal Cultural Activity

■ Visit US Department of State

■ Lecture: diplomats & ambassadors

■ Day Trip to cultural hub, Baltimore, Maryland

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

■ Free day

■ Lecture: international development organizations

■ Visit the Center for Global Development

■ Visit the United Nations Foundation

■ Group dinner and Georgetown Waterfront

Director, Go Minnesota, University of Minnesota

“The hundreds of SAF Scholars who have studied abroad at the University of Minnesota over the past 15+ years have truly enriched our campus. SAF’s operations in Asia have enabled us to reach a broad range of qualified students across Japan, China, and Korea. We appreciate that they have staff in both the US and abroad who serve as advisers and cultural liaisons for students, families, and partner institutions. As a longstanding partner with SAF, we are grateful for their support in promoting the U of M as a unique study abroad destination in the U.S.”

Cathy Huber