Students on American Leadership programs are immersed in foreign cultures, see extraordinary sights, work with fellow students and have the experience of a lifetime while building leadership, teamwork and communication skills.
Programs are offered in Europe, Australia, Peru and China and include cultural, physical (low intensity), community/social and intellectual elements. See details at
American Leadership Programs. Students are kept extremely busy, and on any given day may be:
- Taking turns leading a study group to investigate a topic
- Leading a discussion, participating in a debate, or giving a presentation
- Helping teammates through fun teambuilding challenges
- Participating in service learning projects
- Visiting a college campus
- Meeting with a community leader
- Joining in native traditions
- Rafting, trekking or snorkeling
- Sightseeing
- Preparing exotic foreign food with a local chef.
- Working in local schools
- Exploring the rain forest or helping at a sheep station
- Using language skills to shop in an outdoor market
- Discussing business, politics or conservation with an expert
- Overcoming fears and riding a zip-line through a jungle canopy
- And much, much more. See more examples of activities on the program here
The Teacher Counselor
A Teacher Counselor (TC) chaperones up to 15 students on a program. TCs are experienced high school teachers, coaches or guidance counselors with plenty of travel experience and a passion for international education. They are selected with care and are thoroughly checked and trained. Many have led educational travel programs before, some for many years. Meet a TC
In the months leading up to departure, the TC holds regular orientation meetings with the students, usually via the web, to prepare them for the program and introduce them to one another. The main components of orientation are:
Educational: American Leadership now partners with The Princeton Review to facilitate dynamic college prep course work. Also included is reading and movie lists, general language resources and other activities to help students learn about the countries and cultures they will be experiencing.
Social: TCs use various forms of social media to engage students and introduce them to one another.
Practical: How to apply for a passport, what to pack, information on the currency, the Code of Conduct and general advice on what to expect. The TC also keeps in monthly contact with parents and will be happy to answer your questions along the way.
"My husband and I were very impressed. The communication was incredible. We were constantly updated, and Abby knew exactly what was expected of her as she prepared for her trip and was kept in constant contact. This opportunity is an incredible journey that our child will never forget.”
- Michelle Kovel, Parent (MI)
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The Students
To be selected for an American Leadership Program, students go through a formal application process which includes filling out an application, submitting two references from past or current teachers and participating in an interview with an American Leadership representative.
Students on the program may come from any part of the US.
The International Departure City (IDC)
The International Departure City (IDC) is the US city from which the group travels overseas together. If required, American Leadership will arrange connector flights to the IDC. The students and TC spend one night together in the IDC, where they become acquainted and participate in a final comprehensive orientation. The following day, they travel abroad together.
The Program Director
On arrival overseas, the group is met by a Program Director (PD). PDs are experienced and thoroughly trained. They lead the program, take care of all logistics and provide much of the educational content.PDs are supported 24/7 by American Leadership's international management team. They work hand in hand with the TCs to ensure an excellent outcome. Meet a Program Director.
Journaling
Students are encouraged to keep journals and record their reflections and observations as the program progresses. The journals may also be used to obtain academic credit.
