Program Highlights

Interact with Leaders

Top business leaders, policy officials, lobbyists, journalists, diplomats, and academics from diverse cultures and backgrounds exchange ideas with students and help them cultivate critical leadership skills.

Past participating speakers include:

• Mr. Craig Kielburger, Founder, Free the Children
• Ms. Gillian Sorenson, Senior Advisor and National Advocate, United Nations Foundation
• Ms. Janine di Giovanni, Award Winning Author and Journalist
• Liz Bohannon, Founder and Executive Director, Sseko Designs
• Dr. Gary Weaver, Professor, International Communication, School of International Service, American University
• Angelica Silvero, Head, World Bank’s Speakers Bureau, World Bank
• Khursida Begum, Human Rights Trafficking Survivor
• Mr. Richard Brubaker, Founder and Managing Director, Collective Responsibility
• Ulrike Lunacek, Vice President, European Parliament, MEP (Greens/EFA)
• Muhamed Mesic, lawyer and human rights advocate

At GYLC, you’ll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the cultural aspect of your GYLC program experience. You will explore Washington DC, Philadelphia, and New York City and discover what their illustrious landmarks have to offer.

In Washington DC, you will visit the Lincoln Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Korean War Veterans Memorial, World War II Memorial, Smithsonian Institute, and Holocaust Museum.

In Philadelphia, you will have lunch and explore the renowned University of Pennsylvania campus on your way to NYC.

In New York City, you will visit distinguished museums such as the MET, MoMa, and Guggenheim, and enjoy a dinner cruise on the New York Harbor where you can catch a glimpse of the Statue of Liberty.

You’ll be immersed in the culture, history, and world views of the diverse people who are key players on the global stage. You’ll take part in fascinating site visits, such as:

• United Nations headquarters in New York City - Step into the World's Home of International Peacekeeping 
• U.S. Department of State in Washington, DC -   Receive a briefing on diplomacy from subject matter experts
• International embassies in Washington, DC - See diplomacy at work, first-hand 

Real-World Simulations

Step into your role as a global leader by using your communication and negotiation skills to bring your peers to a consensus on an issue of worldwide importance.

In a Global Summit Simulation, which may be held at the United Nations headquarters, you and your fellow students will act as diplomats representing various countries on international commissions. You'll draft policy proposals; debate current issues such as international drug trafficking, global warming, nuclear proliferation, and foreign aid; pass resolutions; and adopt plans of action.