World Leadership School

World Leadership School programs are designed around the paradigm of “disconnect, decenter, and re-envision.” We disconnect from technology and our normal rhythms of life; we are pushed off-balance, or decentered, by new experiences; and we are paired with peers and local leaders to re-envision the world and our place in it.

Each program is designed around Asia Society’s four domains of global competence:

• Investigate the World: During the program, we explore community life while reflecting on the differences from our lives back home. We create a strong group dynamic and emphasize deep listening and careful observation. Walking with kids to school at dawn in Tanzania, milking cows to make cheese for breakfast in Costa Rica, and hearing an immigration story from an asylum seeker are experiences we will never forget.

• Recognize Perspectives: We emphasize awareness of self and the study of local leaders. We learn from community leaders, who are powerful case studies in purpose and impact-driven leadership.

• Communicate Ideas: We create space each day for journaling and reflection. At the end of the program, students will craft and share a leadership story, which is a chance for each student to answer the two great questions: “Who am I?” and “How can I contribute?”

• Take Action: During the program, students learn how to take meaningful action in collaboration with a community through our philosophy of “walking together.” Students work to cultivate authentic and meaningful relationships, and approach community life with curiosity.

Experience new realities, push yourself outside of your comfort zone, and see the world from new perspectives. Are you ready?

Step 1: Select the program you are interested in from the list above!

Step 2: Create an account, pay the deposit, and build your student profile. All new travelers will be required to register for a new account to start their new student profile. If you traveled with us in the past two years, some of your information may already have an account in our database. We ask that student profiles are completed as soon as possible and definitely before May 15th. We ask that you upload a letter of recommendation from a teacher, coach, or adult from outside of your family who can attest to your readiness, interest, and ability to travel abroad.

Step 3: After completing your student application, we will review it, contact your reference, and schedule an interview with you, if necessary. After doing so, we will approve your application and work with your family on flight information. As soon as you are approved, we will send our Prepare to Go report which includes a suggested packing list, recommended immunizations, country-specific information, and suggested reading materials.

Step 4: Book your flights!
For all international programs, students will have the option to meet a WLS instructor at a “gateway” airport in the United States several hours before the international flight to the host country or flight directly to the host country. After registering, we will communicate the gateway airport information with each family. For all domestic programs, students will all arrive before a set time to ensure the program can start together. Please send airfare to World Leadership School for approval prior to purchasing, so we can double-check!

Step 5: Prepare to Go!
A few weeks prior to departure we will set-up a video call to introduce everybody and talk about the travel program.

Step 6: Pack and get some sleep!
Toss everything you need into the duffel, and get a good night’s sleep. Make sure you keep your masks out!

Step 7: Let’s go!

Payment Deadlines

We ask that all participants pay their program fees in a timely manner as we must submit deposits to book lodging, transportation, and other services.

• A $500 non-refundable deposit is due upon registration in a World Leadership School open enrollment travel program;
• Half of the remaining balance is due on March 1st;
• The remaining balance is due on April 1st.

COVID Refund Policy

Due to the uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, World Leadership School is offering an enhanced refund policy for all 2021 international and domestic program participants regardless of the reason for cancellation.

Participant Cancellation:

• If a participant cancels more than 60 days before departure, for any reason, World Leadership School will refund 100 percent of a participant’s total program fee.
• If a participant cancels 59-30 days before departure, for any reason, World Leadership School will refund 50 percent of a participant’s total program fee.
• If a participant cancels less than 30 days before departure, World Leadership School will not offer refunds.
• Deposits and any individual costs associated with the program (flights, vaccinations, visas, etc.) – are non-refundable.

World Leadership School Cancellation:
If World Leadership School cancels a program before its start, participants will be invited to transfer to any open program, enroll in a 2022 program or receive a full refund for paid program fees. If participant enrolls in a program that is of greater value, they will need to pay the difference. Alternatively, if they enroll in a program that is of lesser value, they will be issued a refund of the difference.