Global Leaders Experience 24/25- What did we get up to?

In the academic year 2024-2025 we ran 4 in-person Global Leaders Experiences to various locations such as: Toulouse, The Hague and Brussels, Tunis, and Paris & Bonn. Each programme was unique and beneficial in its own way, and 3 were in partnership with our partner organisations.

Please find below details on each programme, what we got up to during and outside of session time, learn more about our partners and hear from those who took part!

EAIE Toulouse

Our EAIE Toulouse programme is in partnership with, you guessed it- EAIE! The EAIE is the European centre for expertise, networking and resources in the internationalisation of higher education. They are a non-profit, member-led organisation serving individuals actively involved in internationalisation of their institutions. Each year the EAIE visits an exciting city in Europe and organises a large Annual Conference for 7000+ professionals interested in international higher education.

The EAIE programme is slightly different than the others. Offering a 1 week long work experience opportunity as well as Global Leaders Experience, this programme ensures students gain invaluable skills to prepare them for the job sector. During the programme students took on roles as 'conference assistants'. Each participant had a separate role (e.g., working at the sustainability hub, help desk, guiding professionals to conference rooms for talks) and played a vital role in running the conference! The benefits of this programme include networking with peers, professional stakeholders and those in managerial positions;  exposure to fast-paced and high stakes work environments; the behind the scenes of large scale events; exposure to diverse cultures and background; enhancement of teamwork and communication skills; and gaining experiences on global perspectives… and so many more!

Outside of conference working hours, participants had free time to explore Toulouse, see any monuments, attractions or partake in any activities they wished! They also had the opportunity to socialise and gain friendships with one another, whilst enjoying some good French cuisine!

Want to hear from those who took part in the programme?

Raishal Dhawan "The [programme] has broadened my perspectives and made me more open-minded and adaptable in my approach to life. It has encouraged me to embrace diversity, be more proactive in seeking out new opportunities, and to approach challenges with a global mindset… This experience has also reinforced the importance of collaboration and understanding different viewpoints in both personal and professional settings… "

Josh Bowman "I thought the delivery was very good, the itinerary was clear and I enjoyed the free time we were allowed as well so we could explore Toulouse"

Taa Marbouta, Tunis

Our programme to Tunis is in partnership with the Taa Marbouta Language Centre. The Taa Marbouta Language Centre is a resource for language learning and professional development, whilst also connecting Tunisia with the world to support Tunisian organisations, brands and causes. Taa Marbouta Language Centre was founded by Craig Brown in July 2021. As well managing the language school, Craig works for the United Nations World Food Programme and has a close working relationship with local NGOs.

The Taa Marbouta programme was centred around the theme of sustainability, climate change and pollution. The programme, offered over the course of 11 days, offered the opportunity for students to interact with academic, activists, policymakers, migrants and others in trying to propose innovative and sustainable solutions to the climate crisis.

Here is an overview of the activities students got up to during session time:

• Opening & Networking drinks
• Tour of Oceanographic Museum of Carthage
• Tour and Observation at Essijoumi Swamp
• Tour of El Jem Amphitheatre
• Tour of the oasis of Chenini
• Visit to the humid zone of Zarat
• Visit the NourZa solar panel farm

Here is an overview of some of the talks and lectures during session time:

• Talk by Ms. Mayssa Sandli and Mr. Malek Zaghdoudi on BlueTn- Environmental journalism
• Talk by Ms. Malek Ben Romdhane  on COP Youth Negotiators- Policy making and advocacy
• Casual discussion with Mr. Kheireddine Debaya on Stop Pollution
• Talk in the oasis with Salah Bchir on indigenous seeds

In their free time students also visited and explored Tunis, went to the la marsa beach, La Medina Tunis, Zitouna Mosque and even thrifting for as little as 1 Dinar per item!

Want to hear from those who took part in the programme?

Frederick Proctor "[the programme] really made me appreciate everything that I have and am grateful for, made me introspect and reflect a lot and would now like to travel more and do more of these sorts of experiences. It was the trip of a lifetime which I am extremely grateful and appreciative to have been a part of"

Check out our Taa Marbouta wrap-up  REEL to see everything the students got up to during the programme!

The Hague and Brussels

Our Hague and Brussels programme is the only programme we offer without a direct partner and we choose to manage and plan it around the theme of justice in the very city of "peace and justice". This programme aimed to immerse students in the international city of peace and justice by attending insightful tours, engaging with prominent organisations and NGOs and participating in micro-teaching sessions. Included in the trip was a stop off at Brussels for a European parliament visit and tours.

Here is an overview of the activities students got up to during the sessions:

• walking tour in the international Zone of the Hague
• walking tour of the Peace Palace visit centre
• Clingendael Institute Negotiation Training
• International Parliament Hemicycle visit
• International Criminal Court visit

Here is an overview of some of the talks and lectures during session time:

• Career talk aligned to social justice with Marije Bedaux
• Talk with Martin Bonn and Niesje Barreveld on the profile of the Hague
• Talk with Marta op den Akker on SDG's and the Hague
• Talk with Gerko Visee on the Hague International Centre

In their free time students explored the beautiful destination cities, visited the Scheveningen beach, the Gallaries Royales St Hubert, the flower exhibition at Groot Bijgaarden Castle and enjoyed a final group dinner together!  

Want to hear from those who took part in the programme?

Ramya Saseenthiran "The schedule was well organized. The leaders were incredibly kind, personable, and approachable. The trip was so much fun and an amazing enriching opportunity that's beyond words to describe. I hope this trip continues to run every year and that as many students as possible get to experience it... I feel more confident in embracing uncertainty, pursuing long shots, taking risks, and presenting myself as I am"

Valeria Ortega Velarde "It has made me more open-minded and confident in unfamiliar situations. Working with people from different cultures taught me to listen more, adapt quickly, and communicate more clearly. It's also helped me become more self-aware and confident in sharing my ideas, especially when working in diverse teams"

Check out our The Hague and Brussels wrap-up REEL to see everything the students got up to during the programme!

UNITAR, Paris and Bonn

Our Paris and Bonn programme is in partnership with UNITAR. The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR). The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) is a branch in the United Nations which provides innovative learning solutions to individuals, organisations and institutions to enhance global decision making and support country-level action for shaping a better future.

The UNITAR programme heavily focuses on gaining insights on the United Nations and the multiple sectors within it. In the space of 6 days, participants got to travel to Paris and Bonn and learn about key elements of the cities and the United Nations. The programme helped participants build knowledge on international affairs, deliver training in core diplomatic skills and offer activities with Paris-based and Bonn-based agencies.

The learning goals of the programme were:

• To explain key components of the United Nations' systems and its agencies;
• Familiarise oneself with Paris and Bonn as cities of multilateralism
• Apply core skills and techniques of common diplomatic practice;
• Develop critical knowledge for careers in international organisations;
• Adapt values and principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter.

Here is an overview of the activities students got up to during session time:

• United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) Guided Tour
• Old German Parliament and Democracy Guided Tour
• United Nations Bonn Campus Private Guided Tour
• "After Hitler" Interactive Museum visit
• Model UN session

Here is an overview of some of the talks and lectures during session time:

• United Nations Development Program (UNDP) Expert Lecture with Ms. Shabnam Sarwari
• United Nations Volunteers (UNV) Expert Lecture with Ms. Ayesha Khan
• UN Career Development sessions
• Negotiation skills training workshop
• Strategic Foresight Training workshop

In their free time students also visited and explored Paris and Bonn, visited the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame Cathedral, the Beethoven statue and Museum, the Bonn Botanical gardens and enjoyed some French and German cuisine!

Want to hear from those who took part in the programme?

Beth Sadler  "I have genuinely had the best time on this trip. I thought the organisation was great... Everyone blended together so well.. I felt so welcomed and appreciated while partaking in this experience I genuinely could not recommend it more, I'm very sad that it has come to an end. I couldn’t recommend it more. Thank you all very much- i genuinely think this trip will be life changing for a lot of people, thank you for giving this opportunity to the people who would never normally get it"

Aisla MacDonald "I definitely feel more confident in myself and my abilities. We were lucky to be part of an incredibly supportive group and I hope that we all fuelled each other. I feel ready to take on new opportunities, keep connecting/ networking, and view this opportunity as the start of my journey and not a once in a lifetime opportunity."

Check out our Paris and Bonn wrap-up REEL to see everything the students got up to during the programme!