The Lead, Engage, Advance and Discover program is designed to develop students’ global leadership, instill the confidence and skills to become culturally competent, and become more marketable internationally. Our excellent faculty provide courses that are globally relevant and will increase students’ leadership skills, English fluency and intercultural acuity. Coursework will be enhanced by community involvement, American peers and diverse hands-on activities, allowing students to live in English while they are here.
LEAD is designed with students’ futures in mind. We will provide the tools to succeed; all that is needed is for students to engage in the program with an open-minded attitude to become more global.
Period
Fall semester (late August through mid-December) or spring semester (mid-January through early May)
Components
Academic courses
- Strategic Communications Skills (45 hours): This course will improve students’ English skills and confidence in a variety of settings. By introducing students to multiple situations, they will be able to discern the appropriate tone and demeanor to use in any given interaction.
- NextGen Leadership Essentials (45 hours): In this course, students will learn about leadership skills that have aided leaders across the world stage. They will spend time developing their own leadership skills through introspective activities and by identifying and working with a mentor. By learning about effective leaders and working with peers who have different skills, students will better understand the strengths and challenges of their own unique leadership style.
- Building Strong Communities (45 hours): Strong communities are build on effective governance, civic engagement, healthy business ecosystems, rich culture, quality education and the responsible use of resources. They also offer equitable opportunities and are considered safe and inclusive by their residents. This course will explore the characteristics of healthy communities while examining assets, areas of need and potential barriers in the change process.
- Trends and Culture in the U.S. (45 hours + cultural site visits and activities): This course will increase students’ cross-cultural understanding through peer relationships, an ongoing and in-depth cultural interview project, and cultural events and field trips outside of the classroom. It will include seminars as well as interactive cultural outings, allowing students to understand American culture more deeply. Throughout the semester, students will examine topics of American culture, develop well-thought-out questions for a cultural interview project, and present their findings in a formal presentation. University of Missouri students will help the program participants gather data from a variety of cross-sections in American culture, provide conversational opportunities and share their culture.
Cross-cultural and professional immersion
- Community engagement field experience and cultural site visits (45 hours): Designed to complement the Building Strong Communities course, this field experience will include opportunities to engage with the community through group volunteering assignments and professional site visits that align with student interests. In addition, students will go on local cultural excursions and will visit other cities in Missouri, taking part in cultural activities, sporting events and festivals.
- American ambassadors: American Collegiate Ambassadors are what bring the program together, fostering authentic, personal connections that immerse participants in a genuine American experience — making it both enriching and memorable. These American college students come from diverse backgrounds and are integrated into the program in many ways. They serve as conversation partners and cultural guides, helping students enhance their English language skills and cultural understanding, while also participating in in-person activities and cultural site visits. Beyond structured activities, ambassadors act as go-to guides, offering insights into American daily life, culture and everyday spoken English. Through these cross-cultural connections, students build meaningful friendships and professional networks that often extend well beyond the program.
- Peer educators: Peer educators accompany students in the Trends and Culture in the U.S. course, offering deeper insights into American society. They help students understand key concepts covered in class, providing context and support for a more comprehensive grasp of the topics.
Requirements
- Must be a current international university student or recent graduate.
- Should have a desire to improve English and develop strong leadership skills.
- Minimum English requirement: TOEFL iBT 55/TOEIC 550/Duolingo 80
- Preferred English requirement: TOEFL iBT 61/TOEIC 800/Duolingo 85