Hansen Leadership Institute

Deadline: 15 January 2023
Open to: upper division undergraduates with 2 years of college/university or graduate student with a professional interest in international relations, diplomacy, international economic development or related fields, between the ages of 20-26 at the start of the program
Benefits: the program is fully funded including international airfare and all programmatic costs

DESCRIPTION

HLI provides training in the principles, practices, and psychology of effective, ethical and visionary leadership. It also trains Hansen Fellows to be effective communicators and public speakers. In recent years, it has begun to expand its focus to gender issues in leadership as well. The intense, 24/7 face to face community of the three-week program becomes a path to a vibrant virtual hub, where Hansen alum engage, connect, and mutually support each other’s projects of peace and community building.

Peace-making is an art that requires knowledge and subtle interpersonal skills. HLI provides first-class training and hands-on instruction in these areas. It also equips the Fellows to communicate respectfully and effectively across cultural and political divisions, with a purpose of reconciliation and restorative justice. Human rights issues are central in many situations of conflict resolution. So, HLI Fellows also receive training from a human rights activist and expert who has extensive knowledge and experience in these areas.

The heart of HLI is that it fosters deep friendship and solidarity with like-minded others from zones of conflict across the world. Fellows become lifelong members of a close-knit and highly engaged international community, which exposes them to new opportunities for service, education, and friendship across borders. The three-week program itself is a yearly experiment in international cooperation. People from warring countries start as awkward roommates. They leave the program as close friends with a mutual resolve to make peace between their peoples.

ELIGIBILITY

To participate in the Hansen Summer Institute, candidates must meet the following eligibility requirements:

NON – U.S. STUDENTS: (from zones of conflict and/or social strife)

  • Upper division undergraduate with 2 years of college/university or graduate student with a professional interest in international relations, diplomacy, international economic development or related fields.
  • Students must be between the ages of 20-26 at the start of the program.
  • Must have demonstrated leadership potential outside of the classroom in the community, nation or region.
  • Have an academic adviser verify in writing the candidate’s English proficiency
  • Have a valid international passport with U.S. visa if necessary by the time the program begins
  • Preference will be given to those who have never visited the United States

Preference will be given to students who have never been to the United States before but all qualified students are encouraged to apply.

U.S. STUDENTS: (Students from any university in the United States)

  • Upper-division undergraduate with 2 years of college/university or graduate student with a professional interest in international relations, diplomacy, international economic development or related fields.
  • Students must be between the ages of 20-26 at the start of the program.
  • Must have demonstrated leadership potential outside of the classroom in the community, nation or region.

Successful applicants must demonstrate leadership potential by having worked outside of class in community service, another public service, or in a non-governmental organization. A recommendation form from such a group or organization is required.

BENEFITS

The Hansen Summer Institute is fully funded by the Fred J. Hansen Foundation. This includes international airfare, room and board, and all programmatic costs. If selected the only cost to participants will be the fees incurred in obtaining a passport and spending money.

HOW TO APPLY

For more information, visit the official website.