What to Expect from the 2015 Leadership Academy

By: Analise McNicholl 

From July 20-24th, WAC-DC will host high school students from across the DC area at the annual Leadership Academy on International Affairs. The week will include insight from expert guest speakers, student-led discussion, and interactive simulation games aimed at helping students understand the pivotal role of globalization in today’s interconnected world.

Before the week begins, students will be divided into five different country groups: Argentina, France, Greece, Malaysia, or South Africa. Each day will focus on a different International Relations topic, and students will be prompted to solve problems and negotiate from the perspective of their new countries. With daily topics ranging from the ‘Global Economy’ to ‘Human Rights & the Environment,’ students will consider their new country from a variety of different standpoints. Interacting with some of the most pressing challenges facing the global community from the perspective of their assigned country groups will not only teach students about other cultures, but also teach them about their own identity. Throughout the week, students will also hear from experts in the field of International Affairs, in areas including education, international trade and journalism.