Intercultural Leadership Program (ILP)
Basic Page Sidebar Menu ISSS
Students during the 2019 Intercultural Leadership Program.
Winner of the 2018 Models of Excellence Award
Every year, new international and U.S. Penn students, both undergraduate and graduate, are invited to be part of the Intercultural Leadership Program (ILP). Now approaching its 14th year, this program has been designed to foster a community of intercultural leaders who are ready to take on issues they are passionate about, learn more about themselves and communities different from their own, as well as making a lasting impact at Penn and beyond.
A weekend retreat will take participants through a series of activities, simulations, and discussions that allow for deeper understanding of themselves and how they exist in relation to others.
Some major themes of the Intercultural Leadership Program include:
- Intercultural communication and leadership
- Exploring identities and self-awareness
- Heightening cultural humility
- Power and privilege
ILP 2021
Applications are now closed for ILP 2021, which will take place from Friday, October 29–Sunday, October 31. Students who were selected or placed on the waitlist have been notified accordingly. Thank you to all who applied!
- Friday, October 29, 5:00 - 7:00pm: Welcome Session on campus
- Saturday, October 30, 8:30am: Depart for Pendle Hill (about 30 minutes away from Penn's campus)
- Sunday, October 31: Return to campus by 4:00PM
Participants will take part in a number of different activities such as team-building exercises, simulations, presentations, dialogues, and other activities that will help put your understanding of your worldview into perspective.
We will be adhering to COVID safety measures to ensure a safe and healthy environment for all participants. Travel will be provided by bus for all participants. All meals will be provided.
Applications for ILP 2021 are no longer being accepted. Check this page next fall semester for updates on the 2022 ILP application cycle.
If you are open and committed to learning the skills of intercultural leadership and motivated to share what you learn with your peers, we invite you to apply to the next cycle of the Penn Intercultural Leadership Program. Participants are selected from a pool of incoming undergraduate and graduate student applicants, both international and U.S. students.
Please be sure that you can commit the time and attend all of the mandatory program aspects outlined before submitting your application.
Please note: If you are confirmed as a final applicant for ILP, at the time of acceptance there will be a $50 refundable deposit due (cash or check) to secure your spot. The deposit will be refunded after the weekend retreat provided you have attended and completed all required aspects of the program.
Read about the ILP Team & the 2018 Models of Excellence Award

ILP is co-sponsored by
ILP is made possible by our ILP Student Leaders who are past ILP participants.
ILP is developed by partnerships across campus that include:
-
Penn Global, International Student and Scholar Services
-
Vice Provost for University Life
-
Counseling and Psychological Services
-
Greenfield Intercultural Center
-
Office of Student Affairs
-
M&T Jerome Fisher Program