Intercultural Leadership Program
Fostering a community of leaders ready to pursue their passions, build valuable connections and relationships, and make a lasting impact at Penn and beyond.
About the Intercultural Leadership Program
Penn’s Intercultural Leadership Program fosters a community of leaders who are ready to pursue their passions, build valuable connections and relationships, and make a lasting impact at Penn and beyond.
Every year students, both undergraduate and graduate, are invited to be part of the Intercultural Leadership Program (ILP). Established in 2007, this program enables students to learn more about themselves and communities different from their own and build foundational skills to become effective intercultural leaders.
Apply to Join ILP!
The ILP application cycle will be open from July 13 through August 13, 2026.
Program Overview
The program is offered as a weekend retreat, typically at the start of the academic year. Through a series of activities, simulations, and themed discussions, students gain a deeper understanding of themselves, their relationship with others, and the role of intercultural communication in leadership in global contexts, among members of a global community.
Some major themes of the Intercultural Leadership Program include:
- Intercultural communication and leadership
- Exploring identities and self-awareness
- Heightening cultural humility
- Power and privilege
Eligibility and Requirements
To apply, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- You must be a first-year undergraduate or graduate Penn student. Transfer students in their first year at Penn are also eligible. All international and domestic first-year and new transfer students are welcome to apply.
- You must be available and commit to participate in the entire in-person program. A typical weekend retreat agenda is as follows:
- Friday
- Evening: ILP will kick off at Perry World House, located at 3803 Locust Walk.
- Saturday
- Morning: The group will meet at the ISSS office building, located at 3935 Walnut Street on the 2nd Floor.
- Destination: The program will take place at Pendle Hill over the course of the entire day and will include activities, simulations, and themed discussions.
- Sunday
- Morning: Additional activities and leadership sessions will take place throughout the morning.
- Afternoon: We will return to campus in the afternoon by approximately 5:00PM.
- Friday
Application & Selection Process
We invite you to apply to the next cycle of the Penn Intercultural Leadership Program in July 2026.
PLEASE READ:
- Please be sure that you can commit the time and attend all mandatory program sessions (noted above) before submitting your application.
- A $50 fee will be charged to your student account if you confirm attendance but do not fully participate in the program.
How are participants selected?
- Participants are selected from a pool of incoming undergraduate and graduate student applicants, both international and U.S. students.
- Our ideal participant is open and committed to learning the skills of intercultural leadership and motivated to share what you learn with your peers.
Key Dates:
Student Leader Application Opening Date: February 4, 2026
Student Leader Application Closing Date: March 19, 2026
Student Leader Announcement Date: April 17, 2026
Participant Application Opening Date: July 13, 2026
Participant Application Closing Date: 5PM, August 13, 2026
Application Review and Selection: August 18-23, 2026
Participant Selection Announcement Date: August 26, 2026
Participant Acceptance Due Date: September 1, 2026
Program Dates: September 11-13, 2026 (at Perry World House and Pendle Hill)
The ILP Impact
Hear from Penn students and peers about the impact of Penn’s Intercultural Leadership Program.