GLOBAL LEADERSHIP
INSTITUTE
WHAT IS THE GLOBAL LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE?
GLI is a dynamic, cohort-based leadership development program from World Affairs. Over the course of two multi-session program dates featuring expert trainers, participants in GLI build their cultural diplomacy and global fluency skills, increasing their comfort and effectiveness when working across international cultures.
LEARN
Gain insights from Terri Morrison, author of the bestselling international business protocol guide, Kiss, Bow or Shake Hands®. Additional guest speakers and case studies will provide a diverse set of voices on experiences living, working, studying, and traveling cross culturally.
GIVE BACK
Put your cultural diplomacy training into action by engaging with students and faculty at one of World Affairs’ 100 partner schools. Contribute to the development of Philadelphia’s next generation of global leaders.
NETWORK & ENGAGE
LEARN
Gain insights from Terri Morrison, author of the bestselling international business protocol guide, Kiss, Bow or Shake Hands®. Additional guest speakers and case studies will provide a diverse set of voices on experiences living, working, studying, and traveling cross culturally.
GIVE BACK
Put your cultural diplomacy training into action by engaging with students and faculty at one of World Affairs’ 100 partner schools. Contribute to the development of Philadelphia’s next generation of global leaders.
NETWORK & ENGAGE
LEARN
Gain insights from Terri Morrison, author of the bestselling international business protocol guide, Kiss, Bow or Shake Hands®. Additional guest speakers and case studies will provide a diverse set of voices on experiences living, working, studying, and traveling cross culturally.
GIVE BACK
Put your cultural diplomacy training into action by engaging with students and faculty at one of World Affairs’ 100 partner schools. Contribute to the development of Philadelphia’s next generation of global leaders.
NETWORK & ENGAGE
WHO ARE GLI PARTICIPANTS?
Are you at the early-to-mid stage of your career, seeking to enhance your global fluency, leadership, and cultural diplomacy skills? Whether you find yourself jet-setting across the globe for work, leading virtual meetings with international partners, or managing relationships at the home office with colleagues and clients from diverse backgrounds, GLI is designed for professionals like you. If you are based in the greater Philadelphia area and are ready to make the necessary time commitments, you’ll join a cohort of like-minded professionals dedicated to elevating their leadership potential at home and abroad.
WHEN, WHERE, AND HOW?
Participants will engage in two immersive, multi-session program dates in Philadelphia, as well as networking and volunteer opportunities.
Day 1
MODULE 1: Cultural Diplomacy 101
1:30 - 2:30 p.m.
- Identifying cultural differences in social and professional settings
- Best practices for respectful communication, etiquette, and engagement across cultures
- Cultural sensitivity in real-life scenarios: diplomacy, business, and community work
MODULE 2: Greetings & Social Distance
2:45 - 3:45 p.m.
- Identifying key differences in greetings across cultures and determining personal space
- Approaches to greetings and social distance in professional and service-oriented settings
- Avoiding common taboos that may lead to misunderstanding and discomfort
MODULE 3: Communications Styles, Body Language, Gestures
4:00 - 5:00 p.m.
- Identifying communication styles across cultures, including indirect & direct communication
- Approaches to recognizing body language, gestures, and eye contact
- Applying best practices to communicate effectively and respectfully in cross-cultural settings
NETWORKING: Book Relaunch Party
5:00 - 6:30 p.m.
- Terri Morrison is relaunching the newest edition of Kiss, Bow or Shake Hands
- Join corporate supporters, government partners, donors, and friends of World Affairs, plus Global Leadership Institute alumni
- Apply your new knowledge in a social networking setting
Day 2
MODULE 4: Social Structures & Religious Beliefs
1:30 - 2:30 p.m.
- Identifying how gender, age, and religion may influence social structures
- Recognizing key differences between individualistic and collectivist societies
- Applying practical strategies for navigating culturally diverse social expectations
MODULE 5: Language Barriers
2:45- 3:45 p.m.
- Language diversity and effective communication strategies for language barriers
- Utilizing non-verbal communication, translation, and interpretation tools
MODULE 6: Dining, Meeting, & Hosting Etiquette
4:00 - 4:45 p.m.
- Recognizing the significance of cultural etiquette in dining, meeting, and hosting
- Identifying different cultural expectations regarding gift-giving and business card exchange
- Best practices to navigate cross-cultural professional and social settings with confidence
DINNER & A DEAL: Chinese Banquet Simulation
5:00-7:30 p.m.
- Simulation on Chinese banquet dining with Cultural Hosts at each table
- Practicing dining etiquette: from seating to cutlery to offering a toast
ONGOING COMPONENTS INCLUDE:
- Volunteering at a World Affairs partner school and at World Affairs youth education programs
- Peer-to-peer networking
- Complimentary access to world class speaker events and programs as you choose
WHO are THE EXPERT TRAINERs?
TIMELINE AND PROGRAM FEES
PROGRAM DATES
Day 2: Thursday, November 13, 2025
APPLICATION TIMELINE
Rolling admission through October 1; spots are filled on a first-come first-served basis.
ADMISSION NOTIFICATION
Rolling notification through October 8, or until spots are filled.
FEE INFORMATION
Program fee: $1,500
Due date for full payment: October 15
PROGRAM DATES
Day 1: Wednesday, October 22, 2025
Day 2: Thursday, November 13, 2025
APPLICATION TIMELINE
Rolling admission through October 1; spots are filled on a first-come first-served basis.
ADMISSION NOTIFICATION
Rolling notification through October 8, or until spots are filled.
FEE INFORMATION
Application fee: $100
Program fee: $1,500
Due date for full payment: October 15
PROGRAM DATES
Day 1: Wednesday, October 22, 2025
Day 2: Thursday, November 13, 2025
APPLICATION TIMELINE
Rolling admission through October 1; spots are filled on a first-come first-served basis.
ADMISSION NOTIFICATION
Rolling notification through October 8, or until spots are filled.
FEE INFORMATION
Application fee: $100
Program fee: $1,500
Due date for full payment: October 15
Program Fees
Participation in the World Affairs Council of Philadelphia’s Global Leadership Institute has a program fee of $1,500. (If you paid the $100 application fee, this amount will be applied towards the program fee upon program acceptance.)
If you are being sponsored by a corporate partner of World Affairs, that fee may be reduced or waived. The program fee will be confirmed for each individual during the application review process. If you have questions about the fees, corporate sponsorship, or scholarships, please contact Stefanie Yeung at syeung@wacphila.org or at +1 267-802-1219.
