Valencia College is making an impact on young leaders in Peru through our Leadership and Public Speaking Online Program organized by Study Abroad & Global Experiences, in collaboration with American Explorer Academy and the EducationUSA Center based in Chiclayo-Peru. A group of 30 talented Peruvian students, aged 14 to 30, were selected for this program by EducationUSA out of an applicant pool of 500. Here are some of the highlights and reflections on our new program taking place in August-September 2024:

• This intensive 2-month course focuses on topics in leadership and presentation skills, complemented by workshops in conversational English, all instructed over Zoom.

• Each week, participants benefit from insights shared by dynamic guest speakers who offer their expertise and personal leadership experiences.

• The success of this program can be attributed to the dedication of our leadership instructors, Professor Andres Goyanes, and Wes Tindal. As Professor Goyanes noted, “It is a valuable opportunity to help these global students achieve a better version of themselves through a combination of theory and practical application of a variety of leadership topics.”

• Our students have shared positive feedback about how this course is shaping their futures. One student, Liliana Cruz Peralta, commented that, “This course is helping me improve my communication skills and motivates me to continue developing myself as a leader.” Another student, Tania Vilela Cardenas, added, “The course has been invaluable in my work life. As a coach at my workplace, I’ve learned new ways to create a better environment for my colleagues and myself. This makes me happy, as a true leader must teach others to become future leaders.”

We were excited to celebrate the accomplishments of our students with a certificate ceremony at the end of September via Zoom.