Testimonials

Testimonials from Past Participants

Global Leadership Program (GLP)

Global Education Program (GEP)

Women and Leadership Program (WLP)

“I personally want to thank you; this program was a life- changing experience, a basic point in my life. I loved the classes, the readings, the workshops! All the discussions that we had were the best! I'm so proud of being a WLP scholar, especially of being one of your scholars! I really admire you! You have been an inspiration to me, you're so smart and it's always great having a conversation with you! I really think that it's so amazing that you were so young when you started these programs and that the GLP is so well-known.”
—Nadia Wriu, Mexico, October 6, 2010

“Something that marked my experience was being able to make an international community service. Even though there are many people in Mexico that need help, I wasn't aware of the impact of these activities. After GLP Panama, I return to Mexico with the commitment to do something for my own community, since I'm sure I can make a difference.”
—Ernesto A. Rivera Montes, Mexico, August 30, 2010

“Had I not gone to Prague in 2006, I have no doubt that I would be a very different person today. Not as sure of myself, not as brave, and nowhere near as adventurous.”
—Natasha Yang, Malaysia, May 10, 2010

“I really can't tell you how much of a different person the program made me. I am happier, more civic minded, and determined to do all I can.”
—Alex Crous, Indiana, April 9, 2010

“I wanted to thank you for all of the doors you have opened for so many of us. Without my GLP experience I would not have ever even thought of getting involved in so many leadership positions this year. Your faith and confidence in us truly has made all the difference. This year alone I have been able to take on so many new positions just because people have been so impressed by what your organization is all about! …Again, this would not have been possible without all of the inspiration that you have offered us!”
—Emily Rizzo, Indiana, February 1, 2010

“Every single day in Prague was a different surprise a new learning, a new friend, and a new place; all of them much better than any preconception that I could have had in my mind. This has been, without a doubt one of the most wonderful, gratifying, thoughtful and enlightening programs I have ever experienced in my life.”
—Humberto Trevino, Mexico, August 25, 2009

“I would like to start by thanking you for all the time and effort you have put into GLP and for selecting me to be a part of the program last summer. I am not exaggerating when I say attending GLP was one of the very best decisions of my life. The program taught me so much, not only about the world, but about myself as well. Having attended GLP I now have a much better appreciation for the scope of the world, and the beauty of other cultures. It has made me a better leader, and because of GLP I am constantly evaluating myself as a leader, and what I can do to improve. It also helped me mature and develop a deeper understanding of the world.”
—Cedar Scarlett-Lyon, United States, August 20, 2009

“First, I would like to thank you from the bottom of my heart for giving me the opportunity to participate in GLP 2009. It has been by far the best month; I learned so many things from which I will take advantage for a whole lifetime. I have never thought I can enjoy so ultimately every second of a class. My whole course book is full of notes which I re-read every day and find out new points of view.”
—Galya Shishkova, Bulgaria, February 27, 2009

"I had a life changing time at GLP and I wanted to thank you from the bottom of my heart. Never before have I been exposed to such first class teaching and first class people. Every conversation I had over the month, whether it was with one of the teachers or with one of the other students proved to be stimulating and thought provoking. I now have so much more insight into other cultures, other realms of politics and even a greater understanding of myself. Studying abroad at GLP has inspired me to hopefully go on and do something great for the greater good, and I now have no doubt that I can achieve it. In a world so gloomy, with so many troubles it often seems as though there is no hope or chance of changing the world for the better although spending a month around such motivated and gifted, like minded people proved that there is an abundance of hope, you just need to look in the right places and have a little faith."

-Zachary Whale, Australia, August 14, 2008

"As a brief aside, this is my third daughter to attend your program and the education you have provided them in opening their eyes to the world around us has been priceless. The exposure to other cultures and the interaction with other nationalities has been, in my opinion, an invaluable educational experience. One that they, as well as myself, appreciate beyond words."

-Peter Kline, parent, February 6, 2008

"I remember last December reading all of the quotes on the web site from past participants and thinking there was no way that it was as good as everyone said. I was clearly wrong. I learned more in the four weeks I spent in Prague than I had in my previous two years in college. The experience was so unique and I hope that you are able to keep it going for a long time."

-Dan Karlander, Indiana, October 20, 2006

"This is the best moment to write about GLP. Since I came back from Argentina, I have thought about the program everyday. All these days I had wanted to take my time to think and write about the best experience of my life: GLP. It could sound kind of exaggerated saying that GLP has been the best experience of my life, but when you live GLP you learn that there are not enough words to express the way in which it helps to improve your life. It really changes your perspective."

-Juan Calderon, Colombia, November 9, 2006

"I remember last December reading all the quotes on the website from past participants and thinking there was no way that it was as good as everyone said. I was clearly wrong. I learned more in the four weeks I spent in Prague then I had in my previous two years at college. The experience was so unique and I hope that you are able to keep it going for a long time."

-Dan Karlander, Bloomington, Indiana October 20, 2006

"To this day GLP is the only program I have ever been on that really showed this special relationship between the two fields: philosophy and global service, and is helping me a lot in determining my life path. I just wanted to let you know that."

-Amber North, Chicago, Illinois, October 5, 2006

"I just wanted to write you again personally to thank you for the amazing program that you initiated and organized, and have been working hard to develop ever since its conception. I returned to Connecticut a few days ago and, in an international academic environment, have felt the effects that the program had on me stronger than ever. I feel myself taking the initiative and taking responsibility where I doubt I would have before, and friends have made comments that lead me to believe that the deep introspection instigated by my stay in Prague did bear fruit."

-Soren Sudhof, Connecticut, August 31, 2005

"I don�t know how I can thank you for this incredible opportunity you gave to me and my sister Anna. How incredible it was to have so many different and interesting cultures in one class that increased our knowledge day by day and also increased our critical analysis about things around us� I feel thirsty about knowledge and this program made me another person with this new knowledge. I have learned in many different ways, especially personally and I have changed a lot and in a very positive way, which I am very happy for it. I can say with no doubts that this was the best experience of my life."

-Olga Fernandes de Moura Leite, Brazil, September 3, 2005

"I want to say that you can rest every night knowing that your goal for the GLP to reach out, expand horizons and encourage people has been fulfilled. I want to thank you, very sincerely, for the hard work and perseverance you have put in, ensuring that your dream got off the ground. Very inspiring, and so worthwhile. What a difference each of us can make in this world."

-Laurie Gashinski, Canada, GLP 2003 and GEP 2004

"I never really got to express my true gratitude to you for allowing me to have participated in this program. It truly was a life-changing month for me, something that I may never be able to express in words. I came home motivated, inspired, and feeling like I really could change the world, and in the town of Vesile, we already had helped to do just that. The bond that I feel between all of the GLPers is something rare that we will be able to take with us forever, and I will always keep close to my heart."

-Kait Martel, Massachusetts, GLP 2003 and GCDP 2004

"I wanted to thank you again for inspiring us all to enact change within our own communities and I wanted to tell you that my program, Caring For Seniors as it is now called, has been a great success. The student organization now has about 40 members and is growing.� We volunteer within two nursing homes and were able to give gifts to residents over the holidays and just received a large grant from the University of Florida to do an aging awareness activity on campus. I have attached a few photos of our caroling trip to one of the nursing homes and I thought you might enjoy knowing that this has touched a lot of people and you were a major contributor. Thanks again."

-Camille West, Florida, GLP 2003

"I came across with what are you doing, and see that besides the initial Global Leadership Program there are new programs taking place as well. I must say, that what you do, is truly admirable. You have done a great progress and really create possibilities for people to learn, develop and become a leader. I wish you all the best in keeping up the energy for doing it and lots of success in carrying out the initiatives."

-Piret Jeedas, Estonia, GLP 2001

"My participation in the Global Leadership Program became a turning point in my life. This valuable experience has allowed me to not only learn about the importance of being a leader, but it has also given me the opportunity to experience a new culture and to form many great friendships. Participating in a team building retreat and engaging in group discussions has positively influenced me to develop communications and problem solving skills as well as enhanced my ability to work collaboratively and productively on a team. All mentors and participants of the program inspired and continue to inspire me to make positive changes in my community. Spending a month in Prague with a group of forty outstanding individuals has made my summer turn out to be one of the greatest experiences I've ever had so far throughout my college career."

-Aleksandra Lacka, Poland, GLP 2003 and GEP 2004

"My participation in the Global Leadership Program, both as a student and as a student assistant, substantiated my interest in intercultural education. It didn't teach me a certain amount of material, the way regular college classes teach. It made me think and challenge myself, and begin to realize what I want from myself and those around me. The process of self discovery I started in Prague in the summer of 2001 is still underway."

-Mariyana Radeva, Bulgaria, GLP 2001

"I just wanted to thank you again for creating such a wonderful program... GEP, your own social movement, has helped me academically and personally this year. Things we discussed in your class this summer came up a great deal in my courses this semester and I often had a lot to offer to the conversations because of things I had learned from you, Petra, and my classmates... I have known this for sometime, but the feeling, the hope of a new tomorrow and the ability to imagine multiple tomorrows are what matter most. I had to let you know that. I believe that when you feel something, when you feel something great, you have to say it then, while it still really has meaning."

-Tiffany Nicely-Williams, New York, GEP 2004

"For a person with many different international and educational experiences, I was pleasantly surprised when the program met and surpassed all of my expectations. It was innovative, bold, challenging, and new. You will meet so many interesting people and visit so many incredible places that I am almost jealous that it is you and not me who will be going to Prague this year. But as many past participants have done in the past, I also plan to visit and remind myself what GLP is, instead of trying to put into words what must be experienced in person."

-Asen Parachkevov, Bulgaria, GLP 2002