DIS Intercultural Leadership Award

DIS takes pride in helping our students become true global citizens, with an understanding of other cultures and the ability to make informed decisions. We do this through intense immersion in Danish society and culture, be it through different housing options, classes that reflect global and local trends and by offering to students ways in which they can step out of their comfort zones on their own while always knowing that DIS is there to support them in their explorations.

What is the Intercultural Leadership Award?

The Intercultural Leadership Award is recognition from DIS that you have stepped out of your box here this semester, and built personal leadership through engaging in a cross-section of cultural immersion activities while here. A majority of DIS students fit eligibility requirements for this award and all are encouraged to apply, however a group of finalists will be chosen based on their points for housing, academics, and immersion as well as the quality and content of their essay.

All finalists are invited to Intercultural Leadership Award reception on Thursday, May 10 at 18:00. Please make sure that you are able to attend as you will receive honor cords for your home school graduation, a letter of recommendation from Director of DIS, Anders Uhrskov, and an Intercultural Leadership Award certificate. An overall ILA winner will be announced at the reception.

The winner of the Spring 2012 ILA, will receive a return ticket to Denmark to come speak at the Opening Ceremony to incoming students at the beginning of the Spring 2013 semester, encouraging the next generation of DIS students to immerse and engage during their semester here. The winner will additionally receive a letter of recommendation from the Director of DIS, Anders Uhrskov, Honor Cords for their home school graduation and an Award Certificate.

All applicants who qualify to apply and who are named ‘recognized leaders’ will receive a Letter of recognition for Director of DIS, Anders Uhrskov.

Why apply for this award?

Think about it! You are gaining valuable experience and skills while you are studying abroad. What goals have you achieved that you and your home school hoped you would in making the decision to come study in Copenhagen? While you are looking at your experience currently from the immediate vantage point, approximately three months into your study abroad experience, you should imagine that this essay could also be used once you’re back in the U.S. as basis for an application to either grad school or a job.

And noting that you have received this award will be a valuable talking point on your resume, LinkedIn profile, and in job interviews!

Who can apply for this award?

As a current DIS student, if you feel that you have immersed yourself and built leadership through engagement opportunities this semester, you are invited and encouraged to apply for the DIS Intercultural Leadership Award (ILA). For DIS, personal leadership means taking charge of your life and your study abroad experience by being able to make informed decisions, being able to negotiate life based on practical experience and being able to tell a positive story. Intercultural leadership is actively using your head, heart, and hands to create a positive experience for yourself and your peers.

Applying requires that you fill out an application form and write a reflection essay that will be reviewed by a committee here at DIS.

You can apply for the award in one of the three following categories:

• Semester student
• Year-long student
• Group