Global Panthers: FIU’s First International Civic Leadership Exchange Program!

From July 11-24,?FIU Global?and the?Steven J. Green School of International & Public Affairs, led by the?Maurice A. Ferré Institute for Civic Leadership?and in partnership with the?Mohsin & Fauzia Jaffer Center for Muslim World Studies, hosted a cohort of 24 undergraduate students from the Middle East as part of a Young Leaders Exchange Program.?

FIU Global Director Gitta Montoto?was the Program Director for the exchange program while?Ferré Institute Director Dr. Agatha Caraballo?served as the Curriculum Director, and doctoral candidate?Humayra Sultanafrom the Department of Public Policy and Administration acted as the Program Coordinator. The three co-hosts designed a tailored program and facilitated the educational sessions and community activities with an overarching focus on civic leadership, environmental resilience, and sustainability. We deeply appreciate the contributions of our participating FIU faculty, staff, students, invited guest speakers and panelists, and community mentors.

This international summer exchange program in the United States, for which FIU was one of four host schools across the country, is sponsored and funded by the?U.S. Department of State?and administered by?World Learning?in Washington DC.

The program's goals include: (1) develop skills in leadership and civic engagement among participants, enabling them to be active change-makers in their communities; (2) foster a respect for diversity and inclusion and a stronger understanding between participants of different ethnic, religious, and national backgrounds; (3) enhance professional skills to advance participants’ career and community service passions.?

The visiting international students immersed themselves in the FIU campus community, connecting with students, staff, faculty and local partners, as well as key community, religious and government leaders in South Florida. The?Copperbridge Foundation?sponsored a lunch at their cultural arts hub, The Copper, as well as a community tour with stops at the?Museum of Contemporary Arts (MOCA)?in North Miami, the?Green Space Miami?in Little Haiti, the?Wynwood Walls, and?Books & Books?in Coral Gables.

Students attended workshops and actively engaged in sessions with respected and highly acclaimed guest speakers focusing on Civic Leadership; Sustainability; Environmental Resilience; Government 101; Leadership and Entrepreneurship; Ethics and Public Service; Nonprofits and NGOs; United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); Advocacy and Lobbying; Policymaking; Climate Gentrification and Emergency Preparedness; and Community Engagement.

Tour of Vizcaya Museum and Gardens

The exchange students visited the?Vizcaya Museum and Gardens?to see firsthand how sea level change poses a threat to the historic site and what leaders are doing to protect it. Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, a national historic landmark in Miami, is threatened by sea level rise and powerful storms, and is at the forefront of important conversations regarding climate change. It is a microcosm, used to explore how climate change affects the surrounding communities and the world. The attendees learned about the museum’s strategy for combating climate change through site protection, supporting positive climate action, and fostering community conservation.

Luncheon at the Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management

Students also had the chance to attend a luncheon at?FIU’s Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management?teaching restaurant at the Biscayne Bay Campus. While there, they gained insights into global sustainable tourism practices from?Professors Mohammad Qureshi and John Buschman.

Feedback received from our visiting international exchange students indicates that they enjoyed their time in Miami and left inspired and motivated to positively impact their communities as civic leaders!

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Note: Due to potential safety threats, the U.S. Department of State has requested that we maintain the students’ privacy. As such, we do not share their home country or identity.