Our History

Established in 1999! Before "social impact" was a popular phrase, we've been modeling the idea of creating programming centered on "Impact" -- creating programs that catalyze the social fabric of the community and well-being of individuals.  Leadership exCHANGE is an educational organization dedicated to providing young people with the skills and opportunities they need to become active and responsible citizens in this global community. Programs run throughout the year in Prague and Raleigh, North Carolina.

Our Mission

At Leadership exCHANGE, we seek to empower the next generation of change agents. Join students from more than 80 different countries who already have reaped the benefits of our programs. We believe that young people are a remarkable source of imagination and drive. At Leadership exCHANGE, we give them the resources and support to transform their ideas into action — so they can move the world. 

Creating the Art of the impossible

Why are we unique?

International Participants

2017 marks the 18th anniversary of the Global Leadership Program (GLP)! To date, we have already taught and trained students from more than 80 countries. Each program typically includes students from 10 to 20 countries. By living and learning alongside young people from around the world, you will have the unique opportunity to gain first-hand knowledge not only of the country where you are studying but a wide range of cultures. In this environment, you will discover the true meaning of global citizenship.

Dynamic Instructors

Our instructors are handpicked for their expertise, their interactive approach to teaching and their experience in the world at large. They will provide you with the ability, the passion and the skill sets you need to create progressive and lasting change in our world. Passionately committed to the principles of constructive engagement, they practice what they preach. Take Petra Hejnova for example. A co-instructor of the Women and Leadership Program, Petra is the former director of the Prague Gender Studies Centre and has delivered reports to the United Nations regarding the status of women in the Czech Republic. Heather McDougall, the founder of Leadership exCHANGE and a professor who has taught in numerous programs, has an extensive background in social reform, leadership initiatives, women’s rights and cross-cultural communication. Christopher Gergen, a professor with GLP’s Prague program, is the co-author of Life Entrepreneurs.

award-winning international programming 

Commitment to Academic Excellence

Knowledge is the key to becoming a global citizen. That’s why we offer specially designed courses that focus on issues of global importance. Each course will challenge and stimulate you as you explore and analyze ideas of great significance and relevance to the world we live in.

We believe education should be interactive, not passive. Instead of simply listening to lectures, you will play an active role through experiential learning, guest lectures and field trips.

Our dedication to academic excellence draws students from a wide range of countries, cultures and backgrounds. They have been scrupulously selected and carefully chosen from some of the world’s most prestigious educational institutions, including: 

• American University in Kosovo
• Birzeit University
• Blaise Pascal University
• Christopher Newport University
• Indiana University
• Ohio State University
• University of North Carolina
• Denver University
• University of Maryland