NC State Students Enhance Global Leadership Skills Abroad
Safina Luu, a spring 2025 graduate in industrial and systems engineering from North Carolina State University (NC State), is among students participating in the Global Leadership Minor (GLM). This program offers students the opportunity to enhance their leadership skills through an immersive experience across various European cities.
Luu was attracted to NC State for its vast opportunities and found one of the most impactful experiences within the small community fostered by the GLM. The program, housed in the Shelton Leadership Center, has empowered students for over 20 years, focusing on cultivating values-based leaders. “My Goodnight advisor informed me about the GLM program, which is included in the Goodnight Scholars Program,” said Luu. “I love traveling and had studied abroad before, so I decided to join.”
Transformative European Experience
The GLM program allows up to 15 students from any major to travel abroad during the spring semester, engaging in educational tours through European cities. Participants study under esteemed faculty while collaborating with local students and organizations. The program begins at the NC State European Center in Prague, where students learn foundational skills for intercultural collaboration.
During their first week in Prague, students complete a required course in critical decision-making and begin defining their personal goals. The city, historically rich and often referred to as the “Golden City,” serves as a picturesque starting point for their journey. Luu and her cohort engaged in discussions about global competencies, preparing them for the challenges of studying and working abroad.
After Prague, the cohort traveled to Innsbruck, a ski town in the Austrian Alps, for a two-week course on strategic communications led by Lynsey Romo, a professor in the Department of Communication. Here, they collaborated with students from the University of Innsbruck, gaining insights into Austria’s culture and enhancing their cross-cultural communication skills.
“We learned about different communication and conflict styles, which improved our ability to work effectively as a group,” Luu explained. “Experiencing diverse perspectives helps you grow.” The program also saw a significant increase in scholarship support, with 50% of the 2025 cohort receiving financial aid, compared to the usual average of 25%.
Exploring Leadership Across Borders
Following their time in Innsbruck, the cohort journeyed to Glasgow, Scotland, for a course in organizational leadership taught by Jason Bocarro, Owens-Shelton Distinguished Professor of Leadership with a Global Perspective. In Glasgow, students engaged with local businesses, learning how leaders align their teams and build community bonds.
One notable visit included the Scottish Event Campus, a venue that will host the Commonwealth Games in 2026. Luu described the experience as her favorite part of the program, where students presented their findings on business cohesiveness to industry leaders.
“We discussed their goals and how they connect with the broader objectives of their companies and the future of the city,” Luu shared. “It was incredibly insightful.”
The final leg of their journey took them to Nice, located on France’s Mediterranean coast, where they focused on sustainability as future leaders. Guided by Seth Murray, associate professor and director of the program in International Studies, students explored local practices that incorporate sustainable leadership.
Upon returning to Prague to finalize their capstone projects, students presented their learnings through the lens of their academic and career interests. Luu’s project aimed at enhancing the GLM experience using the Lean Six Sigma methodology, focusing on improving processes.
“The GLM program served as a strong culmination to my undergraduate experience, preparing me for my role as a financial analyst with Bank of America,” Luu remarked. “I gained confidence and a deeper understanding of myself.”
Other participants, like Sarah Roskam, who participated in the first GLM cohort in 2020, echoed similar sentiments. Roskam noted that her experience significantly influenced her pursuit of dual degrees in international studies and economics. “The GLM program sets you on a global path for your life,” she stated.
As the program celebrates its 20th anniversary, it continues to provide students with invaluable experiences that extend beyond academic learning, fostering a sense of global citizenship and intercultural leadership.
