The Bush Center
International Student Leadership Program
There is nothing more fulfilling than to serve your country and your fellow citizens and to do it well.
Breaking Into Leadership
In a world where college admittance only becomes more competitive, distinguish yourself by gaining a global understanding of the leadership qualities needed to succeed and immediately elevate your potential to surpass even your own expectations.
The International Student Leadership Program brings together future leaders through the study of the world’s most impactful leaders and how they accomplished their life’s work. You will conduct case studies, cultural analysis, and develop your own leadership philosophy so you can walk into any scenario with confidence.
Our three-week in person course gives you access to major industry leaders, travel through southeast Texas, and the practice of English as a second language within the warm, welcoming Texas culture of host families.
If traveling isn't an option, then explore our online leadership course, Breaking into Leadership.
This innovative and inspiring 12-week course launches Monday, Jan. 25. Designed for students in grades eight through twelfth, participants will need a form of personal computer, internet access, pen, and paper and or a notebook.
Graduates of both the in-person course and online edition will earn a certificate of completion through The George and Barbara Bush Center for Scholars and Leaders, along with half a high school credit through Houston Christian High School.
The program introduces and trains college-bound students in four critical domains of leadership: Personal, Interpersonal, Managerial, and Organizational. Graduates of this program will gain both leadership skills and a broad global understanding of what it takes to lead organizations well.
For further information or questions on how to enroll, please contact Leadership Instructor Jenny Honeck.
List of 6 items.
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What is ISLP?
Program Goals- Build leadership skills that will last a lifetime
- Receive a certificate of Leadership
- Gain experience, confidence and effectiveness in communicating in English
- Receive guidance on college essay writing
- Learn how to apply to American universities
- Build cross-cultural friendships with a host American family and their children
Program Activities- Participate in dynamic workshops to build effective leadership skills
- Spend time with industry leaders focusing on strategic planning and implementation within their organizations
- Students receive training on how to apply to American universities and tour Rice University and University of Texas at Austin
- Receive College Counseling to include College Essay Development Training and Application Assistance
- Study in American classrooms with American students
- Experience Texas high school culture by attending classes, arts, and sporting events with American students
Eligibility RequirementsStudents applying to this program must be 14-18 years of age by August 1, 2017, possess a strong academic record, demonstrate proficient oral and written English, and have well-developed interests in activities and hobbies outside of school.
What Is Included- Tuition and Study Materials
- Host Family Housing
- 3 Meals Daily
- Program-Related Transportation
- Housing at the Ranch
- Cultural and Recreation Activities
What Is Not Included- Tourist Visa Application Fee
- Medical Insurance
- Airfare
- Personal Shopping and Expenses
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What is the cost?
Our in-person leadership program is currently suspended due to COVID-19 restrictions. Information will be provided on upcoming programs.
Breaking Into Leadership:
$600 per student -
What Can I Expect from ISLP?
- Participate in dynamic workshops to build effective leadership skills.
- Engage in collaborative teamwork by constructing action plans, practicing peer mediation and negotiation, and project management.
- Spend time with industry leaders focusing on strategic planning and implementation within their organizations.
- Gain deeper understanding of industries such as medicine, space exploration, transportation, energy, science, sports and arts, government and business through project-based exploration.
- Spend time at a beautiful Texas ranch, traveling throughout the surrounding central region of Texas to experience the culture and if time allows, student may visit some of the area’s most notable attractions including special access to the George Bush Presidential Library, as well as other sites such as the Alamo, the Texas State Capitol and San Antonio Riverwalk.
- Students receive training on how to apply to American universities and tour Rice University and University of Texas at Austin. Enjoy great Texas hospitality living with host American families during the first and third weeks of the program.
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How Do I Apply?
Breaking Into Leadership
The enrollment deadline to our online leadership course Breaking Into Leadership is Monday, Jan. 11. To apply, email Leadership Instructor Jenny Honeck.
Due to COVID-19, all international travel and exchange programs have been suspended until further notice. Please check back here regularly for updates.
To be considered for participation in the International Student Leadership Program, complete the online application available by clicking here, submit one teacher recommendation letter from a current teacher, and pay the non-refundable deposit and registration fee ($100). When each of these items have been received, the application of all candidates will be reviewed and you will be contacted with additional information.
For questions about the program or application, please email jhoneck@houstonchristian.org -
ISLP Host Family Information
Qualifications for Host Families- International student must have their own bed
- Able to provide daily transportation to and from Houston Christian
- Willing to provide experiences for student to help them participate in American culture (family dinners, events in Houston, etc.)
Creating a Cross-Cultural Community, article on Host Families by Elizabeth Elliott -
How to Contact Us
Jenny HoneckLeadership InstructorThe George and Barbara Bush Center for Scholars and LeadersTelephone: 713-580-6053Email: jhoneck@houstonchristian.org
