Institute for Global Learning currently offers a few select student opportunities in support of its member schools and their partners:
+ Student Action Summits
+ Virtual Student Dialogues
+ Student Dialogue Facilitator Certificate (NEW!)
+ Global Competence Certificate Program for Students
+ Student Bilingual Publishing Opportunity
+ Salomon Prize for Student Expression and Thought on Global Issues
Student Action Summits
Students are actively seeking ways to both engage with the pressing global issue of concern to them and to connect with peer student leaders at other schools who share their purpose. Consequently, Institute for Global Learning is again offering a series of student-centered summits. Over the course of these one-day events, high-school student leaders collaborate, share, and engage in dialogue around their efforts and actions as global citizens. While these events are designed to be regional in scope, they are open to participation from all Member Schools and their partners, and we welcome presentation proposal submissions from any Institute for Global Learning Member School.
Climate Action and Sustainability Leadership On and Off Campus
Saturday, February 21, 2026, hosted at Polytechnic School (Pasadena, CA, USA)
Title: What If We Get It Right? Imagining a future of climate solutions
Description: This event will bring together like-minded students whose radical imaginations envision a future of climate solutions. Participants are invited to find joy and connection in climate action as we envision an equitable, sustainable future for our planet.
Because this is a student-run event, we are inviting proposals for student presentations designed by students, for students.
Call for Student Proposals
There will be two breakout presentation sessions where students will be able to choose among multiple options of presentations given by students about a related project or initiative that they are currently involved in at their school. Students are invited to submit presentation proposals by January 30th.
Program Format
In-person student-developed and -led summit with plenary sessions, dialogue groups, breakout presentations, and community action planning
Timing
One Full-Day Summit from 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Location
The Student Action Summit is hosted at Polytechnic School located at 1030 E. California Blvd, Pasadena, CA. Summits are designed as regional events however any member school is welcome to attend!
Cost
The per-participant costs is $90 USD (per member-school student); $50.00 USD (per member-school adult) and $115 USD (per non-member-school student); $60.00 USD (per non-member-school adult). – summit registration includes some meals/snacks.
Audience
Participating students are in grades 9-12 (roughly 14-18 years old). Student groups generally include 2-15 participants with at least one (two encouraged) faculty mentor/s to accompany the group.
General Program Schedule
8.30AM
Arrivals to campus and registration
9.00-10.30AM
Opening plenary
10.30-10.45AM
Break
10.45AM-12.00PM
Dialogue 1
12.00-1.00PM
Lunch
1.00-1.30PM
Breakout Presentations A
1.40-2.10PM
Breakout Presentations B
2.15-3.15PM
Dialogue 2
3.15-3.45PM
Break
3.45-4.15PM
Community action planning in school groups
4.15-5.00PM
Closing session
Global Competence Certificate for Students
Institute for Global Learning is partnering with AFS to offer a Global Competence Certificate Program for students ages 14-17. The program includes a combination of AFS-developed asynchronous online coursework as well as synchronous Institute for Global Learning-facilitated dialogues. Students in this program all come from Member Schools and will interact with one another in a Institute for Global Learning-exclusive asynchronous platform and in dialogues facilitated by trained Institute for Global Learning facilitators.
The Global Up Teen program is a one-of-a-kind, virtual program, open to teens (aged 14-17) to develop key global skills for the emerging future and build bridges across cultures, all while becoming part of a truly global community. Global Up Teen features a closed, minors-only platform for connecting and sharing with other learners worldwide.
Participants who complete the program will receive a certificate to accompany the new knowledge, skills, and attitudes developed through the program. Completion of the program involves doing all of the asynchronous coursework as well as attending one of each of the four Facilitated Dialogue Sessions (each offered twice during the times below). Students can also participate in the program without earning a certificate, if they so desire.
PROGRAM CURRICULUM
DISCOVER
- Welcome & Roadmap
- Metaphors of Culture
- Who Am I?
- Leaving your Comfort Zone
- Exploring Perspectives
DELIVER
- Stereotypes & Generalizations
- Empathy & Listening
- Suspending Judgment
- Cultural Value Dimensions
- Communication Styles
DEEPEN
- Dealing with Conflict
- Coping & Being Resilient
- Understanding Inequality
DEBRIEF
- Power & Privilege
- Skilling Up for the Future
- Taking Action
During each of the live Facilitated Dialogue Sessions (FDSs), students will engage in full-group facilitated discussions, led by a trained Institute for Global Learning-AFS facilitator, as well as indirectly supervised breakout discussions—the facilitator will remain in the main Zoom room, but students will be alone in 4-6 student breakout rooms, with the ability to return to the Main Room at any time. At least two adults from Institute for Global Learning will be present in the Main Room during these sessions at all times.
Students need to be registered by a supervising adult at their school who will be responsible for supporting their school’s participant/s. This support is mostly through facilitating registration and helping to respond to any needs that might come up, but these adults do not need to attend any of the live dialogue sessions or to take the course themselves.
+ FORMAT: Asynchronous online coursework (10-12 hours) and four synchronous, virtual dialogues
+ DATES: A certificate for the course requires full participation in 4 synchronous Facilitated Dialogue Sessions which cover 4 different content areas.
Dialogue #1: Tuesday, June 17, 2025 // 3-4.30PM Pacific / 6-7.30PM Eastern
Dialogue #2: Tuesday, July 15, 2025 // 3-4.30PM Pacific / 6-7.30PM Eastern
Dialogue #3: Tuesday, August 5, 2025 // 3-4.30PM Pacific / 6-7.30PM Eastern
Dialogue #4: Tuesday, August 19, 2025 // 3-4.30PM Pacific Pacific / 6-7.30PM Eastern
Make Up Session: Tuesday, August 26, 2025 // 3-4.30PM Pacific Pacific / 6-7.30PM Eastern European
+ COST: $250 per participant, member schools only
+ AUDIENCE: Students ages 14-17
Global Student Dialogues
To navigate today’s political climate in a pluralistic world, it is essential that our students hone their intercultural communication and perspective-taking skills. Institute for Global Learning’s Global Student Dialogues provide students the opportunity for dialogue and connection with peers from schools across North America and more than 22 countries around the world. Historically, these dialogues have addressed topics of global significance such as climate change and gender equality, topics related to global current events and UN Sustainable Development Goals in order to develop the student intercultural communication and perspective-taking.
With the guidance of facilitators, students engage in conversations in small groups, share their experiences and thoughts on the topic and practice essential skills related to respectful civil discourse. Students report that the two skills they most practice in this program are listening for understanding and listening with empathy.
Partnership Driven Dialogues
Integrating dialogue into the curriculum of a course or program allows educators to support participants in adequately preparing for, meaningfully engaging in, and thoughtfully debriefing an intercultural experience; however, one of the greatest challenges to doing so is the partnership development and logistical complexities required to make such an opportunity available to students across a school community.
Institute for Global Learning works to empower students and schools to take the lead in designing and facilitating rich, meaningful dialogues with their peers across the globe. Dialogues are hosted by schools who provide student facilitators and topic. If your students are interested in hosting a dialogue or you would like additional details, please reach out to Melissa Brown, Director of Professional Learning and Intercultural Programs.
2025-26 Dialogues
As we begin the 2025–2026 school year, the Institute for Global Learning invites member schools to join us in building on the incredible momentum of last year’s virtual dialogues. Thanks to our partner schools, 745 students from 59 schools across 18 states and 10 countries came together to engage in meaningful, student-driven dialogue on the issues that matter most to them. If a member school school is interested in hosting a dialogue, please indicate your interest here.
Tuesday, January 27, 2026 – 9 AM Pacific // 12 PM Eastern // 6 PM Central European // 7 PM Central Africa
High School Student Dialogue hosted by Palmer Trinity School
Title: From Debate to Dialogue: Navigating Disagreement to Deepen Understanding
Topic: Dialogue vs. Debate
Thursday, Jan 29th, 2026, 8:00 AM PST / 10:00 AM CT / 11:00 AM ET / 5:00 PM CET/6:00 CAT
Middle School Student Dialogue hosted by Palmer Trinity School
Title: Building, Not Battling: Creating Change Together
Topic: Dialogue vs. Debate
Wednesday, February 11, 2026 at 9 AM Pacific // 11AM Central // 12 PM Eastern // 6 PM Central European // 7 PM Central Africa
High School Student Dialogue hosted by Laurel School
Title: Intrapersonal & Cultural Fluency: Understanding yourself to understand others
Topic: Intrapersonal and Intercultural Fluency
How are you developing your intrapersonal fluency? Knowing yourself well—your feelings, strengths, and values —is a key factor in effective global learning and leadership. Reflecting on and developing these inner skills prepares you to elevate your cultural fluency —your ability to notice and respect differences between people, such as traditions, beliefs, or ways of communicating—and to adjust so you can connect more authentically, learn more deeply, and lead towards positive change.
Wednesday, February 18, 2026 at 9 AM Pacific // 11AM Central // 12 PM Eastern // 6 PM Central European // 7 PM Central Africa
Middle School Student Dialogue hosted by Laurel School
Title: Intrapersonal & Cultural Fluency: Understanding yourself to understand others
Topic: Intrapersonal and Intercultural Fluency
How are you developing your intrapersonal fluency? Knowing yourself well—your feelings, strengths, and values —is a key factor in effective global learning and leadership. Reflecting on and developing these inner skills prepares you to elevate your cultural fluency —your ability to notice and respect differences between people, such as traditions, beliefs, or ways of communicating—and to adjust so you can connect more authentically, learn more deeply, and lead towards positive change.
Tuesday, March 10, 2026 at 8:00 AM Pacific/ 10:00 AM Central / 11:00 AM Eastern/ 5:00 PM Central European
Middle School Student Dialogue hosted by Hackley School
Title: The Role of the Arts in Global Learning
Student Intercultural Dialogue Facilitator Certificate
The Intercultural Dialogue Facilitator Certificate is an engaging leadership development experience for students in grades 9–12 who are ready to foster connection across difference, lead inclusive conversations in their communities, and build facilitation skills rooted in empathy, curiosity, and respect.
Ideal for students involved in global programs, student government, affinity groups, clubs, athletics, or the arts, this credential prepares students to lead with confidence in intercultural dialogue design and facilitation. Through a thoughtful blend of training, guided practice, and peer engagement, students strengthen their voice as dialogue leaders in a globally connected world.
Students will:
Watch a 20-minute Dialogue 101 orientation video on the principles and purpose of intercultural dialogue.
Attend a 3-hour Virtual Facilitator Training (offered Sundays in October, February, and May), focusing on dialogue design and facilitation.
Participate in two 1-hour live Virtual Student Dialogues with peers from member schools, discussing identity, culture, and global issues.
Design and lead a virtual or in-person intercultural dialogue with faculty mentorship—either by hosting an IGL dialogue or leading one in your school or community.
To earn the certificate, students must join the Student Dialogues with a faculty sponsor and complete either the Virtual Facilitator Training or an in-person training through IGL’s custom school programs. Certificates will be issued in May. Total time commitment ~8 hours
Educators accompanying students through all program components will also earn the Educator Intercultural Dialogue Facilitator Certificate.
Student Facilitator Training (3 hours, synchronous
A hands-on virtual workshop providing foundational tools in dialogue design and facilitation
- Sunday, October 19, 2025 – 9am-12pm Pacific // 12-3 pm Eastern // 6-9 pm Central European
- Sunday, February 22, 2026 – 10am-1pm Pacific // 1-4 pm Eastern // 7-10pm Central European
Intercultural Dialogue: A Field Guide for Educators & Schools
This over 100-page publication, the first of its kind in the K-12 Global Education field, helps educators and student leaders seeking to bring dialogue into their classrooms and programs access model practices that help their students and peers learn competencies like perspective-taking and intercultural communication. 22 schools from within the Institute for Global Learning’s Network have contributed to this publication; from those 22 schools, 22 school educator-leaders and 54 student leaders were directly involved in the drafting of various sections of the publication.
With support from The Edward E. Ford Foundation, Institute for Global Learning expanded the Global Student Dialogues program to focus on intercultural dialogue and civil discourse and develop accompanying competency-based curricular resources adaptable for use by educators.
In 2022-23 Institute for Global Learning (formerly GEBG) partnered with 22 Leading Partner Schools, and engaged over 1000 middle and high school students from 10 different countries in active intercultural dialogue on global issues. We experimented with a number of models for our virtual dialogues, varying our timing; the length of each session; and also added student facilitators in late spring.
Student leaders involved in the Student Leadership Council helped guide the topics and format of all our dialogues, as well as developed their leadership and facilitation skills in partnership with peers from over 20 different schools. Adult representatives serving on the Educator Advisory Council provided essential contributions towards our publication of a guidebook on Intercultural Dialogue for schools. The Council identified the areas of most meaningful growth, and drafted materials that will be shared with our wider independent school community next school year. The leadership and insight of this group guided our dialogues as well as provided insight that will shape student learning around intercultural dialogue at independent schools throughout North America and well beyond.
We extend our thanks to the student and faculty leaders at those schools.
Appleby College (ON)
Academy of Notre Dame de Namur (PA)
Buckingham Browne and Nichols School (MA)
Brewster Academy (NH)
Castilleja School (CA)
Columbus School for Girls (OH)
Flintridge Preparatory School (CA)
Friends Seminary (NY)
Friends Seminary (NY)
Groton School (MA)
Holton-Arms School (MD)
Lower Canada College (QC)
Miami Country Day (FL)
Palmer Trinity School (FL)
Polytechnic School (CA)
Providence Day School (NC)
Rye Country Day School (NY)
St. Andrew’s Episcopal School (MS)
St. Mary’s Episcopal (TN)
St. Mark’s School (MA)
Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School (GA)
Pace Academy (GA)
McDonogh School (MD)
