UNIVERSITY OF SAN DIEGO
Hansen Leadership Institute Summer Exchange Program (USA)
full · bachelors, masters
- 3 weeksIntensive leadership program in San Diego
- 30+ countriesParticipants in each cohort
- Fully fundedAirfare, accommodation, meals and materials
- Ages 20-25Eligible age range at program start
- ~US$8,000 (est.)Approximate value of the funded place
- All subjectsOpen to all fields of study
At a glance
full
Funding
€9k
Max amount
Jan 10, 2027
Deadline
Open to international and domestic applicants from 30+ countries
Country
University of San Diego
Provider
The Hansen Leadership Institute (HLI) Summer Exchange Program is hosted by the University of San Diego in San Diego, California, United States, and brings together young leaders from around the world for a 3-week intensive leadership course. Founded by Fred J. Hansen, the institute focuses on peace-building, cross-cultural exchange and practical leadership, with a curriculum built around conflict resolution, intercultural communication and leadership skills development. Each cohort draws participants from more than 30 countries, and selected participants receive full funding that includes airfare, accommodation, meals and training materials, alongside cultural excursions around San Diego. To be eligible, applicants must be 20 to 25 years old by the program start date, be enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate programme or have recently graduated, demonstrate English proficiency through TOEFL, IELTS or an equivalent test, and show a commitment to peace and community development. The application involves an online form, supporting documents (resume, transcripts, recommendation letters and a personal statement), English test results for international applicants, and an interview for shortlisted candidates. The deadline for international students falls earlier than for U.S. citizens, so confirm the current-cycle dates and the exact funding details on the official University of San Diego Hansen Leadership Institute page before you apply.
What's covered
- Airfare — Round-trip airfare to and from San Diego for selected international participants is fully covered.
- Accommodation — Housing is provided for the full 3-week program at the University of San Diego.
- Meals — Meals are included throughout the duration of the program.
- Training and materials — All workshops, training sessions and program materials are covered, with an estimated overall place value of around US$8,000 (~EUR 7,400 (est.)).
- Cultural excursions — Excursions to landmark locations around San Diego, included as part of the program experience.
- Leadership curriculum — Hands-on workshops in teamwork, negotiation, conflict resolution and intercultural communication led by program faculty.
How to apply
Applicants apply online through the University of San Diego Hansen Leadership Institute page, submit supporting documents and (for international applicants) English test results, and�if shortlisted�attend an interview.
- Complete the online application — Visit the official Hansen Leadership Institute website and complete the online application form for the upcoming summer cohort.
- Submit required documents — Prepare and upload your resume, academic transcripts, letters of recommendation and a personal statement focused on leadership and peace-building.
- Provide English proficiency results — International applicants submit TOEFL, IELTS or equivalent results to demonstrate English proficiency.
- Attend the interview — Shortlisted candidates are invited to an interview to assess their suitability for the program.
- Receive the decision — Selected participants are notified and given onboarding, travel and visa-support details ahead of the program.
Eligibility
AgeApplicants must be between 20 and 25 years old by the program start date.
Educational statusCandidates should be enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate programme, or have recently graduated.
English proficiencyProficiency must be demonstrated through TOEFL, IELTS or an equivalent test for international applicants.
CommitmentApplicants should show a commitment to promoting peace, tolerance and global leadership in their home communities.
International students must obtain a visa to attend; the institute provides assistance with the required documentation. Note that the deadline for international applicants is earlier than for U.S. citizens.
Eligible countries
Open to international and domestic applicants from 30+ countries
Deadlines
2027 summer cohort (international)~10 January 2027 (est.)
2027 summer cohort (U.S. citizens)~10 March 2027 (est.)
Selection
Candidates are assessed on demonstrated leadership experience, motivation for peace-building and global cooperation, cross-cultural experience, English proficiency and overall fit with the program's mission. Shortlisted applicants are interviewed, and the strongest are selected to form a cohort representing more than 30 countries.
Verified sources
- Hansen Leadership Institute - University of San Diegosandiego.eduofficial
- Kroc School of Peace Studies - University of San Diegosandiego.eduofficial
About the provider
The University of San Diego is a private university in San Diego, California, United States, founded in 1949. Its Kroc School of Peace Studies hosts the Hansen Leadership Institute, founded by Fred J. Hansen, which runs an annual summer leadership program for young people focused on peace-building, conflict resolution and intercultural cooperation.
Frequently asked questions
Answers below are best-effort estimates from the most recent application cycle. Values marked ~ or (est.) may shift year-to-year — confirm specifics on the official scholarship page.
Who can apply for the Hansen Leadership Institute program?
+
International and domestic applicants aged 20-25 by the program start date who are enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate programme, or have recently graduated, with a commitment to peace-building.
Is the program fully funded?
+
Yes. Selected participants receive full funding, including airfare, accommodation, meals and all program activities and materials.
How long is the program?
+
It is a 3-week intensive leadership course held at the University of San Diego in California.
Where is the program held?
+
At the University of San Diego, 5998 Alcala Park Way, San Diego, California, United States.
What is the age requirement?
+
Applicants must be between 20 and 25 years old by the program start date.
Do I need an English proficiency test?
+
Yes. International applicants must demonstrate English proficiency through TOEFL, IELTS or an equivalent test.
Do I need a visa to attend?
+
International students must obtain a visa; the institute provides assistance with the required documentation.
What is the application deadline?
+
The deadline for international students is earlier (~10 January 2027 (est.)) than for U.S. citizens (~10 March 2027 (est.)); confirm the exact dates on the official page.
What documents do I need?
+
A completed application form, resume, academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and English test results for international applicants.
Is there an interview?
+
Yes. Shortlisted candidates are invited to an interview to assess their suitability for the program.
What will I learn?
+
Skills in conflict resolution, intercultural communication and practical leadership, delivered through workshops and hands-on exercises.
How many countries are represented?
+
Each cohort brings together participants from more than 30 countries, building a global network of young leaders.