For potential leaders from across campus, learning begins in London after the spring semester ends at Iowa State.

Leadership London is a 15-day, three-credit study abroad program that allows up to 12 students to travel to London to investigate how leadership is viewed in the United Kingdom, said Vernon Wall, assistant dean of students and one of the program leaders.

Tom Bander, senior in industrial engineering, went on the trip last summer.

“I was interested in a study abroad experience and learning about another culture,” he said. “I also found it was unique because it focused on leadership, and I think it’s the only study abroad program at ISU that focuses on that.”

Bander said the experience broadened his scope of the world.

“It was an eye-opening experience to see how people in another country view political and social issues,” he said.

Angela Bisanti, who also participated in Leadership London last year, said the trip was a valuable experience.

“I gained a better understanding of the culture of another country, as well as an understanding of how leadership works in universities abroad,” said Bisanti, junior in liberal studies.

Wall said the trip gives students of any major an opportunity to compare and contrast leadership concepts found in the United States with those of another country.

“Most study abroad programs are based out of one of the academic colleges,” he said. “[Leadership London] is a study abroad program that is open to students in any academic major.”

Through an interviewing process, 12 students are selected, Wall said.

“Our goal is to develop a diverse group of students who are genuinely interested in a study abroad experience,” he said.

Ginny Arthur, associate director of residence and one of the program leaders, said students are asked questions during the interviewing process about why they are interested in Leadership London, what leadership means to them and what they hope to get out of the experience.

“We are not necessarily looking for people who have been in leadership positions before, but people who are interested in learning about leadership from a different perspective,” Arthur said.

Wall originally had the idea and started the process of approval for the program, Arthur said.

Wall, Arthur and John Shertzer, residence hall life coordinator, collectively developed the curriculum for the program, Arthur said.

Wall said he wanted to provide an opportunity through the Student Activities Center for students to learn about leadership and have the experience of studying abroad.

“I’ve traveled abroad extensively and know the benefits of learning from other populations,” he said.

Leadership London is beneficial to students in many ways, he said.

“Employers look at students who have experience with people from diverse backgrounds and knowledge of global leadership issues,” Wall said.

Despite similarities between Great Britain and the United States, students will encounter many new ideas, Arthur said.

“If you look a little bit beneath the surface, you will find some differences in how people go about being leaders,” she said.

South America and South Africa are being considered as future locations for the leadership program, Arthur said.

Leadership London is scheduled to take place May 15 to 29. Additional information and applications can be found at www.sac.iastate.edu or by contacting Vernon Wall at 294-1023. Applications are due Feb. 8.