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Undergraduates Gain Competitive Advantage Through the International Leadership Semester (ILS) in Rome
Fr. Nathaniel Haslam LC highlights the value of a faith-based approach
 
Contact: Imal Wagner, 301-840-5999 (USA); imalwagner@gmail.com; Helen Bannigan, +39-349-5155-306 (Europe), Helen@bannigan.com, www.bannigan.com
 
ROME, Italy, March 22, 2012 /Christian Newswire/ --  College graduates need more than a degree to compete for today's jobs. Many students are turning to specialized programs and study abroad options to give themselves that much-needed advantage with prospective employers. While there are many study abroad options available, the International Leadership Semester (ILS) program founded by Fr. Nathaniel Haslam LC at the Swiss School of Management, European University of Rome (Università Europea di Roma), stands out because it offers excellence in international leadership education combined with a solid foundation in Christian principles. The program offers a holistic approach to Leadership, one of the largest-growing fields of study today – based in historic Rome.
 
The Open Doors Report on International Educational Exchange, reported an increase of 300% in U.S. study abroad by students enrolled in U.S. higher education over the past two decades with Italy ranked second for American students, following the UK.
 
While many schools are trying to catch up to the demand for leadership programs, the ILS program already has a two-fold program in place. Students learn global leadership principles that are essential in today's world and work outside of the classroom with a community service project that puts theory into practice.
 
 "Leadership programs in the past were typically reserved for executives and didn't always take personal growth into account, said Fr. Nathaniel "The ILS improves leadership development by using student assessments, leadership mentors, corporate visits, community service leadership projects as well as creating and monitoring a personal development plan that they can take back to their universities."
 
A key area of distinction in the ILS program is the "Service Leadership" component. Students form teams to create, organize, plan, and execute a community service project which provides direct experience, thus helping students realize their full leadership potential.
 
Society is adrift and without points of reference," said Fr Nathaniel. "This is why we see rampant abuse of human liberties, the marginalization of those suffering material hardship as well as the intolerance toward religious expression in the public square. In this situation, the world yearns for new leadership. Our program helps develop young leaders based on Christian principles such as dignity of the human person, the common good, human rights, and solidarity.
 
The ILS program has three study abroad options for students to choose from: an 89-day semester program in the Fall or Spring, a six-week dual city Rome-Oxford Summer program, and a Pre-University semester or year-long program. Students take three core leadership classes, including one that tours Rome to learn about leaders in Roman history, and two electives.
 
The mission of the school is to provide the highest quality international educational experience for students through one-on-one leadership coaching, personal development plans, innovative educational tools, and a one-of-a-kind cultural experience that helps students learn to distinguish themselves as leaders. For more information, please visit www.ssmrome.com/ils.
 
About the Swiss School of Management, European University of Rome (Università Europea di Roma)
 
The Swiss School of Management was founded in the last century under the law of the Canton of Zurich in Switzerland. The English-speaking, higher learning institute is based in Rome, Italy. It aims to provide students with the highest quality international educational experience through one-on-one leadership coaching, personal development plans, and innovative educational tools to help students develop qualities that will distinguish them as leaders. Ultimately its mission is to provide students with the global business competencies required for leadership and success in demanding careers in the global economy. For more information visit www.ssmrome.com.