The Landscape of Study Abroad Leadership Learning

Study abroad offers a powerful context for leadership learning, yet its integration into leadership education is limited. This article explores the historical and contemporary landscape of study abroad through a leadership lens, addressing persistent access disparities and the need for inclusive program design. We examine major program structures-short-term faculty-led courses, institutional study centers, semester/year-long programs, and service-learning-highlighting their unique benefits and challenges. Practical guidance is provided for logistics, partnerships, and embedding leadership theory and reflection into experiential learning. Since planning international logistics can feel daunting for educators, we outline strategies to reduce barriers and support effective program design. We argue that intentionally designed study abroad programs create transformative anchor experiences in student leadership development.