International Leadership Experience to Support Artisan Enterprises

This paper discusses experiences and learning from a two-year project to promote social entrepreneurship and international leadership by supporting interactions between University students, international Artisans, and the local community. It was funded by a University Global Engagement Grant with the aim of creating multi-collegiate initiatives that provide students with significant international experiences. This case summary contributes to student exchange literature and practice by addressing key limitations in short-term international immersion experiences and case summary contributes to literature and understanding related university/community partnerships, by proposing and testing an innovative international leadership model. The program consists of three facets referred to as “Build,” “Take,” and “Bring.” “Build” refers to the need to develop strong relationships in the university and community to serve as a viable and receptive host to the artisan visit. “Take” phase focuses on students’ travel to the Artisans’ country. This aspect involves learning for university students to better understand the artisan community and their operating environment. Finally, the “Bring” focuses on international Artisans’ visit to the university and the local community to expand their market reach, educate the local community and university on their products.