Lauder Intercultural Ventures (LIVS)
The Lauder Intercultural Ventures (LIVs) provide an opportunity to road test earlier lessons on intercultural leadership in the context of a week-long off-site immersion and related pre-departure academic work. Each LIV, led by a faculty member, focuses on a theme relevant to the site’s historical, social, political, economic, and/or cultural context. LIVs are scheduled during Winter and Spring break, and each student will enroll in two LIV’s throughout their two years at Lauder. A LIV combines academic and experiential learning activities, and thus has contextual knowledge objectives (such as learning about environmental issues, consumption habits, religious studies, etc.) as well as field-based exercises and leadership development opportunities. We also welcome alumni to participate these intensive modules through a limited number of spaces.
Cuba
A society and an economy in transition
Denmark and Estonia
Entrepreneurship in action
Former Yugoslavia
Rebuilding lives and livelihoods in Bosnia and Serbia
Israel
Water issues and innovation
Madagascar
Biodiversity and cooperation
Mongolia
Social impact from a changing environment
Rapa Nui
Learning from Easter Island’s collapse
Thailand
Buddhism in practice, production, and promotion
Zanzibar
The history and legacy of the slave trade
From Our Alumni
“I had been to Cuba numerous times before returning with Cultural Ventures. Nonetheless, experiencing this complex and crazy country along with Lauder students, alumni, and professors and interacting with such an interesting array of Cubans was an unparalleled opportunity. All Lauder alumni should try a Ventures program!”
Nancy Kail (’89)
From Our Alumni
“Participating in the Mongolia LIV was a wonderful opportunity to explore a new culture and to stay connected with the Lauder community after graduation.”
Frank DeSimone (’15)
From Our Alumni
“These trips are short, intense immersions into challenges off of the beaten path. The topics vary; ours in Madagascar was on biodiversity and development and it was fascinating to not just read about the challenges but see them and speak to people on the ground trying to make a difference. It was also a great opportunity to really engage with current Lauder students, who welcome the alumni to the eternally renewing supply of Lauder love.”
Margaret Gorman (’04)
LIV Application
Students will be asked to apply for a LIV that focuses on a theme of greatest interest to them. The Institute aims to meet student interest, but cannot guarantee first choices. Students will submit an application for participation in which they provide first, second, and third LIV choices and submit an application essay. Criteria for LIV assignments are: the quality of the academic rationale and the availability of slots. Once a LIV has been assigned, students will sign an agreement that commits them to participating in all the planned activities related to the LIV and to follow the policies. After signing the agreement, students cannot change their LIV.
Immersion Fees
The Lauder Institute provides a substantial subsidy for the cost of LIVs, but students should be prepared to cover some travel-related costs such as: visas, transportation to airport, vaccines, and meals. See Tuition & Aid for more information about financing a Lauder education.
Alumni Participation
The Lauder Institute invites Lauder alumni to travel with current students to one of the LIV destinations! Alumni have the opportunity to gain an understanding of interconnected global challenges through field experiences in locations around the world focused on complex social, economic, and business challenges. We will offer pre-departure activities and readings to familiarize participants with the content related to their destination. Alongside students, alumni will develop a contextual understanding of historical perspectives on international relations, economic reforms, political challenges, business trends, and contemporary cultural movements.
The estimated cost is $3,500 per person, although the cost will range depending on location. This fee covers accommodations and access to the lectures and visits. It would be adjusted for room sharing. This amount does not include airfare. Every effort will be made to accommodate your selection.
Faculty with expertise in the themes and locations lead the LIVs. Past faculty include:
- Prof. Heather Sharkey (Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations)
- Prof. Christopher Atwood (East Asian Languages and Civilizations)
- Prof. Hocine Fetni (Deparment of Sociology)
Friday, February 8th is the deadline for alumni to sign up for an LIV. Spaces are limited.
If you have any further questions, please contact rochford@wharton.upenn.edu.
LIV Student Experiences
LIV Application
Students will be asked to apply for a LIV that focuses on a theme of greatest interest to them. The Institute aims to meet student interest, but cannot guarantee first choices. Students will submit an application for participation in which they provide first, second, and third LIV choices and submit an application essay. Criteria for LIV assignments are: the quality of the academic rationale and the availability of slots. Once a LIV has been assigned, students will sign an agreement that commits them to participating in all the planned activities related to the LIV and to follow the policies. After signing the agreement, students cannot change their LIV.
Immersion Fees
The Lauder Institute provides a substantial subsidy for the cost of LIVs, but students should be prepared to cover some travel-related costs such as: visas, transportation to airport, vaccines, and meals. See Tuition & Aid for more information about financing a Lauder education.
Alumni Participation
The Lauder Institute invites Lauder alumni to travel with current students to one of the LIV destinations! Alumni have the opportunity to gain an understanding of interconnected global challenges through field experiences in locations around the world focused on complex social, economic, and business challenges. We will offer pre-departure activities and readings to familiarize participants with the content related to their destination. Alongside students, alumni will develop a contextual understanding of historical perspectives on international relations, economic reforms, political challenges, business trends, and contemporary cultural movements.
The estimated cost is $3,500 per person, although the cost will range depending on location. This fee covers accommodations and access to the lectures and visits. It would be adjusted for room sharing. This amount does not include airfare. Every effort will be made to accommodate your selection.
Faculty with expertise in the themes and locations lead the LIVs. Past faculty include:
- Prof. Heather Sharkey (Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations)
- Prof. Christopher Atwood (East Asian Languages and Civilizations)
- Prof. Hocine Fetni (Deparment of Sociology)
Friday, February 8th is the deadline for alumni to sign up for an LIV. Spaces are limited.
If you have any further questions, please contact rochford@wharton.upenn.edu.
LIV Student Perspectives
The Joseph H. Lauder Institute
256 South 37th street
2nd Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19104-6330