Lauder Intercultural Ventures

Lauder Intercultural Ventures (LIVs)

Lauder Intercultural Ventures (LIVs) provide an opportunity to apply earlier lessons in intercultural leadership through a week-long off-site immersion and related 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 Fall and Spring break, and each student enrolls in two LIVs over the course of their MA in International Studies degree. Combining academic and experiential learning, LIVs include corporate and organizational site visits, as well as field-based assignments that challenge students to apply leadership and problem-solving skills to real-world issues.

LIV Spotlight

Click below to learn more about the LIV experience

Two people walking down a paved road with a red surface, bordered by a white fence on one side and greenery on the other. A tower and distant hills are visible.

An LIV Goes Inside South Korea’s Geoeconomic Balancing Act

A group of people posing with a bronze filmmaker statue in an outdoor setting with a yellow-striped wall.

Spring LIVs Explore Geopolitics and Economic Change On the Ground

A person wearing traditional clothing and a cap stands near a historic fort with crenelated walls and wooden doors, under a clear blue sky.

Bridging Tradition and Transformation: A Lauder Intercultural Venture in Oman and the UAE

Colorful sculptures of three large, abstract faces with pointed hats in front of a historic building. Signs mention "Carna" and "Val da Bahia."

Three New LIV Locations Launched in March

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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.