About the Program
The ASU World Innovators Internship/Study Abroad program allows students to work directly with ASU World Innovators (AWIs) around the world on projects ranging from entrepreneurship in Morocco to refugee support in Jordan to democratization in Georgia. The program is led by top foreign policy and national security experts who have vast experience developing policy & leading programs. AWI offers a high-value internship experience at a competitive cost.
*Applications are now open for the Summer 2025 session.*
Program Leaders and Overview
Lieutenant General Benjamin Freakley (ret.)
Professor of Practice | Special Advisor to President Crow on Leadership Initiatives
Ambassador Michael C. Polt
Professor of Practice | ASU Ambassador-in-Residence
2025 Summer Programs
Frequently Asked Questions
This unique leadership development program offers students a chance to study abroad while working on projects that address complex global issues. It’s a hands-on, experiential learning opportunity designed to prepare them to lead in a globalized world. In the first week, students will explore the concepts of Character-Driven Leadship in a Zoom seminar. This mandatory Zoom seminar component will begin on May 19, 2025. It’s three hours each day, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. AZ MST. Students will then travel to an assigned country where they will develop their own impact plan to contribute to their AWI’s project. At the end of the program, students will conduct a final oral presentation on their leadership experiences.
Students are responsible for the tuition and fees for six credits for POS/SGS 484 (or three credits for IAL 584 for graduate students). We’ve had some students petition to use this program to satisfy 484 and 498 credits in their major, so if you need internship credits for your major, speak to your advisor about how to petition for it and get credits transferred.
Students are also responsible for flights, housing, local transportation, international insurance, and obtaining any necessary visa, etc. The total cost is generally around $5,000, but it varies depending on the destination. To offset the program cost, you can apply for the LDNS Lab grant. The grant application form is available on our website.
We review applications on a rolling basis, but the very last day to apply is January 31. We’ll notify each applicant as soon as we make a decision, but everyone should hear back from us by February 14. If you're accepted, we would like to get your confirmation within a week or so to get things moving, because some of you may need to obtain a visa or passport. Securing housing and flights will be your responsibility, but your AWI will assist you with that. Before you travel to your assigned country, you’ll need to register with Global Education Office and their representative will go over some health and safety-related items with you.
Academic credit
You’ll earn academic credits toward your degree, making this not just an enriching international experience but a valuable part of your education. Undergraduate students will earn six credits for POS/SGS 484, and graduate students will earn three credits for IAL 584.
Leadership development
This is a leadership development program, and we focus on preparing character-driven leaders to do the right thing, in the right way, for the right reasons.
Project-based learning
You’ll work on real-world problems with significant global implications. You’ll collaborate with your AWI to propose solutions to issues such as sustainability, innovation, and international development.
Cultural immersion
You’ll get to live and learn in an international setting, helping you understand diverse perspectives and cultures. This is critical for developing cross-cultural competency and a broader worldview.
Networking
The program connects you with a network of AWI professionals, organizations, and LDNS Lab alumni around the world. It can open doors to career opportunities.
Contact us
Email Program Manager Ashley Wright at Ashley.A.Wright@asu.edu with any questions.