How to describe in a few words five amazing days? It is a cross-cultural experience where I got to meet people from all around the world. I was able to learn more about international institutions, such as: the Security Council of the UN, the International Criminal Court and the functioning of the European Parliament, from a practical point of view. The Conference also helped me improve different personal skills and to clarify myself about my personal professional aims. After getting to know so many positive and enthusiastic future young leaders, I was encouraged to believe that changes can be possible in my country. As Gandhi said: “We have to be the change that we want to see in the world”. 
-Nicole Jaureguiberry, Argentina

What makes one a good leader? Sense of responsibility, passion, awareness of cultural differences and knowing what are the difficulties... Five intense days of International Youth Leadership Conference made me encounter participants full of potentials with these qualities. Getting to know those young future leaders throughout various activities such as simulations, culture night and parties was truly a fantastic experience. The experience has become a motivation for my study and an inspiration for my future activities. Interaction with people from all over the world also made me realise that a true global leader is the one who not only think and act globally but also who is capable of believing in one's country, culture and region.
-Sumiko Hatakeyama, Japan

"Attending the IYLC was without a doubt a milestone in my life. It provided me with the opportunities to experience how the UN Security Council, ICC, and European Parliament work. The IYLC allowed me to meet elites from all around the world including those from countries which I had never learned about, thus broadening my horizons and sharpening my socializing skills. Most important of all, it improved my confidence and helped me gain the qualities of a leader. Students from all around the world, this is a chance not to be missed!"
- Yuen Yid Kan Kenneth, Hong Kong

The IYLC is the best!!! This is a conference that opened a lot of opportunities for a student like me; the opportunity to speak and be heard, the opportunity to be aware of different cultures, and most of all the opportunity to see the beauty of Prague. People here are so friendly and very accommodating; the facilitators, organizers, and the participants.
- Rea Nina O. Ocefima, Philippines

"The IYLC is a wonderful opportunity to interact with a diverse body students and practitioners in international politics. I was delighted to be around civic-minded students who will be at the cutting edge to influence changes in their respective fields and regions. I would like to thank my sponsors: the Ford Foundation and IIE for investing in me and future leaders around the world." 
- Madalito Phiri, Malawi/South Africa

"It is unbelievable at how sensational the past week has been in the lives of not just me but surely for every single participant of this conference. The talent, the diversity, and the uniqueness that shined throughout the week have been awe-inspiring. The thing I still cannot digest is how the IYLC managed to curb my careless instincts and bring out the seriousness in me? I didn’t even know seriousness existed in me! Maybe some questions are best left unanswered. In the end I would just like to say, one week ago we entered as strangers, today we leave as comrades. Thank you for everything." 
- Shariq Noor, Pakistan

"This one week has been the best that I have had in a long time now. I met amazing people from all over the world and feel so much at home with them that I hate that this had to end. Our facilitators were just as much fun and the whole atmosphere was very warm." 
- Ruhi Jhunjhunwala, India

"This is the greatest conference that I have ever done. I have learned about things outside of my background and improved my communication skills. I am so happy I have found this confidence." 
- Bayu Wisnu Aji, Indonesia

"I think that the IYLC brings out what is deep in terms of leadership. I love the fact that I was able to experience people from different cultures and learn from them. I feel like I have been to all the continents of the world." 
- Diana A. Kolek, Kenya

"The IYLC was an amazing opportunity to network with a massive rang and diversity of young people from all over the world. It focuses on the process rather than the specifics of international bodies and allows students to engage with these institutions realistically and gives a one-on-one kind of learning experience." 
- Kandice Keogh, Australia

"The IYLC was a one of a kind. It goes beyond the usual and exposes individuals to the inner workings of diplomacy, conflict resolution and politics. It creates an opportunity to gain insight into such a complicated area of our society. It has developed individuals who posses leadership potential with additional skills and an improvement in their perspectives. I believe that this forum is such an amazing way to enjoy political debate with individuals from a wide spectrum of countries."
- Grant Davis, Swaziland

"This conference has allowed me to make friends with people from all over the world. It has enriched my networking opportunities and allowed me to meet with brilliant minds from around the world." 
- Hamidah Aidillah, Singapore

"The IYLC was the best conference that I have ever participated in. I found real friends, friends which I couldn’t have met otherwise and I am extremely grateful to the IYLC for this. Thank you guys! You really changed my view of the world."
- Simona Popa, Romania

"The IYLC was the best place to create a wonderful social network. The thing that I appreciated the most was the opportunity to meet young leaders from all over the world. Although we came from different circumstances and had different points of view, we became so close at the end of the conference because we all had the common interest of world peace." 
- Gyeong-A Kang, South Korea

"The IYLC was such an incredible learning experience for me in so many ways. Though I was challenged personally and academically, by far the most rewarding aspect was meeting so many wonderful people from all over the world. I never expected to become so close with so many people in such a short time, but a tight bond was formed and I really hope that some of these friendships will last a lifetime. In this conference I have learned so much from my peers, about their various cultures, as well as about evaluating my own perceptions and motivations. Not to mention that Prague may well be the most beautiful city in the world! If I had the opportunity to do it all over again, I would in a heart beat." 
- Nicole Giaccone, USA

"The IYLC has been a remarkable experience. Not only for the opportunity to meet so many brilliant international students, but also because of the opportunity to really connect with a small group for the week. The small working groups within the conference allowed us as delegates to engage with one another and divulge as well as learn about one another’s countries, communities, and lives. I would strongly recommend this conference for anyone looking to make strong international connections within an academic community." 
- Elizabeth Locke, Canada

"The IYLC has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life! I have learned many things regarding the process of the Security Council, the ICC, and the European Parliament. These things could not be possible through just reading alone. My facilitator was also a massive part of the overall success of the program, his candidness and approachability made for a very easy and rewarding interaction. Above all, the cultural connections that I have made are simply hard to put into words. Sharing little things about our own country as well as learning about other countries has been quite an amazing experience. I know that I will continue to keep in contact with my many friends as well as the IYLC network. Thank you very much from the bottom of my heart, it was an amazing week!!" 
- Elena Fermanis, Australia/Greece 

"An unbelievable experience. I am very glad to have applied my skills and knowledge toward these new roles in the conference, roles that really put my leadership abilities to a test. It was a great feeling to have completed the busy conference schedule and I know 100% that I became a better individual because of it." 
- Davey Kim, Canada/USA

“Why the IYLC?” Lets get straight to the point - The IYLC is a great opportunity to grasp various aspects of international relations as they play out in the real world. Complimenting one’s own academic standing, the conference provides a rigorous framework of utilizing real-time skills in diplomatic decision making. Add to that truck loads of fun, the city of Prague, and great people from all over the world - really why would you not consider the IYLC."
- Kunal Lunawat, India

"The IYLC was a great opportunity to meet people from such diverse cultural backgrounds. Having the chance to work in such a high energy environment and tackle problems we face in the international world was enlightening and academically stimulating. I feel like I can speak confidently about international relations and that I have gained excellent team skills that I can apply to all future challenges that come my way."
- Ella Pope, Australia

"The IYLC has been an incredible experience that has enhanced my leadership skills on a global scale. The opportunity to participate in various simulations, embassy visits, and meeting diplomats and representatives from around the world has given me an exceptional opportunity to increase my potential as an international leader. Furthermore, I have met lifelong friends."
- Anna Wallington, Australia

"The simulations are stimulating, challenging, and informative. I had little knowledge of EU, ICC and UN procedures but now I have better understandings their internal organization. The program also gave me a chance to improve my networking abilities in relation to jobs and postgraduate structure."
- Nicholas Miller, USA

"The IYLC is a truly enlightening experience on the functioning of the most important supranational organizations. It is an intense program which helps enhance leadership and networking capabilities."
- Preeti Nellore Sampat, India

"Everything at the IYLC was new to me and I thought that I would not understand the whole thing but the conference made it easy for newbies to understand what we were learning about. Great Job!" 
- Vincentius Reinaldo, Indonesia

"I am very happy to have been able to join the IYLC. I had many experiences and gained knowledge that is very useful for me. I met new friends from countries all over the world who are so kind, cool, and smart. I will try to implement what I got from the IYLC to all my friends in my country."
- Bernad Permadi, Indonesia

"The IYLC was an incredibly insightful experience that inspired me to explore a skill set that I did not know that I had. The intricacies and complexities of leadership were well explained and the activities that complemented them these skills gave us an excellent opportunity to explore our abilities."
- Emma Boughton, Australia

"I loved all the simulations, it gives a better picture than just reading it through the book, plus the time we spent visiting the embassies and the senate was fantastic." 
- Fadillah Othman, Malaysia

"The IYLC proved to be the most exciting event ever and provided a platform for students from all parts of the world to interact among themselves and share valuable information that is unmatchable. The conference has had a very big impact on me and has really helped me improve my communication and public relation skills and has widened my perspective. I congratulate all the organizers as well as the participants who were witness to such a great event."
- Suvir Sidhu, India

"The IYLC was such a great experience for me. I’ve learned so much in this week-long conference; it was such a boost for my self-confidence and leadership skills."
- Nishanthini Terumalai, Malaysia

"I arrived at the IYLC feeling anxious but excited. Despite not having any background in the subjects that were being discussed at hand, I applied for the conference to challenge myself and to learn others from around the world. The simulation guidebook had everything for the week but I was not prepared for the intensity of what lay ahead. The facilitators did a fantastic job in making the long days manageable with fun energizers and taking us through everything we had to do for each simulation. I thoroughly enjoyed engaging in cross-cultural debates and chilling out with friends during evenings like culture night where we learned about other participants cultures. Throughout every simulation I learned something new and challenged all my fears. This started out as a piece of advice to gain some confidence, engage in international relations, and see the beauty of Prague. Everyone who wants to engage in the above should attend the IYLC; it is an opportunity of a lifetime and one that will leave you feeling inspired!"
- Catriona Duncan, UK

"To be honest, I used to not pay attention to Indonesian culture, as do many Indonesians now days. When we had to perform something about our national culture I realized that Indonesia has so many diverse cultures and I was confused about which one to choose. Seeing so many people who were excited about our cultural show made me think that now I will learn more about my own culture and that I love it now" 
- Sukmawani Bella Pertiwi, Indonesia

"This conference reminded me of the importance of keeping open-minded in this world of dynamism. There will always be room for change and change is possible if we, as the leaders of today, take the first step. It is IYLC which has illuminated this path for me." 
- Karen Tse, Australia