International Services
In this section:2024 FILC:
Friday, April 5 – Sunday, April 7, 2024
Camp Cloverleaf, Lake Placid, Florida (Transportation to and from the location is provided by the ISO/ISS @ TSC)
The Florida International Leadership Conference (FILC) brings together more than 150 domestic and international students from more than 15 different Florida colleges and universities to engage in a weekend of leadership learning activities. FILC empowers future international leaders through teambuilding exercises and sessions on a variety of topics ranging from global leadership and intercultural communication to campus activism. Participants also enjoy social activities such as campfires, a coffee house, and a Saturday evening dance.
FILC enhances leadership skills by exposing attendees to differing styles of leadership across cultures, challenging students to see themselves as global leaders, and providing opportunities for cross-cultural communication between domestic and international students.
Additionally, participating in FILC meets some of the requirements for the intercultural events and activities component of the Global Gateway Program.
All costs are covered by International Student Services, International Student Organization, Student Life, and TSC for participants who are selected to go to this conference. Read about our eligibility requirements and apply below.
Goals of FILC
- To enhance leadership skills
- To promote friendships and networks among international and study abroad students
- To acknowledge and reward student leaders who work to promote international understanding on campus
- To challenge students to see themselves as global leaders
- To recognize the different styles of leadership across cultures
Eligibility Criteria
- TSC International students and U.S. students interested in global issues and leadership
- Minimum 2.5 GPA
- Graduation date of Spring 2024 or later
Cost of Conference
All registration fees will be covered by the ISS / ISO / TSC. Registration fees include housing, meals during the conference, and transportation—meals on the way to and from the conference are not included.
Additional Requirements
All selected participants must commit to:
- Attending all pre-departure meetings
- Attending a post-conference meeting
Application Instructions
Application deadline: Sunday March 10th, 2024
Previous FILC Participants: If you attended FILC in the previous year, you have the opportunity to return to the conference as a Peer Leader or as a Session Presenter.
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Peer Leaders: 10 students statewide who attended last year's FILC may apply to return in 2024 and serve as Peer Leaders. The Peer Leader role involves assisting with sessions, co-presenting a session, and assisting with general conference activities and socials. Selected Peer Leaders will have all expenses provided, including food, lodging, transportation, and conference registration.
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Session Presenters: If you wish to present a 45-60 minute session or workshop, we encourage you to submit a session proposal.
If you are also selected to be a TSC participant or peer leader, your FILC registration fees will still be covered.
If you are selected to present but are not selected to be a TSC participant or peer leader, you may attend and participate in the FILC Saturday events (no overnight stay provided). No registration fee is necessary. Lunch will be provided.
Session proposals deadline: Friday, March 8th, 2024 @ 11:59pm
Student Reflections
"Thank you so much for making FILC possible. It truly changed my life. The friends that I made there I know are going to be my close friends forever. I came back from FILC with so much energy and it is spreading and making change already."
—Pradiip (International Student - Venezuela), FILC Participant
"... all the talks, speeches, discussions, activities - they taught me so much about leadership."
—Saleh (International Student - Kuwait), FILC Participant
FILC was a great, fun opportunity to meet other leaders studying in Florida from many countries. It gave us the chance to explore ideas and exchange information, as well as to clarify misunderstandings and get answers to necessary questions. The weekend was full of interactive, educational sessions; yet, was well balanced with free time.
—Christy (U.S. Study Abroad Student), FILC Participant
"Going to FILC gave me that same feeling I felt while abroad... I especially liked learning about the cultural differences of other students and how they were adjusting to life in America."
—Sandy (U.S. Study Abroad Student), FILC Participant