International students recently learned how to become more effective and inclusive leaders at a leadership retreat organized by International Student and Scholar Services.

At the two-day retreat, international student leaders led participants in discussions and exercises to enhance communication, collaboration, and leadership skills. The goal was for students to leave with a personal leadership philosophy, a clear set of goals, and actionable strategies to lead confidently within diverse teams.

Jackey Qi, a senior from China majoring in economics, said he took a leadership class his freshman year based on a friend’s recommendation. He found the course valuable in developing his skills.

“It was really challenging,” Qi said. “It’s not my comfort zone at all. But at the end of the semester, I had learned a lot. So when I saw an opportunity just for international students, I decided to join.”

Qi said the most important thing he learned at the retreat was multicultural communications.

“People had different backgrounds, so we talked about how to talk with people and how to get everyone comfortable,” Qi said. “I think I always use one way to talk to people. I’m just very straightforward, and I jump into questions and try to solve a problem. But you need to listen to people and figure out what kind of communication style you should use.”

“Empowering international students to lead is about honoring the rich intersectionality of their identities—their cultural backgrounds, lived experiences, and the resilience that comes from navigating diverse systems,” said Anita Feng, student engagement coordinator at ISSS. “When international students take on leadership roles, they bring a wealth of perspectives that challenge assumptions, foster empathy, and encourage deeper cross-cultural engagement. By building their leadership skills, we’re not only supporting them as individuals but also weaving their voices and experiences into the fabric of our campus, creating a truly inclusive community that values diversity in all its forms.”