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 FSU Global Citizenship Certificate program.
All costs are covered by the Center for Global Engagement for participants who are selected to go to this conference. Read about our eligibility requirements and apply below.
Application Deadlines |
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| Deadline for Student Applications | TBD | |
| Deadline for Peer Leader Applications | TBD | |
| Deadline for Session Proposals | TBD |
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 differing styles of leadership across cultures
Eligibility Criteria
- FSU International students and U.S. students interested in global issues and leadership
- Minimum 3.0 GPA
- Graduation date of Fall 2025 or later
- 18 years of age or older
Cost of Conference
All registration fees will be covered by the Center for Global Engagement. Registration fees include housing, meals during the conference, and transportation—meals on the way to and from the conference not included.
Additional Requirements
All selected participants must commit to:
- Attending all pre-departure meetings
- Attending a post-conference meeting
Application Instructions
First-time Applicants: FILC 2024 will open in January 2024.
- Reach out to cge-programs@fsu.edu about Zoom information sessions
Previous FILC Participants: If you attended FILC in a 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 2023 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 60-75 minute session or workshop, we encourage you to submit a session proposal.
If you are also selected to be an FSU participant or peer leader, your FILC registration fees will still be covered.
If you are selected to present but are not selected to be an FSU 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.
If you have any questions, please contact cge-programs@fsu.edu.
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
