A brainchild of Lee Iacocca ’45, Lehigh’s Global Village for Future Leaders of Business and Industry brings aspiring leaders from around the world to Lehigh each summer. Since its founding in 1997, nearly 1,800 “interns” from 133 countries have been part of the cross-cultural experience, celebrating the value of international diversity as they work together to strengthen their leadership and entrepreneurial skills.

Interns take field trips, do community service and work on consulting projects for international and domestic companies. Courses are taught by Lehigh faculty and industry experts, with assistance from more than 100 companies and organizations.

One 2014 intern was struck by a comment made by a fellow intern. “He said that whenever he looks at a world map from now on, he won’t see cities or countries, he will see people. I see that now. I’ve learned a lot from other people around the world. They’re my family.”