Pre-collegiate Leadership Program

This program is open to exceptional high school students (pre-collegiate level) who demonstrate leadership potential, a global mindset, and a commitment to personal growth and impact.

Our program is selective, immersive, and transformational by design. It combines academic rigor with real-world experiences, hands-on projects, and direct mentorship from global changemakers, all within a culturally rich setting in Spain.

The 12-day program is held in Spain across three locations: Madrid, Santiago de Compostela, and Monterroso.

Accommodations: Full board and lodging in a serene country manor, featuring farm-to-table meals

Wellness & Safety: On-site, European board-certified physician available 24/7
All-Inclusive Experience: All transportation, meals, lodging, and activities from arrival to departure
Excursions & Activities: Rich cultural immersion, leadership challenges, and unforgettable adventures 

Please note: Airfare, visa, and travel insurance are not included in the program fee. Participants are responsible for arranging these independently. Details subject to change.

Participants will:

• Build leadership, communication, and strategic thinking skills
• Gain exposure to global mentors across diverse industries
• Earn a Certificate and Digital Leadership Badge
• Craft a personal leadership journal and capstone project
• Join a lifelong alumni network and leadership community

Absolutely. The program includes round-the-clock supervision, on-site certified medical care, and a carefully planned itinerary to ensure a safe, enriching experience for every student.

 The program is highly selective. Applicants are evaluated based on academic performance, leadership potential, extracurricular engagement, and alignment with the Institute’s values of empathy, purpose, and impact.

Yes, we welcome applications from students around the world who are passionate about leadership and cross-cultural understanding.

Yes, all participants will receive a Leadership Certificate and Digital Badge for use in college applications, LinkedIn profiles, and résumés.

If you are a U.S. citizen planning to attend a two-week course in Spain, you do not need a student visa. U.S. passport holders can enter Spain and other Schengen Area countries for up to 90 days within a 180-day period without a visa, even for study purposes, as long as the course duration does not exceed 90 days .

However, there are a few important considerations:

Passport Validity: Ensure your passport is valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure date from Spain.

Proof of Accommodation and Funds: Be prepared to show proof of accommodation and sufficient financial means to support yourself during your stay.

Health Insurance: While not always mandatory for short stays, it is advisable to have health insurance that covers medical expenses in Spain.

Starting in late 2026, the European Union will implement the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), which will require U.S. travelers to obtain an online travel authorization before entering the Schengen Area. However, as of now, ETIAS is not yet in effect, so no additional authorization is required for your short-term study trip .

If you are a non-U.S. citizen planning to attend a two-week course in Spain, whether you need a visa depends on your nationality.

Visa-Free Entry for Certain Nationalities

Citizens of many countries can enter Spain and other Schengen Area countries without a visa for short stays (up to 90 days within a 180-day period) for purposes such as tourism, business, or short-term studies. This includes countries like Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea, and several others. If your country is on this list, you can attend a two-week course in Spain without obtaining a visa.

Short-Stay (Schengen) Visa Requirement

If your country is not on the visa-exempt list, you will need to apply for a Schengen short-stay visa (Type C) before traveling to Spain. This visa allows stays of up to 90 days for purposes including short courses. The application process typically requires:

Valid Passport: With at least three months validity beyond your planned departure from the Schengen Area.

Proof of Accommodation: Documentation of where you will be staying during your time in Spain.

Travel Itinerary: Details of your travel plans, including return tickets.

Financial Means: Evidence that you can support yourself financially during your stay.

Travel Insurance: Coverage for medical emergencies and repatriation, valid throughout the Schengen Area.

Course Enrollment Proof: Confirmation of enrollment in the course you will be attending.

It is advisable to apply for this visa well in advance of your planned travel date.

Important Notes

Visa Requirements Vary: Always check the specific visa requirements for your nationality by consulting the Spanish consulate or embassy in your country.

ETIAS Authorization: Starting in late 2026, travelers from visa-exempt countries will need to obtain an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) authorization before entering the Schengen Area. However, as of now, this is not yet in effect.

Non-U.S. Residents in the U.S.: If you are residing in the U.S. but are not a U.S. citizen, you may need to provide additional documentation, such as a valid U.S. visa or green card, when applying for a Schengen visa. Note that holders of B-1/B-2 visas cannot apply for a Spanish visa from within the U.S.Â

We provide regular updates to families, including insights into the student’s progress and shared stories via email and social media highlights.

You’ll delve into the core principles of leadership, strategy, innovation, and cultural intelligence—equipping yourself with essential tools and a global network to excel in college and beyond. Below is the detailed curriculum:

Day 1: Arrival in Madrid

• Arrival, Orientation, and Welcome Meals

 Day 2: Madrid City Immersion

• Key Learning Points
  • Gaining Confidence while Stepping Out of Comfort Zones
  • Building First Impressions
• Morning Session
  • A Private Tour of Athletico Madrid and panel on Business of Sports
• Afternoon Session
  • Guided city tour (historical sites, cultural immersion)
• Evening:
  • Transfer to Campus (Madrid or Monterosso)

 Day 3: Module 1 – Why Leadership Matters (And How You Can Lead Now)

• Key Learning Points
  • Leadership is about solving problems, bringing people together, and making an impact.
  • Young leaders have shaped history—so can you.
• Morning Session
  • Discussion: Who are the most influential young leaders today?
  • Activity: Draw Your Leadership Map – Identify strengths & passions.
• Afternoon Session
  • Understanding Leadership in Organizations: What leaders actually do?
  • Self-Reflection Exercise: What is your legacy as a leader?
• Evening Social Activity:
  • Flamenco Dance Class – Leadership through confidence and movement.

 Day 4: Module 2 – Thinking Like a Strategist: Making Smart Decisions

• Key Learning Points
  • Great leaders think ahead and solve problems creatively.
  • Asking the right questions leads to better decisions.
• Morning Session
  • Exercise: Paper Roll exercise – Recognizing organizational boundaries
  • Challenge: Escape Room Leadership – Solve a complex problem as a team.
  • Discussion: How did strategic thinking help (or not)?
• Afternoon Session
  • Creative Thinking Exercise: How to break out of biases and limited thinking.
  • Business Simulation: Real-world decision-making under pressure.
• Evening Social Activity
  • Chess & Strategy Night – Learning leadership through strategic decision-making.

Day 5: Module 3 – Self-Reflection: Understanding Yourself as a Leader

• Key Learning Points
  • Self-awareness helps you lead better.
  • Your mindset shapes your ability to grow and succeed.
• Morning Session
  • Self-Assessment Exercise: Values, Strengths Finder & Personality Analysis
  • Workshop: Managing stress and emotions as a leader.
• Afternoon Session
  • Growth Mindset vs. Fixed Mindset: Why failure is part of success.
  • Interactive Discussion: Grit & perseverance in leadership.
  • Reflection Exercise: What’s a challenge you’ve faced? What did you learn?
• Evening Social Activity
  • Tapas Tasting Challenge – Competing in teams to create the best Spanish dish.

Day 6: Robotics & Cultural Immersion

• Morning Session
  • Robotics & Innovation Workshop: Work with the Pink Force Foundation to build Robots for Cancer Patients
• Afternoon Cultural Activity
  • Visit a historical site, local farm, or museum.
• Evening Social Activity
  • Outdoor Movie Night – Leadership in Film

 Day 7: Module 4 – Power, Influence, and Navigating Group Dynamics

• Key Learning Points
  • Leadership is about influence, not just authority.
  • Ethical leaders use power wisely.
• Morning Session
  • Game: The Power Play – Simulated negotiation scenario (Ugli Orange)
  • Understanding Power: Different types of power.
• Afternoon Session
• Influence Tactics: How to get people to listen and act.
• Networking Exercise: How to build strong connections.
• Reflection: What kind of leader do you want to be?
• Evening Social Activity
• Strategy Board Games Night: Learning influence through Risk, Catan, Diplomacy.

Day 8: Module 5 – Why Communication & Relationships Matter

• Key Learning Points
• Great leaders listen, tell stories, and resolve conflicts.
• Communication is the foundation of leadership.
• Morning Session
• Workshop: Active Listening (The Drawing Exercise)
• Storytelling for Impact (Build a Brand Story)
• Afternoon Session
• Simulation: Conflict Resolution & Negotiation.
• Guest Speaker: Navigating Communication in Global Business
• Evening Social Activity
• Spanish Guitar & Music Experience

Day 9: Module 6 – The Power of Teams

• Key Learning Points
• High-performing teams drive success.
• Diversity, tension, and alignment shape team success.
• Morning Session
• Activity: Group Dynamics and Team Challenges. (The Marshmallow Challenge)
• Discussion: How to Build a High-Performing Team.
• Afternoon Session
• Simulation: Team-Based Leadership Challenges. (The Heavy Object Challenge, Olympics)
• Discussion: What led to building strong teams
• Evening Social Activity
• Cooking Challenge – Competing as teams in a Spanish dish challenge.

 Day 10: Special Focus – Leadership & Global Citizenship

• Key Learning Points
• Leaders create impact beyond business and politics.
• Youth have a role in shaping the future.
• Morning Session
• Discussion Panel: How Young Leaders Are Changing the World
• Workshop: Ethical Leadership & Social Impact
• Afternoon Session
• Project: Designing a Leadership Framework for a Real-World Problem
• Reflection: Why Should Anyone Follow You?
• Evening Social Activity
• Spanish Cultural Experience.

 Day 11: Cultural Immersion, Reflection and Introduction to Capstone Project

• Morning: Reflection Walks, Café Discussions on Leadership Takeaways.
• Afternoon: Introduction to Capstone Projects
• Evening: Graduation Ceremony & Leadership Certificates.

 Day 12: Transfer to Madrid

Airport Drop-Off between Noon and 3 PM

The Elite Global Leadership Institute’s (ElietGLI) Leadership Program is intentionally designed to cultivate globally competent, emotionally intelligent, and action-oriented young leaders. By aligning closely with the core skill frameworks of both the IB Approaches to Learning (ATL)and the Cambridge (CAIE) curriculum, the program ensures that participants develop not only academic competencies but also the practical leadership capabilities essential for success in school, university, and beyond.

The table below offers a summary-level view of how key components of the EliteGLI experience support the development of critical skills across both curricula—focusing on thinking, research, communication, social, and self-management domains.