How I-House Berkeley Shapes Culturally Intelligent Resident Leaders

February 10, 2026
Chuol Ruei Deng

I-House's Global Leadership Program (GLP)

Redefining Leadership for a Global World

Leadership today looks different from it did a generation ago. It is no longer only about directing teams or solving problems. It is about understanding cultures, navigating differences with humility, and building relationships that cross borders. At International House at UC Berkeley, the Global Leadership Program (GLP) was created with that reality in mind. It offers residents a space to grow as leaders who can listen with intention, reflect with honesty, and lead with cultural awareness. The program is one of I-House’s signature experiences, and it continues to shape residents long after they leave Berkeley.

Cultural Intelligence as a Foundation 

The Global Leadership Program is offered through the Robertson Resident Life and Intercultural Development Office. It is built around the idea that cultural intelligence is not an optional skill for global leaders, but a foundational one. Participants begin the program with the Cultural Intelligence (CQ) Assessment, a tool designed to help them understand their strengths and growth areas in four distinct dimensions of CQ. Many students describe this as their first eye-opening moment. As one facilitator shared, there is almost always an “Aha” moment when participants see their results. For some, the scores are affirming. For others, they are humbling. But in every case, they offer a starting point for genuine development rather than judgment.

Participants reflecting on their Cultural Intelligence Assessment results during a one-on-one debrief session

The program includes three half-day weekend workshops that blend self-reflection with practical skills. These sessions are thoughtfully designed to move between personal insight, interpersonal connection, and community learning. One of the facilitators put it this way:

“When designing any workshop, it is essential to create opportunities for participants to engage at personal, interpersonal, and community levels. Providing time for individual reflection, partner sharing, and large-group dialogue supports deeper inquiry and fosters more equitable participation.” 

— Kimiya Shokri, I-House Assistant Director of Resident Engagement 

Participants reflecting on their Cultural Intelligence Assessment results during a one-on-one debrief session

This intentional structure helps participants explore their own identities, connect across differences, and practice the habits of inclusive leadership.

Cultural Intelligence (CQ) Defined:

The capability to function effectively in culturally diverse situations, going beyond awareness to include the skills to adapt behavior and understand different cultural norms, values, and communication styles. It's a measurable skill set with four key components:

  • CQ Drive (motivation)
  • CQ Knowledge (cognition)
  • CQ Strategy (mindfulness/planning)
  • CQ Action (behavioral adaptation)

Practical Application in Real Life 

A key strength of GLP is its combination of structured learning and real-world application. Participants do not remain in the workshop room. They are encouraged to engage in I-House programming, attend resident-led events, volunteer in community activities, and observe cultural dynamics as they naturally unfold in daily life. As Kimiya Shokri, I-House Assistant Director of Resident Engagement, described this as the heart of the program: 

“GLP serves not only as a space for reflection, but also as an invitation for practical application. When students attend events hosted by their peers and intentionally practice the skills they are developing, they create more opportunities to engage with cultural humility and broaden their understanding of others.” 

One-on-one debriefing sessions offer another layer of support. These meetings allow participants to process their assessments and workshop experiences with a trained facilitator. Residents often describe these sessions as grounding and clarifying. They provide space to pause, ask questions, and connect the dots between what they are learning and the leader they want to become. Many students leave these conversations with a clearer sense of direction and a deeper understanding of how their cultural backgrounds shape their leadership choices. 

Students engage in group exercises to strengthen intercultural communication and collaborative problem-solving.

Students engage in group exercises to strengthen intercultural communication and collaborative problem-solving.

Students engage in group exercises to strengthen intercultural communication and collaborative problem-solving.

Leading with Curiosity and Intentionality 

GLP also encourages residents to lead with intentionality. Facilitator Shona Kinzel, Assistant Director of Resident Life, explained that leading with curiosity and intentionality is fundamental when working on a global team. These skills extend far beyond professional settings. They influence personal relationships, friendships, and how individuals show up in community spaces. Our lived experiences and identities shape who we are. Recognizing those influences in ourselves and in others allows us to lead with empathy, clarity, and openness. GLP does not ask participants to become something they are not; it invites them to understand who they already are and how they can lead with greater purpose. 

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Students reflecting and responding to questions during the activity.

Students reflecting and responding to questions during the activities

Students reflecting and responding to questions during the activity.
Students reflecting and responding to questions during the activity.
Students reflecting and responding to questions during the activity.

Community and Connection 

Community is another central theme that makes the program deeply meaningful. The International House is already a place where residents from around the world live, learn, and share experiences. GLP builds on that environment by forming cohorts of students who are equally committed to reflection and growth. Throughout the program, residents spend time in dialogue, share their perspectives, exchange cultural insights, and challenge each other to think more broadly. This process strengthens the relationships formed in the room, and many participants carry those connections into their academic, professional, and personal lives. 

Throughout the workshops and activities, participants are frequently reminded that leadership is not linear. It is a process shaped by curiosity, courage, and a willingness to keep learning. Nayeli Vivanco, Chief Student Experience Officer, explains: 

“Understanding your starting point in the Cultural Intelligence journey offers a valuable framework and meaningful opportunity to grow into a more culturally responsive and intentional leader.” 

-- Nayeli Vivanco - Chief Student Experience Officer

The experiential component of GLP goes beyond structured activities. Residents are encouraged to attend major I-House events such as the annual International House Gala and the International Cultural Festival. These events bring together students, alumni, donors, and community partners. They offer a living example of cultural diversity in action and allow participants to observe leadership dynamics, teamwork, and cultural expression on a larger scale. Learning in these spaces is often just as impactful as the workshops themselves. 

Group photo of the GLP cohort taken during the final session of the program.

Group photo of the GLP cohort taken during the final session of the program.

Recognition and Long-term Impact 

The culmination of the program is the Certificate of Completion, awarded to participants who attend the workshops, complete their debrief sessions, and engage actively in I-House programming. While the certificate represents a formal achievement, most participants say it symbolizes something deeper. It reflects a semester of intentional learning, honest reflection, and the willingness to stretch beyond comfort. Many describe GLP as one of the most meaningful experiences of their time at UC Berkeley. 

Participants often highlight how the program influences their future plans, whether in diplomacy, business, education, public policy, or community leadership. One past participant put it simply: “The program challenged my thinking about how global leadership can be most effective in promoting positive change. I will carry the cultural intelligence and professional skills I developed into my future career.” Comments like this underscore the long-term value of the program. 

The Global Leadership Program continues to grow because it fills a need that traditional academic settings often overlook. Leadership is not only about strategy or vision. It is about understanding people, recognizing how culture shapes behavior, and building relationships with awareness and respect. This is especially true at a university like UC Berkeley, where students arrive from every corner of the world with distinct histories and perspectives. GLP helps residents see those differences as strengths and gives them tools to navigate them with intention. 

Why the Global Leadership Program Stands Out 

What makes the program stand out is the level of care and intentionality behind its design. One facilitator described this clearly, noting that the Global Leadership Program is crafted with exceptional care because it encourages participants to delve more deeply, approach discussions with curiosity, and connect with peers who are committed to a growth mindset. This thoughtful design is reflected in the way facilitators prepare each workshop, guide conversations, and support students individually. It also shows the enthusiasm of residents who consistently recommend the program to their peers. 

For students living at International House, GLP becomes much more than a leadership course. It is an invitation to understand themselves and others with greater depth. It gives residents a chance to explore cultural intelligence in a community that mirrors the diversity of the world. It also creates space to practice leadership that is grounded, ethical, and aware of the cultural lenses each person brings into a shared environment. 

Students who want to challenge themselves, engage across cultures, and grow alongside peers who value reflection and learning will find GLP to be a meaningful and transformative experience. Those interested in joining the next cohort are encouraged to apply for Spring 2026 and future semesters. The program welcomes residents who are ready to learn, connect, and carry the spirit of I-House into their future communities, workplaces, and global endeavors. 

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Residents were joined by transformative leaders serving as panelists: Peter Robertson, Laura Hassner, and Margaret Andrews.

Residents were joined by transformative leaders serving as panelists: Peter Robertson, Laura Hassner, and Margaret Andrews.

Residents were joined by transformative leaders serving as panelists: Peter Robertson, Laura Hassner, and Margaret Andrews.
Laurie Hassner participated in the GLP workshops

Laurie Hassner, leaning in to the conversation

Peter Robertson, long-time board member and supporter of I-House, participated in the GLP workshops

Peter Robertson, long-time board member and supporter of I-House

Margaret Andrews

Margaret Andrews, a leadership expert, I‑House Board member, and Harvard instructor, shared insights

Full GLP cohort posing for a group photo in the Homeroom at International House UC Berkeley

About the Author

Chuol Ruei Deng

Chuol Ruei Deng is a Master of Development Engineering student at UC Berkeley with a bachelor's degree in economics and mathematics from New York University. He brings a wealth of global leadership experience, having studied and participated in programs across Abu Dhabi, New York, Tel Aviv, and India. Passionate about education and empowerment, Chuol leads the Romro Foundation, mentoring and supporting underprivileged students in East Africa to reach their full potential. 

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