About the Global Young Leaders Conference 

GYLC FAQs

• Is the Global Young Leaders Conference right for me?

  This program is for you if you are a high-achieving high school student who has demonstrated academic achievement and leadership potential. The Global Young Leaders Conference is your springboard to investigating exciting career possibilities and leadership roles on a global scale. To attend GYLC, you must be between the ages of 15–19. Most of our students are either nominated by educators or selected through our academic partnerships; however, we do accept a limited number of students through our competitive application process. If you have not been nominated or selected but are interested in taking advantage of the life-changing opportunities that the program provides, we encourage you to submit an application today.

• What is included in tuition?

  Tuition for GYLC includes housing, conference materials, two meals per day, and private motor coach transportation during the program.

  Transportation to and from home and the program location is NOT included in tuition. While attending the program, you will only need money for one meal per day, souvenirs, and other incidentals.

• What official government documentation do I need to attend the program?

  If you are NOT a U.S. citizen, your passport information is required for special conference activities, such as visits to government buildings and international embassies.

  If you are a U.S. citizen, only your U.S. Social Security number and state of residence are required—your passport information is not needed.

• How will I be supervised?

  Your safety and well-being during the program is our highest priority. The program is structured so that you will reside in a safe, controlled environment. You will be closely supervised by professionally trained staff, including advisors who serve as educational facilitators and chaperones, security personnel, operations personnel, and a program lead.

  For over 40 years, Envision has achieved a stellar record of safely and successfully enriching the lives of students, providing them with superb educational experiences and professional supervision. Other Envision safety measures include:

  • Greeting students at the designated airport upon their arrival, providing shuttle service directly to the program site, and providing shuttle service back to the airport on Departure Day*
  • Maintaining an overall student-to-staff ratio of 8 to 1 and classroom ratios of between 17-25 to 1
  • Attendance is taken throughout the program, and students are required to attend all program activities
  • Checking rooms nightly and working with venue security for any after-hours concerns
  • Staff member rooms are interspersed among student rooms on each hallway in residential housing
  • Equipping all staff members with communication devices

   

  *There is an additional fee for shuttle service.
• Where will I stay?

  For the 2022 GYLC programs, you will reside at the Sheraton Pentagon City hotel in Washington, D.C. and St. John's University in New York City. 

• How many students share a room?

  Each room will house two to four students, depending on the housing location. You will have your own bed. The bathroom is shared. Please refer to the What to Pack document on your personal MyEnvisionExperience.com page for details on whether linens are provided at your housing location and if there are other recommended items you should bring based on the accommodations at your chosen housing location.

• What is the dress code for this program?

  You should plan to wear professional attire during most program events. Professional attire includes suits and dresses, skirts or slacks paired with a blouse or button-up shirt and a suit jacket. Skirts and dresses must fall at or below the knee. Participants who choose to wear a collared button-up shirt must also wear a tie. Comfortable dress shoes are essential, as you will be walking a great deal during the program.

  You will have the opportunity to dress casually most evenings during the program, which can include clothing items such as jeans, appropriate-length shorts, and casual shoes.

  For more detailed information about the dress code for this program, visit your MyEnvisionExperience.com personal web page, which will be available to you after you enroll.

• What is the code of conduct for this program?

  Attending GYLC is fun, but it is also an honor. Like all meaningful experiences, you will get out what you put into your time spent at this exciting conference. You are expected to conduct yourself as a responsible leader, as you represent your school and community. You must abide by the Student Code of Conduct. You must also abide by and uphold all program rules.

• I am a student requiring specific accommodations. Can I still attend?

  Yes, we encourage you to enroll. Envision by WorldStrides believes in working with families to accommodate student needs and encourages the participation of students who feel prepared to meet the academic, social, physical, and emotional demands of the program environment. We may be able to provide appropriate auxiliary staff and services to assist students as needed if notified in advance. We encourage families, guardians, legal representatives, or educators to contact the Office of Admissions for more information and to discuss particular accommodations before applying for enrollment in the program.

• What are the pre-program assignments? Do I have to do them?

  The first step of your leadership journey includes assessing your strengths and opportunities for growth. As part of your program, you'll have access to WorldStrides' newest digital platform: MyActionPath.

  WorldStrides has partnered with PAIRIN, a leader in career and life planning and assessment, to help our students along their lifetime learning journeys. The result of this partnership is MyActionPath—a personalized, virtual GPS that guides you along your desired career pathway and helps you identify ways to enhance your skills and achieve your goals. MyActionPath can assist you in deciding which professional field might suit you best, makes recommendations based on your goals and dreams, and provides you with educational and supportive resources. Before you arrive to your program location, you'll receive more information via email on how to begin this exciting career-planning journey.

• Can special dietary needs be met?

  Vegetarian options are always available. Vegan, kosher, and halal meals can be made available to you, provided your request is submitted prior to the start of the conference. When you complete the Student Information Form, you will have the opportunity to make special dietary requests, including any food allergies or dietary restrictions.

• Can the GYLC accommodate specific religious needs?

  Yes. GYLC welcomes students of all religious and cultural backgrounds. We are happy to work with you. Please contact our Office of Admissions prior to the start of the conference, so we can prepare for your experience.