Young Women's Leadership in London

This itinerary is the starting point for your tour, but it’s not set in stone. If there are days you would like to change, or specific places you’d like to go, we can work with you to create a personalized program that fits the needs of you and your students.

Day 1: Overnight Flight

Depart from the USA.

Day 2: London

Welcome to London! Meet your ACIS Tour Manager and begin your Young Women's Leadership Program with an orientation walking tour of Trafalgar Square—a frequent meeting and demonstration spot during the women's suffrage movement—and the historic market site of Covent Garden.

Day 3: London

Hop on the Tube and right into your leadership adventure at the Houses of Parliament where your first leadership workshop with a female member of Parliament or senior staff person will explore her rise in politics and also the life and political career of Great Britain's first female Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher. In the afternoon, experience an up-close look at London's iconic treasures on a guided London by Bike tour, including views of the Big Ben, the Horse Guard Parade, Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, and more. As you cycle and stop for photos, your guide's commentary will bring the history of what you are seeing to life. Then shift your focus from Parliament to the other side of the UK's constitutional monarchy—the history of strong female leaders in the Royal family. Head inside Kensington Palace for a tour during which your local guide facilitates a discussion on the Royal family's female role models.

Day 4: London

Today enjoy a Global Exchange focused on comparative learning and sharing dynamics with students at a local girls' school. This immersive day will offer you the chance to join in with lessons, share experiences and exchange views on how the role of young women in society today compares on both sides of the Atlantic. In the evening enjoy time to discover more of London's history at your own pace while further reflecting on the cultural similarities and differences of the peers you met today. Perhaps explore the museums of South Kensington, or stroll through Hampstead, where many accomplished female leaders, writers and celebrities have lived (look for blue plaques outside their former homes).

Day 5: London

Achievement in the field of science is today's theme. For your morning leadership workshop, meet one of the UK's leading female scientists at an acclaimed London academic institution and engage in an insightful discussion on how women bring hope and foster discovery, innovation and excellence in scientific fields. Later, a tailored, hands-on interactive experience awaits at the Royal Institution's L'Oreal Young Scientist Centre. The Centre features imaginative laboratory space outside of a classroom setting where students can tap into their developing leadership skills to conduct experiments and explore different aspects of science and technology.

Day 6: London

Today centers on women in sports and competition. Kick off your morning with a leadership workshop at a Premier League football club focused on the mentoring and growth of the women's game. You'll meet inspirational female athletes to hear their stories about the challenges faced by female competitors as they strive for excellence in their sport and draw comparisons with your own experiences. Then, a Global Exchange with local players focused on comparative learning and sharing dynamics brings you together on the pitch to kick the ball around during a fun training session and friendly match.

Day 7: London

Explore the influence and challenges of the Women's Suffrage Movement during today's two-part leadership workshop. Begin at the Museum of London for an overview of suffragist history, a look at some of the extreme lengths women had to go to get the vote and a facilitated, interactive parliamentary-style debate as to whether it should be deeds or words that win the day in a protest. Then visit the Royal Courts of Justice for a look at the British judicial system in action. As you admire the astounding architecture and exhibits of this working courts complex, learn about some of the suffrage movement cases that were tried here and engage in a discussion that explores the right to protest, how far it should go and how it can influence Parliament today. Tonight enjoy a theater performance in London's famous West End.

Day 8: London

In the morning, your final leadership workshop and service project connects you with representatives from a women's charity such as the Young Women's Trust. Learn about the needs and challenges of the women in the communities they aid as you join them for a day of gaining awareness and providing hands-on assistance. This evening, spend time with your group de-briefing and reflecting on each of the previous days' amazing and unique leadership learning experiences as you collaborate on how to apply your gained leadership insights and skills moving forward.

Day 9: Departure

Depart for the USA.



Optional Extensions and Extra Nights:

Further immerse yourself in the culture and delights of England's capital with an extra night in London, including the services of your ACIS Tour Manager.