PROGRAMS

International Olympic Academy Student Leadership Conference

This summer, you’re invited to Ancient Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the Olympic Games, for an unforgettable Global Leadership Conference at the International Olympic Academy. You’ll meet inspiring students from around the world, hear from world-class speakers, and explore what it means to lead—all in one of the most breathtaking and historic places on Earth.

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WHAT IS IT?

Student Leadership Conference

The Student Leadership Conference is a week-long experience designed to help you grow as a leader, connect with students from around the world, and explore big ideas in a truly unforgettable setting.

Held at the International Olympic Academy in Greece, the program blends hands-on learning, global perspectives, and the timeless values of the Olympic spirit, such as integrity, collaboration, and respect for diversity.

WHO IS IT FOR?

High School Students

This program is designed for high school students who want to begin their university education while they're still in high school. Students must meet the following requirements...

 

  • High school student, grade 10–12
  • Minimum 2.5 GPA
  • IELTS 5.0 or strong CEFR B1 level of English proficiency
WHAT TO EXPECT?

Conference Details

  • Location: The International Olympic Academy in Olympia, Greece, birthplace of the Olympic games.
  • Dates: 
    • Session 1:
      • Monday, June 1-Sunday, June 7
      • Application Deadline: April 6
    • Session 2: 
      • Sunday, July 19-Saturday, July 25
      • Application Deadline: May 25
  • Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights - Full Board
  • Cost: 
    • $1,850 for students enrolled in a Hudson Global Scholars (HGS) program.
    • $1,950 for non-HGS students
  • Ages: 14-18
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Accommodations

Students stay in air-conditioned double or triple rooms with en-suite bathrooms at the recently renovated International Olympic Academy Conference Center.

The center is only 1.2 km from the village of Olympia. It is walking distance to the archaeological site where the ancient Olympic Games took place.

The center's all-inclusive facilities include a conference center, library, rooms and suites, restaurant, cafeteria, and sports facilities.

WHAT TO EXPECT?

A Week of Leadership, Connection, and Discovery

Student Conference Sample Agenda

DAY 0 – International Arrival and Athens Welcome

Theme: Orientation and Global Connection

  • All Day: Arrival of international participants in Athens.
    • Dedicated team assists with airport pickups and transfers to hotel.
  • Afternoon: Light walking tour of Plaka, Syntagma Square, and the Panathenaic Stadium.
    • Introductions to Greek culture and Olympic heritage.
  • Evening: Welcome Dinner at the hotel.
    • Orientation session with ice-breakers focused on sharing cultural backgrounds and personal goals.
    • Activity: "Passport of Dreams" journal initiation – students receive a reflection travel journal.
    • Overnight Stay: Athens / Dinner at Roof Garden with Acropolis View

DAY 1 – Domestic Arrivals and Journey to Olympia

Theme: Connection: Meeting self, others, and the Olympic spirit.

  • Morning: After breakfast visit to Olympic Museum
    • Welcome circle and joint ice-breakers.
  • Afternoon (by 11:30): Bus departs for Ancient Olympia.
    • Onboard discussions: “What does the Olympic spirit mean today?”
  • Evening: Arrival at IOA.
    • Welcome Dinner: Greek-style communal meal.
    • Campfire Session: Olympic values storytelling and trust-building games.
    • Journaling Prompt: Who am I in this group, and what do I hope to discover?

DAY 2 – Simplicity in Motion

Theme: Simplicity:  Returning to the roots of human excellence.

  • Morning:
    • Opening Ceremony at the IOA Olympic Grove
    • Interactive lecture: The Origins of Olympism – From Ancient Rituals to Global Movement
    • Group game: “Olympic Trivia Quest” around IOA grounds
  • Afternoon:
    • Sports Rotation 1: Traditional Olympic Sports (Track, Shot Put, Long Jump)
    • Values Lab: What makes a sport “Olympic”?
  • Evening:
    • Sunset Breathing and Mindfulness Circle: Simplicity in Mind & Motion
    • Journaling Prompt: Where in my life can I remove complexity to grow?

DAY 3 – Heritage and Creativity

Theme: Creativity: Reimagining traditions through new ideas.

  • Morning:
    • Guided Tour of the Ancient Olympia archaeological site and museum
    • Activity: “Whispers of the Stones” – students sketch / write short reflections inspired by statues or ruins
  • Afternoon:
    • Workshop: Design Your Own Olympic Torch or Emblem
    • Group Pitch Challenge: Create a New Olympic Sport – design, values, and presentation
  • Evening:
    • e-sports Showcase: Debate – Are esports the future of the Olympics?
    • Journaling Prompt: How can I use my imagination to respect and renew tradition? 

DAY 4 – Innovation and Resilience

Theme: Innovation and Resilience: Solving problems and bouncing back.

  • Morning:
    • Simulation Activity: The Olympic Village Problem – teams navigate real-world ethical dilemmas faced by
      organizers, athletes, and nations
    • Workshop: From Idea to Impact – Innovation in Sport and Society
  • Afternoon:
    • Sports Rotation 2: Fencing, Archery, Volleyball
    • Challenge: Obstacle Course of Resilience – teamwork, failure recovery, leadership
  • Evening:
    • Guided Town Visit: Explore Ancient Olympia’s modern town through a photo scavenger hunt
    • Journaling Prompt: When did I last fail forward, and what did I learn? 

DAY 5 – Celebration and Reflection

Theme: Reflection: Understanding the journey and preparing for the future

  • Morning:
    • Creative Lab: Map Your Olympic Journey – visual timeline of your personal growth
    • Workshop: Letter to My Future Self
    • Community Circle: Group reflections and shout-outs
  • Afternoon:
    • Torch Relay Ceremony through the Academy grounds – symbolizing passing on values
  • Evening:
    • Closing Ceremony – Awarding of Certificates and Special Recognitions
    • Celebration Dinner with music, dancing, and photo montage screening
    • Journaling Prompt: What legacy do I want to carry forward?

DAY 6 – Departure and Continuity

Theme: Continuity: Bringing home the Olympic spirit

  • Morning:
    • Final Breakfast
    • Farewell Circle and sharing of contact trees (peer networks across countries)
    • Group Departure to Athens
    • Distribution of “Reflection Kits” – curated journal pages,
    • Olympic values bookmark, and future goals worksheet

MORE ABOUT

International Olympics Academy
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The International Olympic Academy (IOA) is a global center for Olympic education and research located in Ancient Olympia, Greece. Founded in 1961 under the auspices of the International Olympic Committee, the IOA promotes the values of Olympism—such as peace, respect, and excellence—through educational programs, seminars, and cultural exchanges.

The IOA serves as a hub for students, educators, athletes, and leaders from around the world to explore the philosophy and principles of the Olympic Movement. It encourages dialogue, personal growth, and global citizenship in a spirit of solidarity and mutual respect.

Hudson Global Scholars is the academic partner of the IOA. The mission of this partnership is to share Olympic values with students and educators worldwide.

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Take the Next Step

Our school and student success teams can help you get started now!

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Frequently Asked Questions

Eligibility

Who can attend? 

  • The program is open to high school students ages 14-18.  
 Is there a language requirement? 
  • The program will be conducted in English, so we recommend a CEFR B1 level or equivalent so that students can participate fully and socialize with other international students. 

Accommodations

  • What are the accommodations?

    • In Olympia, students will stay in double or triple rooms with students of their own gender at the International Olympic Academy Conference Center. Rooms are air-conditioned with Wi-Fi and en-suite bathrooms.  

    What supervision will there be in the dorms?  

    • The dorms are supervised by staff at a 2:10 staff-to-student ratio. 

Logistics and Safety

How can my student travel to the conference? 

  • All travel will be coordinated directly with families/school groups in advance of the conference, so that we can ensure your warm welcome.

    • Students arriving by plane should plan to arrive in Athens on the first day of the conference. A staff member from the International Olympic Academy will meet them at the Athens airport and transport them to the hotel in Athens to meet the rest of the group.

    • The next morning, we will transport students to the conference center in Olympia by bus.

    • On the last day of the conference, we will transport students from Olympia to the Athens airport. 

My country requires a visa to travel to Greece.  Can the IOA provide an invitation letter? 
  • Yes, we are happy to provide an invitation letter. Please contact the organizer to request assistance. 

Should I purchase travel insurance? 

  • Yes, Travel insurance is mandatory and must be purchased from an Hudson Global Scholars-recommended provider, such as Allianz Travel, Assist Card, Coris, World Nomads, UnitedHealthcare, Global Rescue, or other international insurers. 
What if my student gets sick? 
  • The International Olympic Academy Conference Center has doctors on site at all times. Students should bring a copy of their insurance policy and any medication they use regularly. 

May schools send groups of students with their own chaperone? 

Yes! We welcome school groups.  Accommodation, board, and local transportation (according to the program itinerary) are covered for chaperones bringing 10 or more students. Please contact the organizer for more information. 

Pricing and Refund Policy

What does the price include? 

  • The price is all-inclusive within the program dates and official itinerary. This includes: 
    • 6 nights' accommodation 
    • Breakfast, lunch, and dinner for the duration of the program. 
    • Round-trip bus transportation from Athens to Olympia 
    • Airport transfer 
    • Camp programming, including access to the International Olympic Academy library, tour of the ancient sites, sports equipment and gym access 

What is NOT included in the price?

  • The price does not include round-trip transportation from home to Athens, travel insurance, souvenirs, snacks, or any visa fees.

If we have to cancel, can we get a refund?

  • Refund Policy
    We hope to see you in Greece, but we understand unexpected things can happen. 
    • If you cancel at least two weeks before your session date, you are eligible for a refund.
    • We will retain $150 from your payment as a non-refundable fee.
    • The refund deadlines are:
      • Session 1: Cancel by May 18, 2026
      • Session 2: Cancel by July 6, 2026

No refunds will be issued after these dates.

Join Us in Greece!

Be a part of this unique global experience at the International Olympic Academy!

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