The Link's International Student Leadership Conference provided Laurier students with eye-opening experiences that reached new horizons and with lessons in business and leadership that were gained beyond expectations. Five business students who attended the Conference in 2009, Erich Stilling, Jason Ramdhan, Stephen Jensen, Amira Dhalla and Dana Duncan, share their experiences below and give their perspectives on this opportunity of a lifetime:

I'm a huge advocate of experiencing things firsthand, taking a new adventure - International concepts, global insights and cultural learnings are best understood when experienced, not in a classroom. The Link gave that opportunity to both the Canadian and Chinese students and hopefully will continue to do so for years to come.

- Erich Stilling, Advisor <alumni@thelinkonline.org>

If I can take away anything from my experience as an executive of The 2009 International Student Leadership Conference it would be:

"The power and respect that comes with teaching and the responsibility and opportunity to impact a culture in such a profound and rewarding manner!"

- Jason Ramdhan, Vice President: Conference <vpconference@thelinkonline.org>

As a group leader, it was very satisfying to see the students who walked in on the first day of the conference, progress and transform into the stellar, and intellectual students who walked out on the last day of the conference.

The experience that I was fortunate enough to have during the International Student Leadership Conference in China was one that brought out the best in me, pushed me to work harder, and brought my level of learning to an entirely new level. This once in a lifetime opportunity is one that I will never forget.

- Stephen Jensen, Assistant Vice President: Conference <vpconference@thelinkonline.org>

I was thrilled when the relationships that were built went beyond the classroom. I continuously keep in touch with many of the students on my team through emails where they practice their English and keep me up-to-date on their lives and adventures in China. This life-changing opportunity to travel and teach while in China has broadened my understanding of global business, while also allowing myself to be a better teacher and learner.

- Amira Dhalla, Co-President <president@thelinkonline.org>

Through ISLC I was given the privilege to interact with students who valued our knowledge and were eager to learn from our experiences. It was wonderful to watch these students develop over a three day period. Since the majority of ISLC students are interested in attending a North American based post secondary institution, it was beneficial for them to experience a 'western' style case environment.

- Dana Duncan, Co-President <president@thelinkonline.org>