Global Leaders Experience Xavier College

The Global Leaders Experience offered Xavier College students an extraordinary opportunity to explore some of Europe’s most significant landmarks, while gaining valuable insights from leaders and organisations shaping the world today. Now in its second year, following on from the inaugural tour to the United States, this year spanned Italy, Belgium, France and the United Kingdom. The GLE challenged students to think globally, reflect on leadership in action and deepen their understanding of international relationships, history and service.

Rome:
The experience began in Rome, where the students immersed themselves in the unique intersection of diplomacy, faith and history.

A highlight was a visit to the Australian Embassy to the Holy See, where the group met with the Australian Ambassador (The Hon. Keith Pitt) and gained insight into international diplomacy, before further exploring Vatican City. The group also visited the headquarters of Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS), meeting with staff to learn about the organisation’s global efforts to support refugees and displaced communities, as well as several historical landmarks across all of Rome.

Brussels:
The next destination was Brussels, where students visited the Australian Ambassador to Belgium, Luxembourg, the European Union and NATO, taking in a roundtable discussion with the Ambassador (The Hon. Angus Campbell). This provided a valuable perspective on international relations and Australia’s growing engagement with Europe, followed by a tour of the European Parliament.

The students also joined in celebrations for the local Flemish National Holiday, whilst exploring the Brussels CBD area and of course, sampling world-renowned waffles, chocolates and other local delicacies.

Ypres, Dunkirk and Villers-Bretonneux:
The students paid tribute to Old Xaverians who served during the WWI and WWII at significant battlefields around Ypres and Villers-Bretonneux. Many of these Old Xaverians have no known grave and are commemorated at the Menin Gate Memorial, where our students participated in the ceremony and laid a wreath in their honour.

The tour group spent significant time in Ypres, Dunkirk and Villers-Bretonneux, deepening their understanding of Australia’s military history and our greatest leaders of the past. A particular highlight was the Sir John Monash Centre, offering a powerful opportunity to reflect on leadership, resilience and service.

Stonyhurst:
A memorable overnight stay at Stonyhurst near Manchester offered the students the chance to explore one of the United Kingdom’s most historic Jesuit institutions.

Generously hosted by former Principal Mr. William Doherty, activities included visits to the archives, guided tours of the campus and participation in sporting activities. The experience provided valuable insights into our shared Jesuit education pedagogy, tradition and the enduring values of leadership and service.

London and Oxford:
In London, the students met with Jack Gazdowicz (OX 2016) at NAB HQ, who shared his insights into the exciting opportunities available within the banking and finance industry in the UK and Europe more broadly. He also spoke about the importance of building strong professional networks founded on trust and integrity. The group then visited Australia House for a tour and presentation, learning about the role of Australia's diplomatic presence in the United Kingdom. A meeting with the Director of the Australia-UK Chamber of Commerce provided valuable advice on professional networking, international business opportunities and building global connections.

Alongside visiting all the major tourist sites in London, the boys also had the opportunity to attend a special dinner with Old Xaverians who were living and working in London. They eagerly engaged with the Old Xaverians, asking insightful questions and seeking advice on how to build and advance their career in an international setting. On the final day of the trip, the students visited Jesus College in Oxford where they were welcomed by Christopher Muttukumaru CB (OX 1968). This was an incredible way to finish off an extraordinary trip, as Christopher shared his insights on the qualities and challenges of leadership in today’s society.

In sum, the Global Leaders Experience was far more than a study tour. It was an immersive exploration of leadership, diplomacy, history, faith and culture, and more importantly, a trip the students will treasure for a lifetime.

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