When I joined the ICMA Global Exchange Program, I thought I knew what to expect: discussions about governance models, policy innovations, and maybe a few lessons on international public management. But I quickly learned that this trip would be far more than an academic exercise. It was a journey that challenged the way I think about leadership, community, and the human side of public service.

Our cohort’s experience in Eswatini and South Africa was nothing short of transformative. We didn’t just visit government offices or attend presentations, we engaged directly with local leaders, residents, and practitioners who live the realities of governance every day. What I witnessed in these two nations will stay with me throughout my career in public service.

We began our exchange in Eswatini, a country where tradition and modern governance coexist in fascinating ways. Local councils and traditional chiefs play vital roles in shaping community life, from land allocation and conflict resolution to maintaining social harmony. Observing these interactions made me realize how deeply governance can be intertwined with culture. In Eswatini, I was struck by how leadership is built on personal relationships and community trust. The process may look different from the systems studied in the United States, but the principles are the same: service, accountability, and collective well-being. The country’s emphasis on unity and shared responsibility reminded me that effective governance is not always about bureaucracy. It is rather about legitimacy, dialogue, and cultural understanding. 

From there, we journeyed to South Africa, where the atmosphere was both dynamic and determined. Local governments are working to overcome the lingering effects of apartheid while building more inclusive, participatory communities. In Johannesburg, we met municipal leaders tackling informal settlements through innovative planning and open collaboration with residents. Their work embodied the resilience and creativity that define true public leadership.

South Africa showed me what it looks like when governance leans into transparency and reform, even when resources are limited. I saw firsthand how public administrators are bridging divides through education, engagement, and strategic partnerships. Their efforts reminded me that while policies matter, it’s people—driven, ethical, compassionate people—who bring change to life. 

For me, it was more than a trip, it was a call to action to lead thoughtfully, listen deeply, and continue building bridges through public service.

Upon returning home, I reflected on my travels to both countries. I was struck by how different governance systems can teach the same universal lessons. Eswatini emphasized the strength of cultural continuity and community voice, while South Africa demonstrated the power of reinvention and inclusion. Together, they painted a picture of what global public administration truly means. That establishing collaboration across borders and respect for diverse paths lead toward the same goal; building better lives for citizens in their communities.

As a graduate student preparing to enter the field, this experience reaffirmed why I chose public service. The ICMA Global Exchange reminded me that leadership is not about titles or hierarchies, but rather empathy, connection, and a willingness to learn from others. 

Being surrounded by local officials in our traveling delegation who serve with such heart and dedication reignited my own sense of purpose as a future public administrator.

Now home and well rested, I carry more than just notes and photos. I carry a renewed commitment to leading with integrity, compassion, and global perspective. In a world where local challenges are increasingly global, programs like the ICMA Global Exchange remind us that learning never stops at the classroom door. 

For more, read ETHICS WORLDWIDE: Leading with Integrity: Lessons from the 2025 Global Exchange, in ICMA's November PM magazine that examines lessons learned on ethics, professionalization, and leadership from the 2025 Global Exchange. Have a question or looking to get involved with ICMA's global engagement efforts? Contact global@icma.org.