Testimonials
Copyright 2011, all rights reserved.  International Diplomacy Institute
The Los Angeles Program was an incredible experience that opened my eyes to the power of the media and the need for better intercultural communication. The lectures and special events provided me the opportunity to appreciate how the media operates as well as the important role of public relations in this global phenomenon.

Anna Valenti
Blanquerna School of Communication
Ramon Lull University
Barcelona, Spain

This was one of the most beneficial experiences I have ever had in that I Iearned first-hand from the media professionals what it takes to succeed in getting the message to the target audiences. I also have a better understanding of the awesome power of the media to unite or further divide us. 

Nora Al Shehail
Suffolk University
Boston, MA

What I learned in this intensive four week program is amazing. I had a great experience in Los Angeles, appreciating the various cultures, as well as dialogues and lectures with some of the media industry's most powerful people.

Silvana Amadas
Universitat Autonomia de Barcelona
Barcelona, Spain

The LA Program is a MUST for anyone interested in getting to know a different side to America than what you see in the media. I learned of the compassion and friendly nature of the people in LA and also had wonderful internship experiences and lectures with some of the best public relations and media people in the world. I miss the LA Program!

Silvia Rodrigues Rivero
Blanquerna School of Communication
Ramon Llull University
Barcelona, Spain

This was a very fast paced and immensely valuable experience in the entertainment capitol of the world. Living in the heart of the entertainment industry translated into all types of opportunities for premiers, special events and other aspects of the media industry. I would recommend this for anyone who is serious about a career in media related professions!

Lucia Frag
Blanquerna School of Communication
Ramon Llull University
Barcelona, Spain

What a wonderful summer of practical learning! Each day was a new experience in meeting and talking with the leaders who make things happen in public relations and the media. The chance to have one-on-one meetings with questions on how to break into the industry was a real benefit I shall always treasure!

Alejadra Arderiu Bravo
Blanquerna School of Communication
Ramon Llull University
Barcelona, Spain

With my goal to be a diplomat in the international community, I really appreciated the focus on the power of the media and how it shapes and determines our reality. I want to be a player in making sure that our news is more objective and not slanted with marketing influenced objectives. This really opened my eyes to the making of the media

Aseil Al-Shehail
Merrimack College
North Andover, Massachusetts

Yes, this is about media, but it is also about ourselves as media. As an American, I learned first hand of the impressions and stereotypes that other countries have of us. This was alarming and I am committed to working to clear up the subjectivity through more grass roots efforts like this. We all need a course in this to see how distorted our images of the world truly is.

Brendan Summary
McKendree College
Lebannon, Illinois

The Los Angeles Program provides students an insiders view of the media and how public relations, marketing communication are all part of the media business. My students were very impressed by the dedication and expertise of the LA Program, especially the director, Janice Payne. We now have many students interested in coming to LA and being a part of what I as a professor see as a unique experience that can help provide students with important insights as they enter the job market.

Prof. Enric Ordeix Rigo
Professor
Blanquerna School of Communication
Ramon Llull University
Barcelona, Spain

As a native of Los Angeles and businesswoman with a long history in politics, negotiation, and leadership, I see the LA Program as a perfect training ground for future leaders equipped with a practical understanding of how decisions are made and how important the media is in today's global village. As a guest lecturer in this program, I was impressed by the breadth and depth of the questions by the students which were equivalent to the dialogue I remember when I was a student at Harvard.

Meg Gilbert
Gilbert Consulants
Los Angeles, CA

One of the most beneficial parts of a program like this is that in Los Angeles, there are so many opportunities for young people who want to break into the industry. Last year the students in the LA Program were very welcome guests in many of our Ithaca College - LA activities. Their international perspectives really contributed to a great dialogue of what I believe will be future leaders who will make a difference!

Rob Meunier
Director
Ithaca College Los Angeles Program

The Los Angeles Program is designed specifically to address the great gap between cultures worldwide. I applaud this effort at bridge building and, having known the director for over fifteen years, I have nothing but positive support and encouragement in this great opportunity for students.

Sonia Tita Puopolo
Communication Director
Haute Living, Miami, Florida
Daughter of Sonia Puopolo, victim of 9/11

This is a top drawer program in public diplomacy and media literacy that reflects the life long passion of Janice to provide students with an excellent learning experience that can help them find lucrative jobs once they graduate. This is great practical training on topics with a worldwide impact.

Dr. Geraldine Wallach
Writer, Professor
Former Director
Emerson College LA Program

Having worked with Janice for two years and recently graduated from college, I know the quality of this program and how important it is in providing students with needed skills in media and more importantly culture sensitivity

Jared Merves
Toyota Inc.
Chicago, Illinois

As a past alum of a Los Angeles internship experience, I can attest that the LA Program is one of best opportunities available to students who want to break into the media industries. The connections are excellent and help students truly understand what it takes to succeed in this most competitive business

Brenda Glazer
Production Assistant
Passions
NBC Burbank

What I find so appealing with this program is the fact that students come not just from one school, but all over the world. The discussions reflect more than just a western viewpoint that too often dominates the media. From my perspective, this is a must for anyone with a global perspective and a will to succeed.

Frederick Levy
Author of various bestselling books including Hollywood 101

This program provides an international perspective to the media mosiac. I have reviewed the program in great detail and am impressed by how it focuses on the real power in today's media environment.

Ted O'Hearn
Former Vice President International Interpublic and Foote Cone and Belding