The deadline has been extended to April 30 for U.S. credit unionprofessionals to apply for the International Credit UnionLeadership program that will be hosted in Costa Rica in June.

Sponsored by the World Council of Credit Unions in Madison, Wis., the programenables emerging credit union leaders to serve in a short-terminternship that will help broaden their professional expertise.

The program is designed to facilitate idea exchanges, promoteforeign language development, enhance cultural diversity andimprove problem-solving as they relate to global credit uniondevelopment and management. The program also focuses on helpingcredit unions find new ways to attract young members, according tothe World Council.

Staff and board members from credit unions, leagues, corporates,CUNA, CUNA Mutual and CUSOs are eligible to apply. Applicantsshould meet the following selection criteria:

• Demonstrate personal commitment and the ability tosignificantly influence the credit union
• Show leadership and entrepreneurial skills and demonstrate howpersonal initiative has contributed to the credit union'sdevelopment
• Exhibit the potential to advance the national or internationalcredit union system through initiatives that would also help thedevelopment of his or her community
• Be actively involved as an employee or board member of a creditunion or organization affiliated with the World Council throughCUNA or a league.
• Be available to travel on the specific dates outlined by theprogram
• Not be a World Council employee or board member
• Have a career trajectory within the credit union industry
• Intermediate Spanish-language skills (ideal but notnecessary)

More information and an application form are on the InternationalCredit Union Leadership Program home page.