The globalization of agricultural systems, increasing cultural diversity, and advances in sustainable technologies have intensified the need for Extension professionals to work effectively within diverse communities. With nearly 48 million immigrants living in the United States, Extension agents must pair technical expertise with cultural competence, leadership, and inclusive engagement practices. Short-term study abroad (STSA) programs offered through land-grant universities provide a promising form of professional development, combining experiential and reflective learning that supports leadership growth, cross-cultural awareness, and community-focused practice despite challenges related to time, funding, and staffing. Guided by the updated Katz Three-Skills Approach, this case study examined how participation in a two-week STSA program in Morocco influenced Extension professionals’ administrative, interpersonal, and conceptual leadership competencies. Conceptually, the framework emphasizes strategic thinking and problem-solving; administratively, it focuses on managing resources and responsibilities; and interpersonally, it centers on emotional intelligence and relational effectiveness. Data were drawn from pre- and post-reflection surveys completed by three Extension agents from [university]. Reflections were analyzed using a priori coding aligned with the three skill domains to explore leadership development and culturally informed professional practices. Findings indicated that international immersion fostered growth across all three leadership domains. Conceptually, agents reported expanded perspectives on agriculture and community development, enabling more culturally responsive planning. Administratively, participants demonstrated proactive delegation and communication to maintain programming during their absence. Interpersonally, agents described increased cultural awareness, listening skills, and relational capacity, along with strengthened professional networks. Although limited by a small sample size, findings suggest that STSA programs can enhance Extension agents’ leadership and cultural competencies, supporting more inclusive and effective community engagement. Future research should explore scalable models that integrate experiential, reflective, and culturally responsive learning into Extension professional development.