Please feel free to contact us if your questions are not answered by the information below: globalscholar@aidemocracy.org
1. How is Global Scholar different from other programs?
Global Scholar stands out from other summer programs serving high school and college students for several reasons:
- We focus on building global leaders who have both the knowledge and the skills to make our world a better place. Many programs just offer coursework. We go beyond the classroom to offer leadership and advocacy training, and inspire students to put their new skills into action through a G8 simulation, campaign competition, and year-long campaigns on global issues.
- Global Scholar is part of a broader youth movement of concerned, young global citizens. We’re not just concerned with making a buck or getting students to apply to a specific university. The Global Scholar experience extends way beyond their particular session; Global Scholars enter a family of over 23,000 student leaders and activists affecting change on their campuses and in their communities.
- We’re affordable. We’re run by a national student organization, and we charge just enough to cover our costs. You’ll find that Global Scholar is significantly less expensive than almost any competitor program. And we offer scholarships too!
2. I haven’t studied these issues before – does that matter?
Global Scholar Prep is intended to be an introductory program. The only thing that’s required is an interest in exploring global challenges like poverty and climate change, as well as the US role in addressing them. Sessions introduce key issues and concepts, and background readings and assignments provide additional depth. The sessions move at a quick pace, thus even those who have some exposure to these issues will be challenged to deepen their understanding even further.
Global Scholar Institute moves at a quicker pace. The expectation is that participants already have some exposure to global issues, either through study or travel. In general, Institute courses move at the 200-300 level.
3. Who teaches the sessions?
The issue sessions will be taught by issue experts working in Washington DC. Past Global Scholar presenters have included Thomas Pickering, former US Ambassador to the UN, Joe Cirincione, President of the Ploughshares Fund, Peter Singer, Senior Fellow at the Brookings Institution, and many more.
4. Who teaches the skillbuilding workshops?
Global Scholar staff will teach the leadership, advocacy and policy workshops; we have extensive experience helping students build these skills. Many of the issue presenters have experience doing advocacy as well, and can add additional insights.
5. What other staff work for the program?
Two full-time staff coordinate Global Scholar; both have experience working with students and running similar programs. A staffperson will live in the dorms with the students. Other staff will offer support throughout the session.
6. Do Global Scholars get grades, a certificate, credit, and/or recommendations?
Global Scholars will receive certificates upon successful completion of the program, and staff will happily write recommendations for college or other applications. We do not provide grades or credit, although we are happy to work with you to apply for credit at your school if applicable.
7. What other costs will Scholars be responsible for paying?
The program fee includes room, board, materials and the program itself. Scholars are responsible for paying for transportation to/from Washington DC, supplemental meals or snacks, and spending money. Although it’s hard to estimate, a reasonable amount of spending money might be $50-75/week.
8. How many students are in the program?
We keep Global Scholar very small, so that participants can really engage with other students and speakers. Maximum group size is 15. We’ve added a second session in 2012 to respond to the growing demand for the program.
9. How many scholarships will you offer, and are they full or partial?
We offer as many scholarships as possible, depending on funding. In 2012, we are only offering partial scholarships.
10. Is Global Scholar part of a larger organization?
Yes! Global Scholar is run by Americans for Informed Democracy, a non-partisan national student organization founded after 9/11 to help students learn about and take action around the US role in the world.
11. Does Global Scholar promote a particular political agenda?
Our goal is to inspire student conversation around the US role in the world and key global challenges facing us today. These conversations are based on the premise that the US does have an important role to play beyond our own borders. We strive to help students understand all sides of issues, and empower them to formulate their own opinions on the best courses of action for our country to take.
12. What are you looking for in essays / participants?
We look for participants who are curious about the world around them. Scholars should be inspired to learn more about global challenges, and their role in addressing them.
13. Is there an application deadline?
No, but as we’ve stated above space is very limited. We encourage applicants to apply as early as possible.
Did we miss something? Please contact us at globalscholar@aidemocracy.org. We look forward to seeing you this summer!
