FSU Global Scholars prepares undergraduate students to become globally engaged citizens through course-based research paired with an independent global engagement experience. Participants participate in coursework, complete a summer experience, and present their work at the Global Scholars Showcase.
We are no longer accepting application for the 2026 cohort of Global Scholars. Applications for 2027 will open in Fall 2026.
The 2027 cohort application will open in August and close on November 6, 2026.
PDF COPY OF APPLICATION
Check back when the 2027 application opens in Fall 2026.
2026 INFO SESSIONS TBA
All Info Sessions will take place in HSF Room 3008 on:
September 22 at 11:00 AM
October 14 at 10:00 AM
October 29 at 3:00 PM
Learn more about the Global Scholars experience from previous cohorts by reading their blogs! For more detailed information, check out our Extended Program Description, the Global Scholars Guidelines and Criteria, attend one of our information session during the fall, or email Associate Director Cary Wall (cwall@fsu.edu).
If you have any other questions please email CRE Associate Director for Global Programming, Cary Wall (cwall@fsu.edu), or schedule a meeting via Campus Connect.
Program Description
The Global Scholars Program provides students with guidance and support as they pursue their own student-designed learning experiences. Students participate in a year-long program, beginning with the Spring Theory Course (Jan-May), centering on the summer experience, and ending with the Fall Reflection Course (Aug-Dec) and presentation at the Global Scholars Showcase in early December.
While the program does encourage international travel, students can opt to alternatively complete an experience remotely or within the US. The program then retains its strong ‘global’ focus by helping students situate their internship and research experiences in relation to broader global issues, interconnections, and histories.
The Global Scholars Program does not directly sanction these student-designed learning experiences. Rather, the Global Scholars Program provides peer community, mentorship, curriculum, and a structure for ongoing intellectual inquiry as students pursue experiences that align with their own interests, goals, budgets, and timelines. As such, the program provides a uniquely accessible and affordable pathway through which FSU students can engage with independent opportunities for learning and professional development.
Program Costs and Funding
The maximum fee for participating in this program will be the cost for 2 credit hours, one respectively for the theory and reflection courses, as well as any costs associated with the respective experience. FSU will offer experiential grants to projects based off of applicants' need and submission of funding application materials. For example, Global Scholars may be awarded the Global Peace Exchange (GPE) Fellowship and receive up to $1,000, provided they are:
- Working toward a major or minor within FSU's College of Social Science and Public Policy (COSSPP)
- Planning an international service-learning experience in the Global South to be completed as their independent, summer experience
Other fees, such as external program fees (depending on your choice of summer experience) and cost of living, must be paid by the Global Scholar. The theory course will focus how to develop a budget to make sure that Global Scholars are aware of these costs.
Upon completion of the program, students will receive 0-1 academic credits for the theory and reflection courses each. During the summer, students may earn additional credit (up to 6) in the form of internships or a Directed Individual Study. Additionally, through the Career Center's Experience Recognition Program, students may receive additional transcript notation or a certificate of completion.
Program Components
Global Scholars pursue community-based research projects that explore the complexities of exploring the world through research. In this program, you can expect to dive deeper into the theories and ethics of research and development, sharpen your research and professional skills, and develop your toolkit for community research and impact by designing and executing a unique Capstone project.
Potential Ideas for Global Scholar Experiences
Global Scholars is truly a "choose your own adventure" program. Students design their experiences as they relate to their global concentration and research topic, as long as they fit within FSU's wider policies. Additionally, students learn about travel risk and safety and are trained to develop a budget for their experience during the spring course.
It should be noted that if a student does not know what they want to do before the program (or if those plans change), it is ok! Developing the ideal experience for their situation is part of the Global Scholars process and a major component of the spring theory course.With that said, it is helpful to have some idea of the work you want to do, and the application will ask you about your ideas for the summer. Please refer to the Global Scholars Summer Experience Guidelines and Criteria for a comprehensive guide on what can qualify as a "Global Scholars experience", with helpful links and resources for brainstorming!