Global Scholars Program

Program overview

The Global Scholars Program brings together UW Bothell students from diverse backgrounds, particularly first-generation college students, to think through global issues and explore diversity, difference and identity as central to all global engagements. Students explore topics such as:

What does it mean to be a global citizen?
How do issues that affect your community influence the rest of the world?
How can you gain an immersive global experience that is integrated with your education?

This year-long, cohort style community brings together students and professors for genuine and thought provoking dialogue. We engage in critical reflection and exploration and create a space to share ideas, experiences, and opinions about topics everyone thinks about but hardly anyone talks about.

I have learned so much from both my professors and my peers. A diverse group of individuals fosters dialogue that encourages self-exploration and a deeper understanding of others. This exchange helps you reflect on what it means to be a global citizen and appreciate different perspectives, even when they differ from your own.
Naomi Yohannes

Our scholars

Global Scholars emphasizes identity as central to global engagement. Most Scholars are first-generation college students, receive Pell Grants and rely on financial aid to support their study abroad or global internship programs (virtual or in-person). They come from diverse backgrounds, including differences in socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, nationality, immigration status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age and disability. Scholars also represent various academic disciplines and class standings. Program Directors support each Scholar in identifying funding resources and applying for scholarships.

Curriculum

Global Scholars take classes together and receive individualized support to pursue a global experience during the summer via study abroad program, virtual internship and/or domestic opportunity with a global focus. Learn more about the Global Scholars curriculum.

Over the course of one year, selected students are required to participate in:

Winter Quarter workshops
BIS 318: A 3-credit course during Spring Quarter
A global experience during the summer
BIS 418: A 5-credit course in Autumn Quarter

Application

UW Bothell students can apply to Global Scholars each Autumn Quarter. Students who apply after the priority deadline will be considered if all cohort spaces have not been filled. The Global Scholars Program expects to accept 20-30 students each year. Learn more about the Global Scholars application process.

Support

Global Scholars is an initiative of the School of Interdisciplinary Arts & Sciences, and is open to all undergraduates at UW Bothell. The Global Scholars Program Directors were recognized with the inaugural UW Distinguished Teaching Award for Teams in 2023.

Program Directors

Ben Gardner, School of IAS
Ron Krabill, School of IAS
Natalia Dyba, Global Initiatives

Advising

Reach out to us at uwbworld@uw.edu! We’re also available for virtual and in-person appointments.

Schedule an appointment!

Around the World with Global Scholars

How a dream became a reality: A letter to first-gen students looking to study abroad with Catherine Cruz (Spain)

UW Bothell student shared her perspective as a first-gen student and her experience with the local culture through the curriculum.

From Dream to Reality: My Unforgettable Summer Internship in University of Tokyo with Jing Yi Zhong

Global Scholar talked about this exceptional journey and her distinct study experience while exploring the local beauty.

From Seattle to Seoul: A first-generation Cambodian American’s journey to Independence and Adulthood Abroad in South Korea with Ryan Him

The trip to Seoul helped UW Bothell student to explore the possibility of self, observe the cultural differences, and strengthen his insights into international businesses.