Global Campus

International Education Week

November 18 - 22

FVSU is committed to providing students with global education, international exposure, and intercultural sensitivity competences to succeed in a globalized economy. 

Besides our Study Abroad catalog, there are plenty of opportunities to acquire global competency on campus without leaving the comfort of the Valley. 

 

What would you like to explore today?

International Programs and Events        

         International Opportunities and Careers

 

 

Three FVSU Students Awarded Prestigious Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship

Three FVSU students, Katelyn Davis, Ke'Irra Johnson, and Raven McRae, have been awarded the prestigious Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship to study abroad this summer. This achievement not only makes history as the largest number of awardees in FVSU history but also stands as a testament to their academic excellence and global ambitions. On Monday, the FVSU Office of Global Studies and Engagement (OGSE) celebrated the trio during the Annual Cultural Celebration.
 
Katelyn Davis, a junior Animal Science major, will be interning at a Wildlife Sanctuary in Costa Rica for a month. Biology major Ke'Irra Johnson and Computer Science sophomore Raven McRae will attend a three-week faculty-led program in Zambia. While Johnson will be deepening her understanding of global health through international research collaboration in a multicultural environment, McRae will combine her technical skills with cultural exchange and community development through service learning at the University of Zambia. 

Read the full article

 

INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

 

Global Intercultural Sensitivity Seminars

 

The Office of Global Studies and Engagement offers these evening seminars twice per semester. They are informative and engaging sessions designed to equip students with knowledge and skills to navigate the exciting world of international experiences.

What you will learn:
  1. The importance of intercultural sensitivity: Discover how to appreciate and respect diverse cultures, break down barriers, and foster meaningful connections.
  2. Study abroad 101: Learn practical tips and strategies for making the most of your international experience, from choosing the right destination to overcoming cultural challenges. 
  3. Navigating international travel: Get expert advice on cultural etiquette, safety considerations, travel essentials, and avoiding misunderstandings. 
Why attend? 
  • Enhance your employability: Intercultural skills are highly sought-after by employers in today's globalized world.
  • Broaden your perspective: Gain a deeper understanding of the world and its diverse cultures.
  • Boost your communication skills: Learn to adapt your communication style when interacting with people from diverse backgrounds, expand your social circle and worldview. 
  • Networking opportunities: Connect with like-minded peers who share your passion for international experiences. 

Do not miss this chance to unlock your global potential!

 

 

FVSU Peace Corps Prep

The goal of Peace Corp's Prep is to provide undergraduate students with the skills for international development work and global citizenship through coursework and experiential learning. You can earn a certificate and get a competitive edge when applying to the Peace Corps, where you can collaborate on projects as a Volunteer in one of more than 60 countries.

The Program

Peace Corp's Prep takes underclassmen of all majors and provides them with a structured course of study that compliments their major; to enhance their education and encourage them to apply to become Peace Corps volunteers. Ideally, our graduates would be accepted as Peace Corps volunteers, and use their skills to strengthen communities abroad; however, this should not be the sole measure of success. The enhanced skill set and personal growth through community engagement will help students obtain a direct advantage for employment or acceptance to a graduate program as a result of the Peace Corp Prep Program.

You have six work sectors to choose from:

 

FAQs

For many majors, it is already your coursework. For students in a general major, it may help you develop an interest and create a long term goal. Either way, it is going to involve speaking a foreign language, community service and courses to enhance global understanding.

Community service is perhaps the most important part. It will give you actual experience that the Peace Corps and future employers find extraordinarily valuable. Consider the following:

Education
  • A campus program in which students tutor ESL peers.
  • Teaching in one of these or a similar form: in a classroom, with a community outreach organization, or in a formal tutoring capacity.
  • The subject of the teaching may be English as a Foreign/Second Language, special education, drama, or a STEM subject.
Health
  • Volunteer or work experience in such areas as HIV/AIDS outreach, hospice, family planning counseling, emergency medical technician (EMT) or CPR teaching/certification, maternal health, and hands-on caregiving in a hospital, clinic, or lab technician setting.
  • Counseling or teaching in health subjects.
  • Working as a resident advisor in a dormitory, as a peer nutritionist, or as a sexually transmitted infections counselor.
  • Significant experience in mechanical repairs, construction, carpentry, masonry, plumbing, hydrology, or set design.
Environment
  • Educating the public on environmental or conservation issues, or working on environmental campaigns.
  • Conducting biological surveys of plants or animals.
  • Gardening, farming, nursery management, organic or low-input vegetable production, or landscaping.
  • Providing technical assistance and training in natural resource management.
Agriculture
  • Working with a large-scale or family-run business involving vegetable gardening, farming, nursery work, tree planting or care, urban forestry, livestock care and management, or fish cultivation and production.
  • Teaching or tutoring the public in environmental or agricultural issues/activities.
  • Working on the business management or marketing side of a commercial farm.
Youth in Development
  • Teaching or counseling in at-risk youth programs.
  • Activities that involve planning, organizing, assessing community needs, counseling, and leadership, in areas such as education, youth development, health and HIV/AIDS, the environment, and/or business.
Community Economic Development
  • Working with businesses, organizations, or cooperatives in accounting, finance, microfinance, management, project management, budgeting, or marketing.
  • Starting and running your own business or other entrepreneurial activity.
  • Training others in computer literacy, maintenance, and repair.
  • Website design or online marketing.
  • Founding or leading a community- or school-based organization.

Easily, fill out the application.

You will meet with the campus Peace Corps Prep Coordinator, and we will review your application, do some paperwork and you will be free to begin your journey.

You can email international@fvsu.edu to ask any questions, or make an appointment with the Office of Global Studies and Engagament.

No

Upon completion of the program you will receive a certificate of completion. After graduation, you will be able to apply for the Peace Corps. You're not guaranteed acceptance but it increases your odds greatly. When in the Peace Corps, there are many benefits. Links

Visit the website, and talk to a recruiter to learn more.

 

Go Global Study Abroad Student Organization

With a diverse group of passionate members, the club is a melting pot of ideas for all things international from sharing travel tips and swapping cultural shock anecdotes to peer mentorship and language exchange.

Joining Go Global is the first step of your journey towards becoming a global citizen.

 

Internationalized Courses

Faculty plays a key role in nurturing the development of global competency on campus. In line with our campus internationalization mission, twenty-one faculty members have received training to redesign their course curriculum incorporating a global dimension to their syllabi.

These internationalized courses address twenty-first century issues providing global awareness, perspective, and engagement. This approach to global education equips students with competitive skills to succeed in a globalized world and gain access to the international job market.

 

   

 

INTERNATIONAL CAREERS AND OPPORTUNITIES

 

Fellowships

Fellowships are merit-base awards that provide financial support for academic, professional or personal development.

The Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Graduate Fellowship Program attracts and prepares outstanding candidates for Foreign Service careers in the U.S. Department of State. It offers a unique opportunity to promote positive change in the world. 

 It welcomes the application of members of minority groups historically underrepresented in the State Department, women, and those with a demonstrated financial need for graduate school. 

 

The fellowship helps finance two-year graduate programs, provides two summer internships, offers mentoring from a Foreign Service Officer, and provides other professional development activities. Fellows also agree to a minimum five-year service commitment in the Department of State’s Foreign Service.

 

The deadline to apply for the 2025 cycle of the Thomas R. Pickering Graduate Foreign Affairs Fellowship Program is September 26, 2024.

 

The Award

The Pickering Program plans to award 45 fellowships of up to $42,000 annually for a two-year period for tuition, room, board, books, and mandatory fees for completion of two-year master’s degrees. This includes up to $24,000 per year for tuition and mandatory fees and an academic year stipend of $18,000.

The Degree

Fellows must obtain graduate degrees in international affairs or a related subject such as public administration, public policy, international relations, business administration, economics, history, political science, communications, or foreign languages at a graduate school approved by the Pickering Program. Law degrees do not satisfy this requirement. Fellows are expected to maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.2 throughout their period of study. Applicants apply to two-year graduate programs at U.S.-based universities separately from their application to the Pickering Program.

Orientation

Fellows will participate in a weeklong orientation at Howard University during June 2025. The purpose of this orientation is to familiarize the Fellows with all aspects of the fellowship and to enhance their understanding of, and skills for, Foreign Service careers.

Two Summer Internships (Domestic and Overseas)

Fellows will participate in two internships. The first, an internship working at the U.S. Department of State headquarters in Washington, DC, will occur in the summer in between their first and second year of graduate study. The second internship will be an overseas placement in a U.S. Embassy or Consulate that takes place during the summer after fellow’s graduation. The program provides additional support for summer travel, housing, and other related expenses.

Mentoring

Fellows will receive mentoring from Foreign Service Officers for the duration of the fellowship.

Elegibility criteria includes:

  • U.S. citizenship.
  • A cumulative GPA of at least 3.2 on a 4.0 scale.
  • Plans to start graduate school for a two-year program of relevance to the Foreign Service in fall 2025 at a U.S. based institution.

To learn more visit: Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Graduate Fellowship Program

In partnership with more than 140 countries worldwide, the Fulbright U.S. Student Program offers unparalleled opportunities in all academic disciplines to passionate and accomplished graduating college seniors, graduate students, and young professionals from all backgrounds. Program participants pursue graduate study, conduct research, or teach English abroad. 

To learn more, visit: the Fulbright U.S. Student Program

The Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program offers over 400 awards in more than 135 countries for U.S. citizens to teach, conduct research and carry out professional projects around the world. 

To learn more, visit: Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program

The Institute of Current World Affairs (ICWA) is an organization that advances American understanding of international cultures and affairs. ICWA provides a two-year fellowship program that allows young professionals to study countries, regions, and globally important issues in self-designed independent study abroad.  Fellowships are aimed at developing local knowledge and writing skills, and ICWA provides full financial support for its fellows and their immediate accompanying families.

To learn more visit: The Institute of Current World Affairs (ICWA)

The Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange (CBYX) for Young Professionals is a fellowship that annually provides 75 American and 75 German young professionals (ages 18-24) the opportunity to spend one year in each other’s countries, studying, interning, and living with hosts on a cultural immersion program.

The program for Americans consists of three phases:

  • Intensive Language Training: Two months of intensive German language training
  • Study Phase: One semester of classes in one’s academic or career field at a university, technical, or professional school
  • Internship Phase: Three to five month internship in one’s career field

This funded fellowship opportunity annually covers basic living costs for all participants including:

  • Round-trip international airfare from Washington, D.C. to Germany.
  • Language school costs for two months of intensive German language study.
  • Tuition costs for one semester of study.
  • Health insurance in Germany.
  • Housing costs for host family, apartment, or dormitory during the pre-internship phases
  • Monthly stipend to cover basic costs of living Program-related travel within Germany.

 

To learn more, visit: Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange for Young Professionals (CBYX)

Fund research and language study proposals by U.S. graduate students in world regions critical to U.S. interests.

Maximum awards are determined by duration abroad:

  • Up to $25,000 for 25-52 weeks (preferred)
  • Up to $12,500 for 12-24 weeks
  • + Up to $12,000 for domestic language study (optional)

 

Learn more at: Boren Awards

This is a Department of State program to attract diverse top talent into the Foreign Service. There are two components:

  1. International Affairs Graduate Fellowship Program – provides support for graduate school and two summer internships, professional development, mentoring, and entry into the U.S. Foreign Service. Participation requires a five-year commitment to serve in the Foreign Service.
  2. International Affairs Summer Enrichment Program – provides undergraduates with the opportunity to enhance their skills, knowledge and understanding about U.S. foreign policy and careers in international affairs, particularly in the State Department’s Foreign and Civil Service.

To learn more, visit: the Rangel Program

This is a Department of State program designed to attract outstanding students and professionals to prepare for a career applying their technology skills in support of the business of diplomacy as Diplomatic Technology Officers. 

The program includes:

  • Undergraduate and graduate fellowships to qualified students entering their junior year or enrolling in a master’s degree program
  • Financial assistance for two years of a bachelor’s or master’s IT-related degree program
  • Two internships – one domestic and one abroad
  • Mentoring and other professional development opportunities
  • Five-year Foreign Service commitment as a Diplomatic Technology Officer

To learn more, visit: THE FAIT FELLOWSHIP

This Department of State two-year program provides a path to a career in the Foreign Service as Diplomatic Secuirty Service Special Agent. 

The program includes:

  • Financial assistance for a two-year graduate program
  • Two summer practicums – one domestic and one abroad
  • Mentoring and other professional development opportunities
  • Three-year Foreign Service Commitment

To learn more, visit: the Clarke DS Fellowship

The Payne Fellowship, which provides up to $104,000 in benefits over two years for graduate school, internships, and professional development activities, is a unique pathway to the Foreign Service of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). 

To learn more, visit: The Payne Fellowship

International Careers

Working in international and multicultural environments requires a certain skillset known as global competency, these are the key elements:

Language Skills: 

Being fluent in a foreign language will make you a more attractive candidate to international employers so brush up on your language skills or learn a new one! Fluency opens doors and fosters deeper connections.

Intercultural Sensitivity: 

Recognizing and developing an appreciation for cultural differences and diversity is key for successful cross-cultural communication and collaboration. If you are considering working abroad, make sure that you understand the customs, etiquette, and work practices of your host country.

Networking:

Build connections with professionals in your field abroad. Attend international conferences, join online communities, and leverage social media platforms like LinkedIn. A great way to start creating meaningful connections in the international arena is to join the Go Global Study Abroad student organization. 

Flexibility and adaptability:  

Be prepared to embrace new experiences, challenges, and ways of thinking. Keeping an open mind and willingness to learn are key to thriving in a new environment.

FVSU offers a variety of resources to acquire global competency through the Office of Global Studies and Engagement whether it is on campus or abroad:
  • Study Abroad programs are the best way to gain practical experience, develop language skills and acquire global competency, all while visiting a foreign country.                                        
  • Choose to take an internationalized course.                                               
  • Join the Go Global Study Abroad student organization.                             
  • Attend the Global Intercultural Sensitivity Seminars.                             
  • Participate in language exchange meetups.                                                 
  • Volunteering abroad is a rewarding way to give back to the community while gaining valuable cross-cultural experience
 
The world is your oyster, but where do you start diving for pearls?
Here are some sectors and industries brimming with international career prospects for graduates:

Contribute to alleviating poverty, promoting sustainable development, and improving lives worldwide. Organizations like the UN, World Bank, and NGOs offer diverse opportunities in fields like political studies, education, healthcare, and environmental protection.

Share your knowledge and passion for learning across borders. Teach English, pursue research fellowships, or even become a university professor abroad. Make sure you check the Fulbright Programs.

Unleash your entrepreneurial spirit in the global marketplace. Work for multinational corporations, startups, or even launch your own venture in a new market.

Be at the forefront of the digital revolution. Tech giants and innovative startups across the globe seek talent in areas like software development, artificial intelligence, and data science.

Let your creativity shine on the international stage. Work in film, music, design, or advertising, bringing your unique perspective to a global audience.

As the world grapples with climate change and environmental challenges, there's a growing demand for experts in renewable energy, conservation, and sustainable development.