Student Resources

The purpose of the SOLES Global Center Global Studies Scholar Award is to further the University's mission in developing global leaders who are dedicated to compassionate service.

Eligibility

SOLES BIPOC students and SOLES students with limited travel experience are eligible to apply for the award. Awards are applied to SOLES graduate courses that are offered in partnership with the Global Center and fulfill the international requirement. Students can apply for a scholarship each time they apply for a global studies course.

Application Requirements

The scholarship award committee will evaluate submissions based in large part on alignment with the USD's strategic planning goals. Student's submission must respond to one of the two prompts below and be original in content (i.e. not used for other scholarship applications, admissions essays, previous or current class assignments, etc.). Students are encouraged to use other methods of submission beyond a written statement. PowerPoint presentations, video clips, music recordings, etc. are accepted.

BIPOC: Tell us about yourself. This may include your personal history, family background, intellectual interests, educational achievements, cultural opportunities to which you have been exposed, and the ways in which these experiences have shaped you. There should be specific emphasis on how this particular global studies course will help you develop as a student or prepare you for a future career. Indicate why you chose to apply to participate in this particular global studies location and include specific examples of what you hope to gain from your experience in this location.

Limited Travel Experience: Will the global studies course be one of your first experiences traveling? Tell us what this experience will mean to you. There should be specific emphasis on how this particular global studies program will help you develop as a student or prepare you for a future career. Indicate why you chose to apply to participate in this particular global studies location and include specific examples of what you hope to gain from your experience in this location.

Scholarship Recipients

Students awarded a scholarship will be required to showcase their learning and experience in the annual SOLES Diversity, Inclusion, Social Justice Excellence Showcase, hosted every April in the School of Leadership and Education Sciences. If your course takes place after the showcase and you are graduating, you will present on expected learning. Sample posters will be provided and the Global Center will print your poster for you if submitted one week prior to the showcase. The Global Center will support students, if needed, in developing and conceptualizing their poster ideas.

Application Information

Students should apply for a scholarship in our study abroad portal when they apply for a global course.

Additional Information

Please contact the Global Center if you have any questions about the Global Studies Scholar Award. globalcenter@sandiego.edu.

As part of our commitment to the value of understanding multiple perspectives and the impact of global transformation, SOLES degree students must, as part of their requirements for graduation, undertake an international experience. We believe these experiences contribute to the entire learning and professional preparation processes for our students and graduates.

Options for fulfilling the international requirement may vary between departments. All students are required to first meet with their academic advisor for pre-approval for all options.

Application Deadlines

Withdraw Policy

The withdrawal policies vary each semester and are based on the cost of each individual program.

• Fall
• Intersession
• Spring
• Summer

Global study courses are considered part of the University's academic curriculum. Financial aid, therefore, is available to eligible students. However, it is important to note that financial aid packages may vary depending on which program the student is attending. Students should contact the Torero Hub to discuss this prior to submitting an application for a course.

SOLES Financial Aid - Students may also explore financial aid available from the School of Leadership and Education Sciences in the form of loans and scholarships by visiting the SOLES Financial Aid website. If you are considering applying for financial aid to assist with the cost of going abroad, be sure to work that element into your personal timeline as well.

There are several other external opportunities to fund research, study abroad or teaching that could fulfill or contribute to fulfilling the international requirement. Keep in mind that meticulous and early planning is always critical to obtain financial aid. Some foundations, such as Rotary International, require applications over one year in advance. See International Exchange Opportunities for funded opportunities.

LGBTQ students and study abroad

If you identify as LGBTQ and plan to study abroad, find ways to prepare yourself for a different culture and its ideas about gender and sexual identity.

You may already identify as a lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans* or queer student, or you may still be exploring your identity. In either case, you will find that the social climate, laws and personal interactions of other cultures will often differ from the U.S. (and California/San Diego in particular). While researching study abroad programs and preparing for departure, it is important to reflect on the culturally based ideas and definitions of gender and sexual identity. Consider carefully how your identity as a LGBTQ person may influence your relationships with host nationals, your cultural adjustment, and your overall education abroad experience.

Learn about your host country before you go

In some cultures, Western understandings of "gay" and "straight" don't exist, or don't carry the same importance as they do in the U.S. People involved in same-sex relationships may not see this as an identity. In other cultures, there are active social movements for civil rights for sexual and gender minorities. In preparing for your study abroad experience, it is important for you to research the LGBTQ climate of the country you will be visiting.

If you are open about your gender, sexual identity and/or gender expression, consider the following as you research potential study abroad countries:

• The culture of a country might make you feel like you are either "sent back into the closet" or, in countries that are more progressive than the US, freer to express yourself.
• If your host country is NOT progressive or accepting of the LGBTQ community, make sure you understand the political climate and consider your personal safety before confronting this way of thinking.

If you are not open about your gender and/or sexual identity, along with the above, consider the following as you research potential study abroad countries:

• Some countries will make it easier for you to come out; make sure that you have a support network during this time.
• If you are not public about your identity, realize that finding that community will be a bit more difficult while abroad. Finding groups or organizations before you go is essential. Check out the links in the campus and international resources sections.

Race and ethnicity abroad

Racial and ethnic relations vary by culture, meaning that while you're abroad, you may be part of an ethnic minority or majority for the first time in your life or have to think about your identity in a new way.

For instance, if you're visiting a country where you have ethnic or racial roots, you may have to consider the local norms and expectations in ways that other students with different backgrounds may not. Remember that in countries with pre-existing ethnic or racial conflicts, you may be inadvertently identified with one group or another simply based on your appearance. On the other hand, perhaps you'll be considered American first, and your ethnic or racial identity will be secondary.

You can prepare yourself for the situations you may encounter by researching the minority, majority and plurality racial and ethnic composition of your host country and exploring its history of racial and ethnic relations.

Questions to ask

• Where do people of my race/ethnicity fit into my host country's society? Am I likely to be a target of racism/classism, or am I going to be treated the same way in my host country as I am in the US?
• What are the cultural norms of my host country? Are there religious/cultural institutions or rituals that they adhere to?
• What is the history of ethnic or racial tension in the country? Is the situation currently hostile to members of a minority race, majority race or particular ethnicity or religion?
• Are issues of racism/ethnic discrimination influenced by immigration in my host country? How do politicized immigration concerns fuel racial tensions? What is the character of immigrant communities?
• Are there laws in the host country governing race relations? Ethnic relations? What protections are offered to ethnic or racial minorities?

Gender abroad

Whether you've traveled before or this is your first time abroad, it's important to consider your host country's cultural attitude towards gender identity and gender expression. Depending on where you are, you may find different gender roles and norms than you're used to. It's possible that you may be treated differently or be expected to treat others differently based on these factors. Everyone should consider possible issues, challenges and changes they may face while abroad regarding societal perceptions of gender. When researching potential programs, consider your host country's cultural differences and how these might impact your everyday life.

Learn about your country

Societal expectations based on gender can differ between countries and can influence interaction.

Questions to ask

• What is the attitude towards gender in my host country?
• What are considered typical gender roles in my host society?
• What are the society's perceptions and expectations for men, women and transgender individuals in my host country?
• What are the gender stereotypes of Americans in my host country?
• How do men treat women in my host country?
• Are there differences in political and social power based on gender?
• How do my personal values compare with my host country's attitudes about socially accepted gender roles?

Disability abroad

Students with disabilities participate in study abroad programs around the world; the key to a successful experience is planning. Understand, however, that attitudes, accessibility and accommodation for students with emotional, mental, learning or physical disabilities may vary at different program sites and locations.

Think about how you will manage these differences and seek as much information as possible before you depart.

Planning and campus resources

If registered with USD Disability Services, consider discussing your study abroad plans with their office as well. Our offices will work with you to discuss reasonable accommodations abroad and assist you with the planning and pre-departure process.

To better help you prepare, please contact us as early as possible.

Online resources

Mobility International USA: Information on education and travel for people with disabilities.

Resources

Your Study Abroad Program Advisor can help you find more information about the country you plan to go. All of the Study Abroad Program Advisors in the Global Center are Safe Space Allies.

• The USD Women's Commons is a student-centered learning community that provides resources and engages women and men in educational dialogue around gender-related issues. The Women's Center advocates for a safe, supportive environment that creates equity among all voices..
• Campus Assault Resources and Education (C.A.R.E.) is USD's primary effort to provide support, resources and education to the student community pertaining to sexual assault and sexual exploitation. There are trained CARE Advocates on campus available to support students impacted by sexual assault. CARE Advocates are available to provide support to USD students who may have been impacted by sexual assault, sexual exploitation, harassment and/or partner violence.
• USD LGBTQ Resources. Learn more and connect to various resources on campus, such as PRIDE (student organization), Rainbow Educators, Safe Space Allies and many more.
• United Front Multicultural Center

Other offices on-campus have resources and advising for students who are interested in learning more about race and ethnicity considerations abroad.

In order to participate in a study abroad program, all students must have a valid passport. Passports should be valid for up to 3 months after the scheduled date of return from abroad. Students are advised to check their passport validity as soon as possible to ensure their passport is valid through this extended date (3 months after the scheduled date of return from abroad)—those who have a passport that will expire prior to this extended date will need to obtain a new passport.

Obtaining a Passport

Students who do not have a passport or if their passport will expire prior to the extended date (see above), they should apply for a passport immediately. There are two recommended ways to obtain a passport:

Through an Authorized Passport Acceptance Facility

Students have the option to apply for a new passport through an authorized passport acceptance facility. Standard processing time is 4-5 weeks. For instructions on how to apply, visit the U.S. Department of State website. Before applying for a new passport through an authorized passport acceptance facility, students should first check the date of when they will need to have their valid passport in-hand. Students must have a valid passport in-hand at the time they apply for a visa. Based on this timeline, students may need to expedite their passport when applying through an authorized passport acceptance facility (for an additional fee). Expedited processing time through a passport acceptance facility is 2-3 weeks. Students who need a passport sooner than these processing times should apply for a passport at a Department of State Passport Agency (see below).

Through a Department of State Passport Agency

Students who need to obtain their passport in less than 2-3 weeks are highly encouraged to apply at a local Department of State Passport Agency. Applying at a passport agency is an expedited service where passports can be generated in 5 days or less. The closest passport agencies are in downtown San Diego and in Los Angeles. Students need to make an appointment through the automated system (24 hours/7 days) by calling 1-877-487-2778 FREE.

Visa Information

Outgoing Students Going Abroad

Visa regulations vary from country to country. Visa requirements are based on each country's specific regulations and will vary depending on your citizenship. Your study abroad advisor will share visa information with you after you have been officially accepted to a program.

When applying for a student visa, materials must be presented to the consulate with jurisdiction over your PERMANENT ADDRESS. In most cases, this needs to be done in person.

It is YOUR responsibility to ensure that you have the most recent information regarding student visa requirements for the consulate under whose jurisdiction you reside. Visa requirements are subject to change and may differ from consulate to consulate.

VISAS FOR SHORT-TERM PROGRAMS: If you are not a U.S... citizen you MAY be required to obtain a visa to participate in a short-term program. For NON-U.S... CITIZENS: Please refer to the consulate web site for the country where you will be studying to determine if you will need a student or tourist visa.

NOTE: If you appear at a consulate without all materials in order, you may be turned away. Remember, there is no legal right to a visa.

Participating in global studies offer you unique experiences that should be highlighted in your resume or curriculum vitae. Below you will find resources and examples to help you leverage these experiences.

Learning and Teaching

Syllabus for global studies course and teaching resume highlighting the global experience.

Marriage and Family Therapy

Syllabus for global studies course and MFT resume highlighting the international experience.

Additional resume examples from Career Development Center

• Undergrad and graduate resumes
• Graduate resumes

Maximum Number of Courses Taken at Reduced Tuition

Beginning January 1, 2020, SOLES students will be limited to a maximum of two courses for which a tuition reduction will be applied for courses taken as part of the SOLES Global Center programming. Students may enroll in additional study abroad course options, but will be billed according to regular tuition rates for their academic program.

Tuition Remission

Tuition remission may be used for select study abroad programs. Tuition remission is an employee benefit, and thus is processed with Human Resources. The tuition remission benefit can be used toward the tuition portion of all short-term programs. Students are responsible for the program and global center fee.

You may also review the Tuition Remission Step by Step Guide for additional clarification.

Program Changes

The School of Leadership and Education Sciences reserves the right to make changes to the program. Should any significant changes to the program occur, students will be advised of the changes and given the option to withdraw with a full tuition refund.

No Guests

To maintain the integrity, safety, and educational focus of our study abroad programs, students are not permitted to bring guests—such as family members, friends, or partners—on any portion of the program, including during in-country accommodations, program activities, or scheduled excursions.

Travel Warnings and Alerts

In the unlikely event that the U.S. State Department issues a Travel Warning or Alert covering the destination and dates of the program, the following refund policy will apply:

• If the warning or alert is issued prior to the commencement of or during the course of the program, students will be given the opportunity to withdraw from the program with a full refund of all tuition and all recuperable fees.

Cancellation and Termination

The School of Leadership and Education Sciences reserves the right to cancel or terminate the program for any reason. The decision to cancel or terminate the program is made in situations which are deemed necessary to protect the health and safety of students, faculty and staff and/or to ensure the integrity of the program. In the event that the program is canceled or terminated, the SOLES Global Center will inform applicants via email and will assist applicants in finding a similar program. In the event that the program is canceled or terminated, the following refund policy will apply:

• If the program is canceled prior to the commencement of the program, students will be notified immediately and issued a full refund of all tuition; or
• If the program is terminated during the course of the program, students will be notified immediately, withdrawn from the program and issued a full refund of all tuition.

Under no circumstances is the School of Leadership and Education Sciences responsible for financial losses caused by travel arrangements and housing costs due to the cancellation or termination of the program.

Program Withdrawal

All students who have agreed to our confirmed their spot in a course are responsible for the fees outlined below. All cancellations MUST BE SUBMITTED IN WRITING (BY THE STUDENT WISHING TO CANCEL) via EMAIL to the SOLES Global Center for the program from which the student wishes to cancel. Refunds are issued only on recoverable costs and only after written notice of withdrawal is received by the Study Abroad Advisor. No refunds will be issued 10 days after arrival, regardless of policy. Appeals for partial refunds may be considered only in cases of serious illness or emergency. These are handled on a case-by-case basis and will require additional documentation. Appeals should to be submitted in writing (via email) to the Director, Lindsay Allen (lallen@sandiego.edu) within three business days of notification of cancellation.

Tuition Refunds: Tuition refunds are processed according to the same on-campus tuition refund policy established by the USD Finance Office.

Program Fee Refunds: The program fee varies by program based on location and program inclusions. Refunds are issued only on recoverable costs and only after written notice of withdrawal from the program is received. Students are responsible for all non-recoverable costs incurred by USD.

Students are held to the withdrawal policies, regardless of the date applications are opened. Students are responsible for paying fees as denoted on the withdrawal policy. Click on the link below to view the cancellation policy pertaining to your study abroad term:

Withdrawal Policy by Study Abroad Term

The visiting scholar program is by invitation only and is extended to faculty and scholars who have a PhD in one of the subject areas taught at the School of Leadership and Education Sciences. Faculty members at our school propose the names of prospective visiting scholars with whom they would like to collaborate on teaching and research projects of mutual interest. A faculty sponsor and prospective candidate establish specific and measurable teaching and/or research goals they will collaborate on during the proposed period of the program.

Prospective Fulbright (Non-U.S.) scholars are welcome and encouraged to apply to our visiting scholar program.

Prospective visiting scholar candidates who have been nominated by a faculty member will receive an application form. Candidates are requesting biographical information, curriculum vitae and expected outcomes for the visiting scholar.

Application materials, which may include an oral interview, are then reviewed by the SOLES Global Center Committee.

Candidates who are approved for our visiting scholar program receive a formal invitation to begin the visa application process.

The school welcomes Fulbright Scholars. The Fulbright Scholar Program is sponsored by the United States Department of State. Every year, faculty and professionals from around the world receive Fulbright Scholar grants for advanced research and university lecturing in the United States. Some prospective visiting scholars may wish to explore the Fulbright Scholar Program as an optional source of funding.

• Fulbright Visiting Scholar Program
• Fulbright Visiting Specialists Program
• Fulbright Scholar-In-Residence Program (SIR)
• Fulbright Occasional Lecturer Program (OLP)