Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Global Citizenship Program?
Lehigh University’s Global Citizenship Program is a cross-college co-curricular certificate program open to students from all fields, including engineering and science, business, arts, humanities and social sciences. Envisioned as a “backpack” – or a set of courses and experiences that any student can fit into her/his major – the program requires students to examine the questions of meaning and value associated with the theme of citizenship within today’s global world.
How much time will I have to commit to the Program?
The Global Citizenship Program spans four years of study, with a
total of 22-25 credits. Students have some flexibility in choosing
when they fulfill their requirements. Please see the program
requirements table for more detailed information about how these
requirements are distributed.
In addition to coursework, most GC students are active on campus
in various clubs, volunteer positions, jobs, and in Greek life. GC
students are required to attend at least 2 globally-related
co-curricular activities each semester and help organize at least
one activity per year. These can range from internship
opportunities to on-campus speaker series to participation in
international on-campus events. GC students can choose to live in
special themed housing relevant to global issues, in which there
are often fun house activities and a strong sense of community.
The Student Committee usually organizes a
few educational, volunteer, and social events each semester and
the GC program usually hosts at least one trip to the United
Nations in New York City.
What type of plan of study can I expect and how will it fit into my major?
The Global Citizenship Program spans four years of study, with a
total of 22-25 credits. Although there is no typical plan of
study, there are certain requirements that each GC student must
fulfill. These can be fulfilled by students in any major, though
certain majors require additional planning in advance.
In their first year, all GC students take 8 credits of specially
designed courses that replace the standard freshman English 1 and
2 (incoming first-years who place out of first-year English can
apply these credits to their Humanities requirements). Sophomore
students enroll in a 1-credit practicum that prepares students for
the Intersession Trip, a 10-12 day international learning
experience. Juniors continue their exploration of global
citizenship in the 2-credit Junior Practicum. During their senior
year, students enroll in a 4-credit Capstone course. At some point
over the 4 years, students must also take at least 9-12 credits
(at least 3 courses) of GC-approved coursework (chosen from an
extensive list of courses in all three colleges). Students are
also required to study abroad, usually for a semester or year,
usually during their junior year, but summer programs lasting at
least 5 weeks are also acceptable.
Students are encouraged to register beyond the minimum of Global
Citizenship course requirements. Please note that all of the
Global Citizenship courses not only meet the program requirements,
Global Citizenship courses may also double-count towards the
student’s major, minor, or elective courses. Consultation with an
academic advisor is recommended.
What can a student expect out of the Global Citizenship curriculum?
The curriculum focuses on various content areas: trade and commerce, environment and ecology, comparative cultures and identity, creative expression, imagery and the arts, science and technology, and language and communication. All content areas are concerned with critical perspectives of ethical responsibility, humanistic values, and cultural/religious/institutional awareness associated with the theme of "global citizenship."
How are faculty members involved in the Global Citizenship Program?
Faculty participate in the program by offering Global Citizenship-approved courses on campus; working with students on international projects; advising students in their studies; and leading international trips. Faculty members’ contributions are vital to the program's potentially transformative effect on the lives of students.
What is the travel component of the Global Citizenship Program?
Travel is the distinctive element of the Global Citizenship
Program. The first-semester Introduction to Global Citizenship
course introduces students not only to writing and communication
in a global context, but also begins to prepare them for the
challenges of international travel. After a 1-credit preparatory
seminar in the fall semester of their sophomore year, all GC
students travel for 10-12 days during the winter intersession
break. Travel takes students to destinations where they experience
the challenge of negotiating othernes and confront the human face
of globalization. Cultural and academic activities are organized
by Lehigh staff, and Lehigh faculty member accompanies students on
this Intersession Trip.
Students are expected to participate in an additional study
abroad experience. Acceptable study abroad experiences must
be at least 5 weeks in length, take place in a non-English
speaking country, and include language instruction. Home-stay is
encouraged. Students are encouraged to spend a semester or year
abroad, but summer programs are acceptable. Students may choose to
return to the country they visited during their sophomore year, or
they may travel to another country that faces current global
challenges.
What is the cost of the Program?
The Global Citizenship Program is a scholarship program, generously and proudly subsidized by Lehigh University. In addition to regular university tuition, students are expected to contribute $500 towards the Intersession Trip. Previous trips have been to Chile, Hong Kong, Czech Republic, China, South Africa, Ghana, and Costa Rica. This contribution helps subsidize the cost of travel, lodging, food, and cultural experiences. Students are also responsible for their second study abroad experience.
What will a student receive upon completion of the Program?
All graduates of the program receive a certificate in Global Citizenship. Completion of the program will also be listed on each student’s academic transcript.