We live in an interdependent world. No matter the career you’re considering, our changing world means that you will need to be globally fluent in order to compete and collaborate successfully in the future.
The Summer Seminar on Global Issues is designed to help students understand and think critically about their world—and the various issues, connections, and perspectives within it. Created for students entering their junior or senior year in high school, this three-week college preparatory summer learning opportunity focuses on both contemporary global issues and critical language skills. Through a mix of classroom instruction, experiential learning activities, and discussions with experts, participants will strengthen their understanding of overarching global issues and how these issues shape the world around them. Students will acquire greater global competence, cross-cultural understanding, and language proficiency—key skills needed to succeed in a global knowledge economy.
The Summer Seminar will be held June 15 - July 2, 2015 (Monday-Friday) at the University of Pittsburgh. Each day will run from 9:00 am - 4:00 pm. The program is sponsored by the World Affairs Council, and the Global Studies Center and the University Center for International Studies at the University of Pittsburgh.
Who can participate?
Rising high school juniors and seniors are encouraged to apply for this program.
How much does it cost?
The Summer Seminar is being offered at a subsidized rate of $750 per person for students in the Pittsburgh region.
Full and partial needs-based financial aid scholarships will be available.
Please note: Participants must bring a bag lunch each day. Students must also arrange for their own transportation.
What Can Participants Expect?
•Learn about a range of interdisciplinary global issues such as culture, diplomacy, the economy, the environment, human rights, and security.
•Acquire introductory skills in a critical world language (Arabic or Mandarin Chinese).
•Work with nationally and internationally ranked experts representing the academic, think tank, business, nonprofit, and government sectors on a range of global and regional issues.
•Develop 21st century skills including problem solving, analysis, and critical thinking.
•Participate in real-world scenarios and simulations.
•Work with fellow students to create an awareness project meant to share knowledge of global issues with others through a range of multimedia platforms.
Sample schedule
•9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.: Critical Language Study
•10:30 a.m. - Noon: Global Issues Course
•Noon - 1:00 p.m.: Lunch
•1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.: Experiential learning activities*
*A variety of supplemental activities will be incorporated into the Global Issues course instruction, and may include simulation exercises, discussions with expert speakers, and field trips.
How Can Students Apply?
To be considered for admission to the Summer Seminar on Global Issues, a student must submit an application and reference. For financial aid scholarships, a student must also complete a separate scholarship application form. Applications and reference forms must be submitted online or by mail.
Students can apply here: www.tinyurl.com/ssgi-2015
References can be completed here: www.tinyurl.com/2015-ssgi-reference
Application for Financial Assistance: download here
The application deadline is April 1, 2015.