Global Scholars

The Global Scholars program in Upper Division stands out as a distinctive educational opportunity, offering a rigorous international curriculum that delves into people, places, and ideas that are not typically explored in high school. This program is designed to cultivate students’ potential to become responsible and effective global citizens.

Through this intellectually stimulating program, students will examine significant global issues from multiple perspectives, improving their cross-cultural awareness, exploring global dynamics, and understanding the implications of human choices.

Upon graduation from the Global Scholars program, students will possess a wealth of knowledge on global issues, a deep understanding of diverse cultures, and proficiency in at least one world language. These skills will undoubtedly help them make a positive impact on the global issues facing our world in the 21st century.

The Global Scholars program is a three-year elective course of study revolving around four key components:

• Curricular: Students must take an additional year of their world language, as well as a course on global citizenship, a contemporary issues course with a regional focus, and two electives with a global focus. They must also complete a capstone project, which consists of a research-based thesis paper, a global action project, and a public exhibition of the work. 

• Extracurricular: Students must seek global learning experiences outside the traditional classroom setting. They will expand their worldview through participation in globally focused clubs, lectures, and community events.

• Service Learning: Students complete an additional 24 hours of service with an international focus.

• Cross-Cultural Exchange: Students participate in at least one immersive international travel experience. 

Current Berkeley students can find more information about the Global Scholars program by visiting myBerkeley. 

Girl Scouts of West Central Florida granted Isha Patel ’24 a 2023 Girl Scout Gold Award, the most prestigious award in Girl Scouting. Patel achieved this remarkable honor through a project that served as her Berkeley Global Scholars project and helps victims of human trafficking. 

Patel partnered with Frolics of Hope Africa, a nonprofit that focuses on rescuing and rehabbing children who were victims of human trafficking, to assist in building a play therapy center. She used all her birthday money, plus the donations of family and friends, to purchase items for the play therapy center. Then she hand-delivered them in large duffel bags during her family’s trip to Africa. Additionally, she was invited to speak in front of government officials, news organizations, and the public at Frolics of Hope Africa’s conference on human trafficking.

Patel’s story was also covered in a video segment on Spectrum Bay News 9.