* The Global Fellows Program is currently paused and not accepting applications.*
The Duke Global Fellows Program (GFP) is a semester-long experiential learning and leadership program for undergraduate students, offered in collaboration between the Duke International Student Center (DISC) and the Office of Global Affairs (OGA). Through a cohort model, students participate in on-campus trainings, collaborative projects, and networking opportunities to develop cultural diplomacy, intercultural conflict management, and leadership skills. No travel is required, and students can join either the Fall or Spring semester.
To cultivate a community of globally-minded student leaders who develop their leadership and intercultural communication skills, engage with diverse identities, cultures, and perspectives, and apply experiential learning to contribute meaningfully to Duke’s global community.
The Global Fellows Program equips students with the global competencies, intercultural awareness, and leadership skills needed to thrive as conscious, engaged citizens in an interconnected world. Through reflection, training, and collaborative projects, students are prepared to make an impact locally and globally while serving as ambassadors for Duke’s international community.
Through full participation in the program, Global Fellows will:
- Deepen intercultural and leadership competencies by actively engaging with and supporting Duke’s global community
- Broaden cultural awareness and understanding of global cultures, languages, and perspectives through active experiential learning
- Engage in intercultural dialogue and connection with a diverse cohort of Duke undergraduate students from around the world
- Adopt pluralism through recognition for how diverse perspectives and values emerge from varying cultural backgrounds and experiences
- Explore and reflect on cultural identity to better understand individual preferences, values, and worldviews
- Practice cross-cultural communication strategies to collaborate effectively in diverse environments
- Develop transferable professional skills to leverage in a future job search, graduate school application, or global career
- Strengthen their resume by demonstrating a commitment to service, civic engagement, and global citizenship
Global Fellows Program Overview
The Duke Global Fellows Program (GFP) is a semester-long experiential learning and leadership program for undergraduate students, offered in collaboration between the Duke International Student Center (DISC) and the Office of Global Affairs (OGA). Through a cohort model, students participate in on-campus trainings, collaborative projects, and networking opportunities to develop cultural diplomacy, intercultural conflict management, and leadership skills. No travel is required, and students can join either the Fall or Spring semester.
The Global Fellows Program might be of interest if you:
Are excited to learn from interacting with students and scholars from around the world
Are interested in personal reflection and leadership development
Want to prepare for studying abroad through DukeEngage or Global Education Office programs, or continue your global experience while maintaining foreign language skills gained abroad
Are looking for ways to support the international and global student community at Duke
Are interested in pursuing an international or global career
Are seeking opportunities for global engagement both at Duke and in the Durham community
As a Global Fellow, you will:
Participate in intercultural and leadership development training sessions
Network with a diverse cohort of Duke students from around the world and further your intercultural communication skills
Engage with global programs and events on Duke’s campus
Complete and present a final leadership project at the end of the program
- Occasionally liaise with visiting international scholars, Fulbright Scholars, or foreign delegations
Become a Global Fellow
Eligibility
- Open to all Duke undergraduate students (international and domestic) from any major or academic area of interest who will be enrolled at Duke during the semester the program is offered
- No prior international experience is required
- Students should apply the semester before they plan to participate
- Students studying abroad cannot participate due to in-person commitments but may apply if they will be on campus in Durham the following semester
Program Requirements
Note: Requirements are subject to change. All students accepted to the program will receive the finalized schedule and expectations before the Welcome Retreat at the start of each semester
Attend the Global Fellows Welcome Retreat at the start of the semester
Attend eight (8) in-person intercultural and leadership development training sessions over the semester. Trainings are two hours, typically bi-weekly on Fridays, with lunch provided. Fellows are expected to participate in all sessions for the full two hours
Complete and log 10 experiential learning hours with DISC, OGA, or other global programs/offices at Duke. Examples include:
Participating in The English Table
Participating in Global Café
Participating in Duke Language Clubs and Tables
Attending campus events hosted by the Duke Identity and Culture Centers
Attending cultural celebrations and events in the Durham/Triangle area
Liaising with visiting international scholars, Fulbright Scholars, and foreign delegations to develop leadership and diplomatic skills (availability to be determined)
Write an incoming reflection paper to set goals for your time in the cohort and reflect on your existing intercultural/global leadership experiences (prompts provided)
- Design, propose, and complete a final leadership project to support or serve the global community at Duke and in Durham
- Develop and present a 5–10 minute final presentation to the cohort reflecting on your Global Fellows experience, personal leadership journey, and service project (prompts provided)
- (Optional but encouraged) Attend cohort bonding events and socials
Anticipated Application Timeline
* Please note: The Global Fellows Program is currently paused & not accepting applications *
Fall Cohort
Application Opens: Spring semester of the previous academic year
Application Deadline: Specific dates announced via DISC social media & newsletter. Email intlstudents@duke.edu for details
Notification of Acceptance: Before the end of the spring semester; specific dates announced via DISC social media & newsletter
Program Participation: Fall semester
Spring Cohort
Application Opens: Fall semester of the same academic year
Application Deadline: Specific dates announced via DISC social media & newsletter. Email intlstudents@duke.edu for details
Notification of Acceptance: Before the end of the fall semester; specific dates announced via DISC social media & newsletter
Program Participation: Spring semester
If you have questions or would like to learn more, please feel free to reach out to us at intlstudents@duke.edu.