1. What is Global Communities?
2. What is a living-learning program?
3. How can I participate in Global Communities?
4. Is Global Communities the same as study abroad?
5. How many students are in the program?
7. How many international and exchange students are in the program?
8. Is living in Dorchester Hall for 2 years required?
9. What do I get out of being in Global Communities?
10. Will I be separated from other students if I decide to do this program?
11. Who should I contact with questions about Global Communities?
12. How is Global Communities affiliated with the University?
13. Is Global Communities only for certain majors?
14. Does it cost extra to live in Dorchester Hall?
15. How do I accept my invitation to Global Communities?
1. What is Global Communities?
Global Communities is the University of Maryland’s premier global engagement living-learning program. Over 100 students from different cultural backgrounds live together in Dorchester Hall, creating a truly international community. However, Global Communities is more than an “international house.” Our students participate in a 2-year curriculum designed to increase their understanding of globalization, culture, and global issues. We provide students with both in-class and extramural opportunities, including field trips to visit internationally oriented places, people and programs in the Washington, DC area. Recent field trips included visits to the National Geographic Museum, Embassy of Singapore, Cherry Blossom Festival, and the World Bank. We also strive to offer at least one outdoor expedition per semester, such as visiting a high ropes challenge course or kayaking along Maryland’s Eastern Shore.
2. What is a living-learning program?
A living-learning program houses undergraduate students in a residence hall and offers an academic program and extracurricular activities and events. The activities and events center around a common interest in global affairs. Living and learning programs make the social and academic transition to college life easier for students. They introduce students to the University, and help them settle on their course of study. They enrich the academic experience with learning that occurs outside the classroom—in the dorm, on campus, and in the community. It provides a supportive environment, and fosters friendships that can last a lifetime.
3. How can I participate in Global Communities?
Global Communities invites freshmen into the program, aiming for a class of 75 students. We seek talented students who want to engage with global issues and cultures, both on campus and beyond.
4. Is Global Communities the same as study abroad?
No – but similar! Both involve experiential learning combined with scholarship. Study abroad is when you spend from 2 weeks to a year earning academic credit in another country. The University has amazing study abroad opportunities. For more information about study abroad at the University visit Education Abroad.
Global Communities offers students an opportunity to engage with global issues and cultures right here on campus. We believe it is both possible and deeply enriching to develop global competency without traveling far. To accomplish this goal, we take advantage of the University’s close proximity to Washington, DC and the fantastically diverse student body.
5. How many students are in the program?
Global Communities aims to enroll an entering class of 75 freshmen. Our goal is to achieve equal balance of males and females and have at least 1/3 of our enrollment comprised of international students.
6. Who teaches the courses?
The new Global Communities courses will be taught by the Director, Dr. Virginia Haufler, a professor in the Department of Government and Politics. She will be assisted by guest professors and a graduate student. The existing Global Communities courses are taught by experienced and knowledgeable members of the Global Communities Staff. All staff members hold graduate degrees and have spent extensive periods of time abroad. Since our courses are based on a model of experiential learning, we also frequently invite guest presenters from around campus and from the Washington, DC area.
7. How many international and exchange students are in the program?
We seek to have approximately one-third of our students coming from abroad. In addition, we invite exchange students to join us in Dorchester Hall if we have openings. Global Communities can be a supportive environment for students coming to the US to study, and they can be a rich resource for students in the program.
8. Is living in Dorchester Hall for 2 years required?
No – During their first year in the program, all students must live in Dorchester Hall. Students may pursue other housing options during their second year in the program. However, we encourage students to live in the building for both years in order to maximize their experience.
9. What do I get out of being in Global Communities?
After completing the 2-year curriculum, students are awarded a graduation medallion and receive a transcript on their notation that reads: “Global Competencies Demonstrated.” As you begin to prepare for graduate school or your career, the global competency skills you build in the program will be both useful and marketable.
Our program, however, pays dividends beyond credentials. Students frequently cite the relationships they build with fellow students and our staff as the greatest advantage of being in Global Communities. At the end of your time in the program, you will have friends not only from different U.S. states, but friends from several different countries.
10. Will I be separated from other students if I decide to do this program?
No – Although you will be living with and form strong relationships with other people in the program, it is important to remember that Dorchester Hall is a traditional residence hall. You will still take classes with all other students and participate in any extracurricular activities you wish. Think of Global Communities as a complement, or enhancement, to your college experience.
11. Who should I contact with questions about Global Communities?
Please contact any Global Communities Staff member with questions. We also frequently check our program email address: globalcommunities@umd.edu.
12. How is Global Communities affiliated with the University?
Global Communities is part of the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences, which supports the program academically and financially. It is a part of the larger Global Studies program envisioned by the Provost. Like other living-learning programs on campus, it is overseen by the Department of Undergraduate Studies. We also work closely with the Department of Resident Life, College of Education, and Education Abroad.
13. Is Global Communities only for certain majors?
No – We welcome students from all majors. We believe that the Global Communities curriculum will be beneficial to all students, regardless of their intellectual passions and career aspirations. In the past, we have had students who major in business, government and politics, languages, engineering, journalism, and anthropology.
14. Does it cost extra to live in Dorchester Hall?
No – The cost of living in Dorchester Hall is the same as living in any traditional residence hall. Room rates differ for students living in doubles versus triples and quads. Please also be advised that living in Dorchester Hall requires that you have a meal plan.
15. How do I accept my invitation to Global Communities?
For best consideration, accept your invitation to Global Communities by sending an email to globalcommunities@umd.edu by April 15, 2012. In your email, please provide your full name and a message that states you are interested in participating in the program if you decide to attend the University of Maryland. You do not need to do anything further. We will place you in Dorchester Hall with other students in the program and send you a confirmation email.
