At South Piedmont, we put the world within reach. Our Global Education program consists of three pillars: globalized coursework designed to prepare you for success in an increasingly more complex and interconnected workforce, on-campus events to introduce you to diverse cultures and perspectives, and study-abroad opportunities that provide immersive, life-changing experiences beyond the classroom. Together, these experiences help you broaden your horizons, deepen your understanding of the world, and develop the skills needed to thrive in a global society.
Global Education at South Piedmont
At South Piedmont, we take a three-pronged approach to Global Education: globalized coursework, on-campus events, study-abroad experiences.
Globalized Coursework
Global coursework exposes students to diverse cultures, perspectives, histories, and global issues, helping them develop a broader understanding of the world around them. It benefits students by building cultural awareness, critical-thinking skills, and empathy while preparing them to communicate and collaborate effectively in an increasingly interconnected world. Students who complete 15 hours of coursework with a global designation will receive recognition on their transcripts and at graduation.
Global Events
On-campus global events provide students with opportunities to engage with diverse cultures, traditions, and perspectives through activities, presentations, performances, and interactive experiences. These events enrich the student experience by promoting cultural awareness, fostering meaningful connections, and encouraging students to appreciate and learn from the diversity within their campus community.
Study Abroad
Study abroad programs give students the opportunity to immerse themselves in new cultures, experience different educational environments, and gain firsthand perspectives of the world beyond their home country. These experiences help students develop independence, adaptability, cultural awareness, and a deeper understanding of global communities while enhancing their personal and academic growth.
Global Education Benefits
From expanding your professional network to deepening your understanding of yourself, there are many reasons to participate in Global Education at South Piedmont.
Opportunity
The Global Education program opens doors to scholarships, internships, service-learning, employment, and study-abroad experiences.
Enhanced Learning
The Global Education program prepares you to thrive in today’s interconnected workforce, where collaboration with people from diverse countries, cultures, and perspectives is increasingly part of the workplace experience.
Recognition
You have the opportunity to earn a Global Scholars recognition on your transcript. Global Scholars receive a special cord to wear at graduation as well as a certificate of completion.
Global Education FAQ
Global education gives our students academic and professional opportunities that can transform their lives. In an interconnected world, students will study and work with people from diverse backgrounds, in local or international settings. Global education will provide the transformative learning needed to thrive at a university and in their careers.
Global activities teach students about other countries and their cultures through music, food, crafts, and information. They may not be exposed to knowledge about the topic otherwise and something from the event may help them connect to others in a universal way. For instance, Dia de Muertos is celebrated in at least 50 countries and students may have never heard about it. The event gives them the chance to connect with the universal experience of losing loved ones and the joy that comes from reliving memories. This global event is a powerful way to connect our students to the larger world and locally as well.
Dia de Muertos, Carnaval Around the World, guest speakers, virtual activities, UNC Chapel Hill lectures, films, and possibly even live stream tours of destinations such as London.
A globalized course includes a module with a global theme and purpose that are relevant to the course student learning outcomes. The module focuses on an area of the world or possibly a country, and the assignments are crafted to re-enforce the learning outcomes using the global context.
The course content becomes relevant to students due to the real-life connection of the global subject matter and its application to the course outcomes. Global courses enhance their critical thinking and communication skills, as well as their cultural understanding.
Our global education includes the Global Scholars of Distinction program, global events, Study Abroad, and course globalization. Some programs emphasize study abroad and place less attention on other forms of global education. Our goal is to offer global education to all of our students in a variety of formats to ensure that they have access to transformative experiences if study abroad is not possible for them.
A student should study abroad to have a lived experience. Although much can be learned through research and local connections, living in the country provides a student a world of new academic and experiential learning. Their intercultural competence and confidence will grow by interacting with others, dealing with problems, and handling day-to-day life. Employers value intercultural competence, adaptability, and critical thinking skills.
Global Scholars Program Requirements
To apply for and complete the Global Scholars program, students must meet certain eligibility requirements.
To apply for and remain in the Global Scholars program, you must have and maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher.
To complete the South Piedmont Global Scholars of Distinction Program, you must:
- Complete a project that includes an in-depth exploration of your learning
- Complete 15 hours of credit from courses with a global designation
- Participate in a total of 8 “Passport Activities”; these are special events and activities with a global focus
- Participate in an approved study abroad or international service-learning experience or complete 30 hours of experiences related to cultural, international, and global study
To become a Global Scholar, contact Director of Academic Enrichment programs Tammy Frailly at tfrailly@spcc.edu.
Succeed on a Global Scale
Global Scholars of Distinction is an academic program that provides South Piedmont students with global competencies and skills needed for success at universities that focus on global education and for employment in the 21st century workplace.
Students in any South Piedmont degree program may participate in Global Scholars of Distinction.
The World Is Yours to Discover
With Global Scholars, you’ll become a global detective and uncover some of the world’s most intriguing mysteries, all while honing your research superpowers. Learn to break down cultural barriers and bridge cultures through travel or domestic opportunities.
Tammy Frailly, Director of Academic Enrichment Programs