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The global scholars model

Global Scholars is a global virtual exchange program for students ages 10 to 13 who live in cities around the world. Its defining feature is using technology to forge connections that drive learning—for students in online discussion boards, and for educators in live professional development. To date, more than 116,000 students from 117 cities in 39 countries have participated. There are no fees to the schools.

The Global Scholars program was designed to help students around the world develop global competency, or the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and behaviors students will need for life in an interconnected world. Students exchange ideas weekly in e-classroom discussion boards as they research and develop sophisticated solutions to a global problem and then take local action where they live. These sustained, direct peer connections provide the cornerstone for the model’s key elements: a project-based curriculum focused on a global issue and linked to specific learning outcomes; authentic assignments grounded in firsthand observation; a digital environment for practicing communication skills; and live, ongoing professional development for our teachers.

Global Scholars students collaborate on real-world, problem-based learning and share their work with peers around the world. Our program model is based on cycles of student discussion and feedback, in which conversations in the local classroom and international peer connections online reinforce one another. These interactions are primary texts for learning about the global problem they are all studying.

 

program features

international virtual exchange

Our interactive five-unit curriculum helps students develop critical skills as they explore connections between each year’s global topic, their own cities, and other cities around the world. Students conduct research, create and post their original work and commentary on our discussion boards, and compare and contrast their experiences and perspectives with those of international peers.

Live professional development

Well-prepared, skillful teachers are key to the success of the Global Scholars program. Teachers attend five live virtual professional development sessions throughout the year. We also offer a robust suite of additional supports, including curriculum materials, on-demand technical support and instructional coaching, and opportunities to connect with international colleagues in our online Teachers’ Lounge.

engagement with global problems

We reconnected with a Global Scholars graduate to hear about how her participation in the program as a middle-schooler gave her the tools she needed to make a positive impact on her local environment and community.

look into a Global scholars classroom

How does international virtual exchange advance global competency? Step inside New York City classrooms to see Global Scholars in action and hear directly from students, teachers, and school leaders. Learn more: globalcities.org

 

where we work

In 2023-24, the Global Scholars program is connecting more than 11,000 students in 49 cities around the world. Click the map below to see where we work.