Global Engagement Scholars Program

Learn how to thrive in a global business environment

In today’s interconnected economy, business professionals must be prepared to communicate, collaborate, and lead across the world. Whether working with international clients, marketing to diverse audiences, or managing a branch of a global partner, success depends on the ability to understand and adapt to different cultural perspectives.

The Global Engagement Scholars Program equips Costello College of Business students with the skills and mindset to engage effectively in these cross-cultural settings. Through a semester-long series of workshops led by certified facilitators from the Cultural Intelligence Center, students explore topics such as behavioral intelligence, values, and influences - and learn how to apply these insights in the workplace. Graduates of the program receive a certificate of completion and an honors cord to wear with their graduation regalia, demonstrating their readiness to excel in the global business environment.

Learning Outcomes and Session Outline

Learning Outcomes                                        

  • Identify and understand important dimensions of global competence development 
  • Recognize and acknowledge behavioral influences and how they may impact business relationships 
  • Develop valuable strategies for working with people who have different abilities, beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors   
  • Prepare students to become professionals in a global workplace where international collaboration is necessary   


Session Outline

  • Session I: Behavioral Preferences (who am I?)
  • Session II: Behavioral Intelligence (preparing to work in a global setting)   
  • Session III: Compassionate Conversations (how do I converse with others?) 
  • Session IV: Behavioral Influences and Career Readiness (how does our background influence interactions and how can I use this in my life?) 

  • Session V: In-Session Activity (applying the knowledge learned to examples) 

     

Program and Admission Requirements

The semester-long program consists of five mandatory sessions. Each student is required to participate in the Foundation and Core sessions.

Program applicants must meet the following admission requirements: 

  • College of Business Student – Declared BS in Business major or minor
  • Cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher (GPA requirement is waived for incoming students) 
  • Course schedule must not conflict with their designated cohort meeting time 

Application Process

The application for the Spring 2027 cohort will be available soon. Check back later!  

The deadline to complete your application will be Sunday, December 6th. We expect to send out acceptances the following week. If you have any questions about the timeline/process, please email ccbges@gmu.edu.  

Spring 2027 Cohort and Information Sessions

We have 5 mandatory sessions for Global Engagement Scholars to complete. If you are selected as a Global Engagement Scholar, you must be available for the mandatory sessions below. 

In-person sessions on Wednesdays 3:00-4:30 PM (5 weeks)

  • 1/27/2026 

  • 2/3/2027 

  • 2/10/2027 

  • 2/17/2027 

  • 2/24/2027 

Virtual sessions on Tuesdays 3:00-4:30 PM (5 weeks)

  • 1/26/2027 

  • 2/2/2027 

  • 2/9/2027 

  • 2/16/2027 

  • 2/23/2027 

Please find information about our Spring 2027 Information Sessions below:  

  • Virtual Information Session: Monday, October 19th from 3-4pm on Zoom. Register here.

  • In-Person Information Session: Wednesday, November 18th from 3-4pm in Johnson Center, Room C (food will be provided). RSVP here.

The Costello College of Business recognizes the responsibility to engage students in conversations in the global context.    

Image of Mazin Iqbal

"The program helps build an understanding of different perspectives and provides a fresh sense of being able to navigate various cultures on a global scale."

 

Mazin Iqbal, past program participant