Expand Your Horizons and Build a Global Perspective
The Global Leadership Studies major is as much about experiencing the world as it is about engaging in the classroom through dialogue and content of international relevance.
As part of the major, you will be required to participate in a study abroad experience that can range from spending 3 to 4 weeks on a Belmont faculty-led Maymester or Summer program to spending a full semester or academic year abroad.
With study abroad programs in over 38 countries that span the globe, including options that incorporate international internships and service-learning, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to engage in a global experience that combines academic coursework with unique cultural and social opportunities outside of the classroom.
You are expected to complete a minimum of one course (3 hours) of study outside the United States. The course can be applied to your general education requirements or your major.
Visiting Nelson Mandela’s prison cell in South Africa, living with a host family in France or Spain while improving your language skills, or studying global conflict transformation on a GLS-focused program in Belfast, Northern Ireland - these are just a few of the international program options our Global Leadership Studies students have pursued in recent semesters.
Claire Faulkenberry
- Maymester study abroad in Dominican Republic: One Island, Many Cultures
- Semester study abroad in Copenhagen, Denmark
"I spent the fall of my junior year studying abroad in Copenhagen, Denmark. I took courses in Prostitution and The Sex Trade in Europe and Human Trafficking in a Global Context. This was hands-down the most life-changing experience I have had in college. I experienced the world at an entirely new level, learning about things that were tailored to my specific interests."
Victoria Berry
- Semester study abroad in Valladolid, Spain
" I spent a semester studying in Valladolid, Spain and stayed with a host family. After that, I spent my final month in Madrid, staying with friends I had met in a high school exchange program. Those six months were vivid and wonderful. I met so many friends from around the world, took tons of weekend trips and gained independence. Even though I am fluent in Spanish and was already very familiar with Spanish customs, my time in Spain really pushed me outside of my comfort zone and expanded my heart and mind. It set me even more on fire for Global Leadership!"
Samantha Whitt- Summer study abroad at Queen's University Belfast: Conflict Transformation & Social Justice
" I had the opportunity to study abroad in Belfast, Northern Ireland at Queen’s University Belfast as a part of the Global Leadership and Conflict Transformation program. Going into the month abroad, I honestly was not as well versed in Northern Ireland history as I could have been, but I was astounded by the amount that I was able to learn during my time there. Being someone who is extremely focused on the ways in which leaders respond to conflict and the ways societies respond to their leaders, I was constantly engaged. I learned how to address problems with failure in conflict situations, the ways conflict can change from physical to political and what it looks like when leadership struggles to find the right path to peace."