Global Perspective Symposium

About the GPS Program

GPS provides a solid platform and opportunity for students to deepen their connections with SDSU’s international community, build cross-cultural understanding and facilitate faculty members to creatively internationalize their course content while developing global citizens.

In doing so, GPS brings cross-cultural student panelists into the classroom. These international scholars present on various personal global and cultural perspectives related to the topics chosen by professors.

Faculty also receive the opportunity to host GPS ambassadors’ panels throughout the academic year to expose students to the global learning experience, preparing them for success in a highly globalized world.

GPS is offered at no cost to SDSU faculty members across all disciplines, colleges and schools.

Faculty Can Apply to Program Supporting their Curriculum Internationalization and Global Learning Activities

Faculty members are encouraged to apply for the Global Perspective Symposium (GPS) program, which offers SDSU faculty members opportunities to host GPS panelists in their classrooms to infuse an international dimension to internationalize their curriculum at home.

The program, offered by International Affairs, is part of the unit’s Curriculum Internationalization Efforts. Faculty should apply to GPS if they would like to also:

• Infuse course teachings, assignments and projects with a global perspective
• Bring international scholars into the classroom and expose students to a global learning experience
• Prepare your students for success in today's globalized workplace
• Host international students and scholars in your classroom to share their global perspectives and cross-cultural experiences with your students

Application Details

SDSU faculty members who would like to host the GPS Ambassadors in their classrooms are encouraged to submit their Faculty Application Forms to the Program Coordinator by Jan. 15 for each spring semester and by Aug. 15 for each fall semester.

Accommodation can be arranged by emailing to the GSP program coordinator at [email protected].

Faculty members can also reach out to the GPS Coordinator by emailing [email protected] to schedule a Zoom meeting to learn more about GSP and how their students can benefit more from the program.

This is a first come, first served program. Faculty members are encouraged to apply as early as possible to secure their desired time. Each faculty member must apply individually when they want to host the GPS ambassador panel.

Please note: It remains the responsibility of individual faculty members to ensure that any changes to course curricula are approved through appropriate academic and administrative channels whenever applicable.

Important Dates to Note:

• Jan. 15: The deadline to apply to host GPS in the spring
• Aug. 15: The deadline to apply to host GPS in the fall

Recognition

Faculty members who participate in the GPS program to internationalize their curricula are highlighted on the GPS webpage for their efforts to internationalize their classrooms.

Benefits to Host the GPS Program

The GPS program panels facilitate SDSU faculty members to infuse international dimensions and enrich their curriculum internationalization process. The program is offered throughout the spring and fall semesters. Other benefits include:

• Develop culturally competent citizens
• Prepare graduate to become more competitive in global workplace
• Develop students into global citizen graduates ready to navigate globalized workplace
• Offers students opportunities to learn about new cultures and global perspectives from the comfort of their classrooms
• Develop globally compassionate leaders
• Develop ethical innovators
• Build stronger campus students’ cross-cultural relationships
• Improve graduate global employability
• Increase international awareness
• Deepen students’ global engagement with global issues

Topics Covered by the GPS Program

Topics covered by the GPS ambassadors vary widely based on academic disciplines as preferred by professors. This program is for faculty members to diversify their classroom content. They are the ones who suggest topics to be discussed by the GPS ambassadors. Here are some examples of some of various topics that are covered by the GPS ambassadors:​

• Anthropology
• Business & Culture
• Business Intercultural Communication
• Children's Literature
• Climate Change and Sustainable Practices
• Collectivism & Individualism in Society
• Community Health Policies
• Diplomacy
• Environment & Climate Change
• Fashion Industry
• Family & Gender Roles
• Food and Culinary Arts
• Foreign Affairs
• Geography
• Hospitality & Tourism Industry
• Human Rights
• Intercultural Communication
• Intercultural Communication
• Interdisciplinary Studies
• International Business
• International Security
• International Security Studies
• International Studies
• International Trade
• Music and Dance
• Political Science
• Public Health
• Religious Studies
• Science, Technology and Society Studies
• Social Engineering
• Social Exclusion and Inclusion
• Social Innovations
• Social Science
• Sustainability
• Theater, Television, and Film
• Transborder & Immigration Issues
• UN Sustainable Development Goals
• Urban Studies
• Women in STEM
• Women's Studies
• Women & Gender Equality Studies
• And many more