TCU’s Center for International Studies is offering new certificate program

Fort Worth, TX

9/12/2008

By: Katie Giangreco, TCU Office of Communications

To connect the international learning opportunities at TCU, the Center for International Studies is launching a new Certificate in International Studies. The certificate program is designed to foster the development of global citizens through academic coursework, participation in TCU-sponsored global programs and interaction with international communities.

The program is available for all students and can be added to any major. It is designed for students interested in gaining international competency throughout their time at TCU.

Dr. Tracy Williams, associate director of the Center for International Studies, said an advisory board was looking for a way to connect all of the international learning opportunities at TCU and better prepare students to be global citizens.

“Students will gain international and intercultural competency, which will aid them in future employment and life in a global world,” Williams said.

The criteria for the certificate include three areas: knowledge, skills and application, and interactive perspectives.

In order to demonstrate how they are prepared to interact in the world with knowledge, students must complete a one-credit pre-departure intercultural seminar course, study abroad for a minimum of three weeks and complete one of the following: a major or minor in a foreign language or nine credit hours from a list of selected courses defined by the Faculty Advisor Board.

The skills and application aspect of the certification allows students to demonstrate how they have applied their international knowledge into skills through participation in one of the following: Model UN, International Leadership spring break, Undergraduate Festival of Scholarship and Creativity with a project focused on international issues, or a global leadership class.

Students will demonstrate how they have developed positive intercultural relations by showing active participation for at least one semester in one of the following: 40 hours of community service with an international theme, alternative spring break (a community service-themed trip), International Student Association, Conversation Partners (an intensive English program), or student language associations.

Williams, said that compared to other universities, the certificate is an innovative approach to gaining international competency and is a reflection of TCU's commitment to educating students to be ethical leaders and responsible citizens in the global community.

“It does require a commitment from students to do something international or intercultural nearly every semester while they are at TCU, but it should not be considered daunting,” Williams said.

When students begin the program, they will submit an essay detailing what they hope to gain. Throughout their experiences, students will keep a journal to reflect on their learning, which will help them write their final essay at the end of the certificate program.

“We expect that through this journaling and reflecting, students will see the three angles of the program come together,” Williams said.

The certification will be marked on the TCU transcript and certified students can list it on their resumes as well as wear a stole at graduation of the country in which they studied.

It is recommended that students complete their intent to participate in the certificate program during their first year at TCU. Students must be advised by Dr. Tracy Williams no later than the fall semester of their second year in order to determine their goals and plan their schedule in order to complete the elements of the certificate during their time at TCU.

Dr. Tracy Williamson can be reached at t.willams@tcu.edu or 817-257-7473.

 

Read a story on the Certificate in International Studies.