The College of Global Studies at Arcadia University prepares students for lives of meaningful contribution in an increasingly complex and interrelated global society. Through strategic institutional partnerships and innovative academic, experiential, and co-curricular programming expressed in diverse and challenging global contexts, students learn to think critically, observe skillfully, reflect thoughtfully, and participate meaningfully.
The College of Global Studies endeavors to prepare students for lives of meaningful contribution in an increasingly complex and interrelated global society. We enact this core value as we cultivate rich learning communities and design engaging educational opportunities for maximized student learning guided by our five Hallmarks of Teaching and Learning.
Advising and Pre-Departure: Arcadia believes the learning associated with study abroad begins when we first connect with a student. We seek to advise, engage and excite each student, in partnership with their home institution, so that they may successfully enroll in a program that meets their academic and personal goals. We support and encourage our students to take personal responsibility, and to build independence and agency throughout the application process and beyond. Beginning with advising, and continuing throughout their experience, we prepare students to navigate their new academic and cultural context; we encourage them to reflect on their personal and academic goals; and we advise them on developing strategies for meaningful and thoughtful engagement with diverse and new communities.
Orientation: Arcadia orientations welcome students formally into our global community. Orientation is designed to build relationships and communities among students and with Arcadia staff. Our programming is structured to help students understand and navigate within a sense of place and establish goals and expectations along with the methods for success. We introduce students to the tools and supports that help them succeed academically, socially, and personally, and to engage meaningfully with their local host community. We also aim to begin their learning experience in a fun and enjoyable way.
Co- and Extra-Curricular Activities: Arcadia believes that weaving a rich and diverse program of co- and extracurricular activities throughout the student experience enhances overall student learning. We aim to both delight and challenge our students with our activities and excursions, ranging from cultural attractions, arts, theatre, sporting events and natural wonders, to independent, community-based experiences. Opportunities both inside and outside of the classroom are built upon the principles of inclusion and inspiring curiosity while having fun. Student participation in our activities leads to multiple outcomes that include self-reflection, self-efficacy, community building and cultural awareness.
Housing: Arcadia believes housing is a critical and foundational element of the learning experience, and plays a key role in students becoming part of the host community. Arcadia recognizes that feeling ‘at home’ is the first step to success on any program. As such, we take into account the following aspects of all student housing: safety, location, cost-effectiveness, and cleanliness. We encourage students to take full advantage of the learning opportunity of living in a new and diverse environment. In many cases, students have the choice of living alongside local residents, in homestays or with other program participants from a wide range of institutions and backgrounds.
Diversity and Inclusion: In support of our mission to prepare students for a global society, The College of Global Studies at Arcadia University is dedicated to educating every member of our community while working to create opportunities and engagement abroad that are inclusive of race, sex, sexual and affectional orientation, gender identity and expression, age, national origin, socioeconomic status, religion, and disability. Arcadia is committed to fostering an environment and developing programming that models the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion for our students, faculty, and staff.
Climate Crisis: The College of Global Studies at Arcadia University acknowledges that the global climate crisis is both fundamental and all-encompassing, and seeks to respond both creatively and pragmatically. The College’s staff, faculty and students share a collective responsibility to mitigate environmental damage and to counter climate injustice. We are working to embed sustainability values into our mission, vision, lived values, and operational practices, and to align ourselves with the aims of the United Nations Sustainable Development goals.
In accordance with our educational mission of preparing students for lives of meaningful contribution to a complex and interrelated global society, we endeavor to weave into our programs a complex of curricular, co-curricular and extra-curricular opportunities through which our students may engage with the global climate crisis and mitigation and sustainability efforts in their host country.