Global Engagement Program Granted SUNY Signature Program Status
The SUNY Global Engagement Program in New York City was recently recognized as a SUNY Signature Program, one of fewer than a dozen programs run by campuses throughout the SUNY system that have achieved this designation. Directed by Ş. İlgü Özler, professor of political science and international relations, the program is part of the SUNY Global Learning for All initiative, a collection of globally minded courses focused on sustainability, diversity and internationalization.
The Global Engagement Program provides students with an immersive experience in international affairs, combining internship experiences with classroom instruction at the SUNY Global Center. Past internship sites have included the Center for Reproductive Rights, the Clinton Foundation, the Council on Foreign Relations, Foreign Policy Association, Rainforest Foundation, the United Nations Development Programme and World Policy Institute.
The internships afford students real world professional experience as well as insight into prospective careers post-graduation. “During Fall 2021 our students have been working on many pressing global issues including preventing violent extremism and terrorism at the United Nations Counter Terrorism Unit, assessing the urgent needs of states at the UN Office of the Coordination for Humanitarian Affairs, protecting free speech around the world at PEN America, and conducting research about foreign policy at the Council on Foreign Relations and the Foreign Policy Association among other experiences,” Özler said.
Students spend a minimum of 20 hours per week and earn between six and nine credits from their internships. They attend a three-credit weekly seminar on global engagement and a three-credit research colloquium. Students also complete an original project related to their internship placement. Student housing may be arranged at the 92Y Residence or can be the student’s own choosing.
To be eligible to participate in the program, students must complete at least 45 credit hours of college work and have a minimum overall GPA of 3.0. The program is open to all majors and to students from all SUNY campuses. The application deadline for Fall 2022 is April 1, 2022.