Curious About the World? You’re in the Right Place
At Maricopa Community Colleges, global learning isn’t just about traveling abroad—it’s about expanding how you see the world. Whether you want to study abroad, connect with international classmates right here in Arizona, or develop intercultural leadership skills, we offer opportunities that help you grow as a global citizen. Explore programs that broaden your perspective, strengthen your résumé, and open doors to new experiences.
Study Abroad Programs
Maricopa Community Colleges offers study abroad programs that allow students to earn credit abroad through our colleges while experiencing other cultures, environments, and languages. To learn more, visit our Study Abroad page.
The Global Scholars Distinction Program
The Global Scholars Distinction Program offers Maricopa Community Colleges students the opportunity to receive official transcript recognition, become part of a supportive learning community, and benefit from faculty and staff mentorship in global education. It also provides a platform for students to celebrate and be recognized for their achievements in international and intercultural learning.
To apply to or for more information about the Global Scholars Distinction Program, contact Maricopa Community Colleges’ Center for Global Engagement at [email protected] or contact your college GDP coordinator.
Requirements
Complete nine credits of courses with the general education tag of G, for Global Awareness (e.g., COM263, ASB102, SOC270)
Maintain a minimum a 2.5 grade point average in all coursework
Attend approved international/intercultural events taking place at any of the Maricopa Community Colleges or other colleges/universities
Participate in one-credit “study away” courses offered by Maricopa Community Colleges
At the GSDP Director’s discretion, students may be able to participate in curricular or co-curricular programming with an indigenous peoples focus
Service-Learning Experience
1 credit hour (scholarships may be provided for this tuition)
Engage in a global service-learning experience by completing a 1-credit service-learning course such as COM/REL/SPA 282 AA
Course requirements include 50 hours of documented time of service learning (community service) with an organization that is globally-focused and serves international populations (immigrants, refugees, scholars, international students, etc.)
At least 75% of these hours will be face-to-face while engaging with people the organization serves
Study Abroad
Participation in a Maricopa Community Colleges program (3 college credits or more)
Create a digital project that highlights the global learning that took place
Attend the Global Scholars Distinction Recognition Event
Global Leadership Experience
Calling all students passionate about leadership, community impact, and global changemaking!
The Global Leadership Experience brings together up to 100 international and domestic students from all 10 Maricopa Community Colleges for a one-day immersive program focusing on global leadership training.
Through dynamic sessions, participants will explore resilience, storytelling, and cross-cultural understanding to develop the mindset and skills needed to lead with empathy in an interconnected world.
Traditionally held on the Friday of International Education Week (the third week in November), this event offers a powerful opportunity to step beyond your community and discover your role as a global citizen.