We aspire to preeminence as a comprehensive
Global research university
—GW President Thomas J. LeBlanc
Global Engagement
Columbian College encourages international and cross-cultural perspectives among our extensive community of distinguished scholars and diverse undergraduate and graduate students. A broad liberal arts education guides our students to use their knowledge to examine the critical issues that impact our region, nation and the world beyond. In addition, we are engaged in collaborative international research partnerships that are advancing a wide range of artistic, social and scientific imperatives.
Global Engagement Highlights
CCAS Interim International Travel Policy
All travel requests by CCAS faculty, staff, and graduate students must be submitted through the CCAS Dean’s Office of Global Initiatives (CCAS Global) and are subject to approval by the Dean.
July 9, 2020: Message From the Dean Regarding Student Visa Policy
In the wake of Department of Homeland Security announced new guidelines for nonimmigrant students taking online courses during fall 2020 semester, Dean Wahlbeck assures students that the entire Columbian College community stand by our international students who are a valued and important part of the GW community.
Provost's Message to International Students Regarding New Regulations on Student Visas
Under the model proposed for GW’s fall semester, international students who take a mix of in-person and online classes will continue to qualify for F-1 student visas under the new government rules and be allowed to remain in the United States.
International Visiting Scholars Program
Welcome to the Columbian College of Arts and Sciences' International Visiting Scholars Program.
This program is aimed at providing a unique opportunity for select scholars around the world to pursue scholarly and intellectual development in the Columbian College of Arts and Sciences at GW.
To apply, please complete this application form.
What We Do
The Columbian College of Arts & Sciences Global Initiatives Office's mission is to advance the College's international priorities through world-class education, education diplomacy, and engagement with the world.
GW Global
With a student body representing more than 135 countries, dozens of internationally-focused research institutes, and partnerships with major international organizations, GW is a truly global institution.
Office for Study Abroad
The Office for Study Abroad (OSA) provides and facilitates quality international educational opportunities at the George Washington University and promote students' academic, personal, professional, and intercultural development before, during, and after their study abroad experiences.
Global Bachelor's Program
The GW Global Bachelor's Program provides students the competencies and confidence to work and learn anywhere in the world by challenging them to pursue their educational goals in multiple international settings.
GW Language Center
The GWU Language Center facilitates and promotes foreign language studies at the university, providing a wide array of academic support for both faculty and students.
Jiangsu Cup Chinese Speech Contest
This Chinese language speech contest is open to undergraduate and graduate students studying Chinese in colleges and universities in the greater Washington, D.C., area.
International Graduate Funding Initiative
To stimulate the benefits of global exchange, international students from qualifying countries may be eligible for a tuition award of up to $20,000 per academic year.
Sarah Cassius
BA '19, Geography
"I spent this summer in Medellin, interning for the [Colombian] Department of the Environment and Urban Planning. The municipality had just made the switch to LED lights for all of their public lighting, so one of my projects was to quantify the benefits of that change and present the economic, environmental, and public health benefits to the Mayor"
