Global Engagement

GSEHD offers the following global academic programs for students with a variety of backgrounds and interests:

• Masters of Arts in Education and Human Development - International Education
• Graduate Certificate - Incorporating International Perspectives in Education

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS: Learn more about applying to GSEHD programs >

GSEHD prepares graduates for careers in an increasingly interconnected world by broadening perspectives and developing cultural competencies. On faculty-led study tours, students engage with partners and institutions at international conferences, academic exchanges, research practicums, and training workshops.

Previous Trips Include:

Cuba

As part of an annual academic exchange to Cuba housed by the International Education Program, students participate in Búsquedas Investigativas, an international education research practicum, with scholars and practitioners throughout the U.S. and Cuba. The exchange facilitates individual student research projects on topics such as values education, citizenship education, teacher training, international higher education, and critical perspectives of race, ethnicity, sexuality, and gender in education. While pursuing research, students will work directly with scholarly networks through collaborative workshops, site visits, panels and lectures with Cuban educators. For more information on previous research projects or participation requirements, please contact the International Education Program at iep@gwu.edu.

Dr. Laura Engel and adjunct professor Dr. Taylor Woodman, along with master's and doctoral students from GW-GSEHD and University of Maryland, took part in a 10-day international research practicum, International Investigations in Cuban Education . The group worked with the Association of Cuban Educators under the name, "Búsquedas Investigativas". Students conducted research through site visits to schools and universities in Havana and Mayabeque provinces, engagement with Cuban educators, and a visit to the UNESCO office in Havana.

This is an annual opportunity and students from GSEHD have participated in this experience for over 20 years.

Germany

Dr. Bernhard Streitwieser led a study program to Berlin and Bonn, Germany, focusing on the internationalization of European higher education using Germany as a case study. GW master’s students met with experts at 15 different higher education institutions, foundations, think tanks, and ministry offices for their insights and recommendations. The group also took in some local activities, including a live broadcast of a Europa Cup soccer match, a networking reception overlooking the Brandenburg Gate, and cultural excursions to historic sites.

Ireland

Dr. Maria Cseh and GW-GSEHD students traveled to Ireland to explore the impact of culture and globalization on the lives of individuals, organizations, and societies. Through cultural and organizational visits and participation in the 16th International Conference on Human Resource Development Across Europe, students examined models and conceptual frameworks of culture to understand the nature of learning, change, and leadership across cultures with a focus on Ireland and the United States.

Israel

Dean Michael Feuer led two GSEHD delegations to Israel to explore collaborations and partnerships with researchers, policy makers, and higher education administrators, and for discussions regarding the rising economic inequality and educational attainment and achievement in Israel and internationally. The first delegation (2012) included meetings at Western Galilee College, Mandel Leadership Institute, and the Israel Academy of Sciences and Humanities. The second delegation (2014) included meetings at the above locations, as well as visits to the Interdisciplinary Center Herzliya, Gordon College of Education and the Initiative for Applied Education Research.

Northern Ireland

Dr. Colin Green directed a 7-day study abroad trip to Northern Ireland over spring break with GW students from the International Education Program and Curriculum and Instruction Program. The visit was the culmination of their academic work in Dr. Green's course, Identity, Pluralism and Schooling in Conflict-Affected Societies . The group visited The Mitchell Institute for Global Peace, Security, and Justice at Queen's University Belfast; Lagan College, N. Ireland's 1st religiously-integrated school; and Community Relations in Schools, an NGO focused on peace-education initiatives; and Corrymeela, the country's longest-serving peace and reconciliation center.

Portugal

Dr. Maria Cseh and GSEHD doctoral student Oliver Crocco (human and organizational learning) led a group of 12 students to Lisbon, Portugal as part of HOL 6747: International and Multicultural Issues in Organizations. The group visited local and international businesses, learned from important cultural sites, and attended the 18th International Conference on Human Resource Development Across Europe hosted by Universidade Europeia. Dr. Cseh and Mr. Crocco presented on "Global stewardship: The role of human resource development in fostering openness to the other."

Senegal

Dr. Laura Engel and a GW-GSEHD students traveled to Dakar, Senegal for a study abroad course entitled Managing Education for All (EFA): Education as Transformation. Using the Education for All global policy initiative as a backdrop, the course focused on a multi-leveled analysis of education in Senegal, providing students with perspectives on the intersection of different local, national, and global education strategies. Prior to travel, students studied trends in global education policy reform, and critically examined different education policy issues in Senegal, including Koranic education, talibé children (street children forced into begging), HIV/AIDS and sex education, and the education of girls and women.

GSEHD faculty interested in leading a trip abroad: please contact iep@gwu.edu

GSEHD faculty facilitate the inter-cultural exchange of ideas by collaborating on research and projects with scholars, institutions, and organizations in other countries. Current collaborations include:
 

Berlin Refugee Research Group

Dr. Bernhard Streitwieser's work with the Berlin Refugee Research Group focuses on refugee integration into German higher education, pathways and hindrances, and perspectives and opportunities. The current study includes interviews with university administrators in seven Berlin universities and universities of applied sciences (Hochschulen).

District of Columbia Public Schools' Office of Global Education

As the lead research consultant for the District of Columbia Public Schools’ Global Education, Dr. Laura Engel and her team evaluate the impact of the study abroad initiative, which has sent over 900 eighth and eleventh grade students and educators on fully-funded short term study abroad opportunities since 2016.

Lahore College for Women University, Pakistan

Dr. Shaista E. Khilji studies issues of women’s empowerment in emerging economies with colleagues from Lahore College for Women University. This research represents the continuation of work developed as part of a State Department-funded project with she co-led with LCWU.

Network for Global Educational Opportunity (n-GEO)

Dean Michael Feuer directs the Network for Global Educational Opportunity (n-GEO), a cross-national collaborative network of researchers and policymakers who seek to address issues of economic inequality and educational disparity through knowledge based research and innovation. The Network convenes regularly, providing a comparative lens to trends and issues both regional and topic specific.

Taibah University, Saudi Arabia

Dr. Abe Tekleselassie leads a partnership with Saudi Arabia’s Taibah University to create a bilingual Ph.D. program in educational leadership based on GSEHD’s existing post-master's certificate (PMC). Graduates of the program receive their Ph.D. from Taibah University and a certificate from GW. 

University of Pécs, Hungary

Dr. Maria Cseh, an honorary faculty member at the University of Pécs in Pécs, Hungary, collaborates with the University of Pécs Research Center for Labor and Health Sciences: A Multidisciplinary Center for Excellence on the development of the Center's new interdisciplinary projects. Dr. Cseh was a member of the research initiative that led to the formation of this Center for Excellence, inaugurated in June 2017.

University of Tokyo and Sophia University, Japan

Dr. Jim Williams’ research collaboration with the University of Tokyo, Sophia University, and UNESCO Bangkok focuses on indicators of internationalization of higher education in Asia/Pacific region. In fellowship with the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, Dr. Williams spent 5 months in Tokyo, Japan.