Learn how to thrive in a global business environment
In today’s interconnected economy, business professionals must be prepared to communicate, collaborate, and lead across the world. Whether working with international clients, marketing to diverse audiences, or managing a branch of a global partner, success depends on the ability to understand and adapt to different cultural perspectives.
The Global Engagement Scholars Program equips Costello College of Business students with the skills and mindset to engage effectively in these cross-cultural settings. Through a semester-long series of workshops led by certified facilitators from the Cultural Intelligence Center, students explore topics such as behavioral intelligence, values, and influences - and learn how to apply these insights in the workplace. Graduates of the program receive a certificate of completion and an honors cord to wear with their graduation regalia, demonstrating their readiness to excel in the global business environment.
Learning Outcomes and Session Outline
Learning Outcomes
- Identify and understand important dimensions of global competence development
- Recognize and acknowledge behavioral influences and how they may impact business relationships
- Develop valuable strategies for working with people who have different abilities, beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors
- Prepare students to become professionals in a global workplace where international collaboration is necessary
Session Outline
- Session I: Behavioral Preferences (who am I?)
- Session II: Behavioral Intelligence (preparing to work in a global setting)
- Session III: Compassionate Conversations (how do I converse with others?)
- Session IV: Behavioral Influences (how does our background influence interactions?)
- Session V: In-Session Activity (applying the knowledge learned to examples)
- Session VI: Career Readiness (how can I use this in my life?)
Program and Admission Requirements
The semester-long program consists of six mandatory sessions. Each student is required to participate in the Foundation and Core sessions.
Program applicants must meet the following admission requirements:
- College of Business Student – Declared BS in Business major or minor
- Cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher
Application Process
The application for the Spring 2026 cohort is now live! You can apply here.
Applications will close on Sunday, December 7 at 11:59pm ET. Students will receive acceptance emails between December 10-12, and must confirm their participation by January 14. If you have any questions, please email ccbges@gmu.edu.
Spring 2026 Cohort and Information Sessions
We have 6 mandatory sessions for Global Engagement Scholars to complete. If you are selected as a Global Engagement Scholar, you must be available for the mandatory sessions below.
In-person sessions on Wednesdays 3:00-4:30 PM (6 weeks)
- 1/28/2026
- 2/4/2026
- 2/11/2026
- 2/18/2026
- 2/25/2026
- 3/4/2026
Virtual sessions on Tuesdays 3:00-4:30 PM (6 weeks)
- 1/27/2026
- 2/3/2026
- 2/10/2026
- 2/17/2026
- 2/24/2026
- 3/3/2026
Students are welcome to participate in our information sessions to learn more about the program and application process. Our next information session is Tuesday, November 11th from 3-4pm, on Zoom (register here).
The Costello College of Business recognizes the responsibility to engage students in conversations in the global context.
"The program helps build an understanding of different perspectives and provides a fresh sense of being able to navigate various cultures on a global scale."