Global Pathways Now Boarding: Applications Open November 1

Get ready to pack your bags, as applications for 15 Global Pathways programs that are planned for this summer are opening November 1.

The last Global Pathways program was in Sydney in early 2020, before the pandemic forced Emerson to cease running the international study abroad courses. Now, with more people vaccinated, Emerson is looking to relaunch the programs most of which take place during the summer break.

For upcoming Global Pathways Info Sessions, check EmConnect

Many of the 15 programs have been offered before, including the two most popular Global Pathways programs: studying filmmaking in Prague, and screenwriting in Patmos, Greece. Four new programs are planned for this summer: a marketing and sustainable tourism program in Ecuador, a Business of Creative Enterprises program in Sweden, studying journalism in Jamaica, and a devised theatre program at Kasteel Well in the Netherlands.

“There’s a lot of buzz about the Sweden program, because BCE is a fast-growing major,” said Corey Blackmar, associate director of internationalization initiatives. “That one is broken into four modules to learn about four different creative industries: fashion design, technology, government, and music.”

Each week, students in Stockholm will focus on a module and get an insider’s perspective of each industry from company leaders. In the Art, Theatre, and Culture program in Barcelona, students attend a performing arts festival and see plays they wouldn’t see in the U.S.

“The marketing program in Ecuador goes to the Galapagos Islands for a week. Where else can you do that?” said Blackmar.

Blackmar said all programs are tentative due to health and safety issues related to the pandemic. Emerson’s Office of Internationalization and Global Engagement (IGE) continues to monitor the statuses of international travel policies, whether borders are open or closed, regional COVID cases, and local restrictions.

Another part of IGE’s work is to help develop the course content and match the Global Pathways program with an organization in the host country to help with logistical planning. IGE can also help students obtain financial support from a scholarship fund earmarked for Global Pathways, or from external scholarships available for students.

IGE helps determine the number of credits each program offers, and helps train the faculty who lead the three- to four-week courses, who must learn, among other things, how to lead a group of students abroad. Participating faculty members are based in Boston, the Netherlands, and Los Angeles.

Blackmar pointed out that since it’s been two years since any Global Pathways program was offered, much of the Emerson student population is unfamiliar with it.

“It’s a unique opportunity to earn credits out of the normal academic year and get study abroad experience without committing to a full semester of studying abroad,” said Blackmar.

Please visit the Global Pathways webpage for more information and applications.