What does it mean?
This certification will be awarded to students who study languages, take coursework, and embark on in-depth experiences that explore international contexts and perspectives.
Why should I do it?
This certificate will help you stand out as someone with cultural competencies and broad perspectives. You will earn the right to put this distinction on your resume, and we will suggest ways you can talk to future employers or graduate schools about this certificate and your learning experiences.
How do I qualify?
Part 1: Two years of a second language, or the equivalent.
Part 2: Earn 16 credits through any combination of the following options.
- 4-12 credits of upper division language classes
- 4-12 credits of coursework in World Languages and Literatures
- 4-12 credits earned through a study abroad experience
- 4-12 credits of COIL coursework
- 4 credits earned through an internship, research, or independent study with an international component
- 4 credits for an Honors Thesis with an international dimension
What are the final steps in certifying that you are an Honors Global Scholar?
All Honors Global Scholars will submit this Certificate Advising Form, documenting their successful completion of the certificate. Submissions must include a portfolio, which will include a short essay (750 word maximum) synthesizing and reflecting on the international dimensions of their learning experience. A portfolio may contain multiple media (essays, photos, videos) and may be submitted as a PDF , Google site, or a video recording of a conference-style poster presentation (the submission of the video would count as the presentation).
All courses taken for the certificate must have passing letter grades (A-F), or a "pass" grade (P/NP), in the Degree Audit Reporting System (DARS). The certificate can be declared through MyPSU, under Academic Program Change, as a Secondary Major/Certificate.
Portfolio Requirements
The portfolio is meant to be a comprehensive record of your "Global Scholar" journey. It documents the 16 credits of international work you completed beyond the language requirement.
- Format Options: You have flexibility in how you present this. It can be a:
- PDF Document: A curated collection of your work and certifications (e.g. reflection essays, examples of coursework, etc.).
- Google Site: A digital portfolio that links to various examples that documents your work and experiences (e.g. photography, travel writing, etc.).
- Video Recording: Specifically, a video of you giving a “conference-style poster presentation" about your experiences.
- Required Contents:
- DARS Report: To prove completion of the 16 required credits and the 2-year language requirement. Be sure to indicate which classes apply toward the certificate on your DARS Report.
- Documentation of Experiences and Activities: Documentation of your specific pathway, such as:
- Evidence of Study Abroad (photos, journals, or syllabi).
- Evidence of work from COIL (Collaborative Online International Learning) courses.
- Summaries or evaluations from an International Internship.
- A copy or abstract of your Honors Thesis if it had an international dimension.
- Research papers or creative projects from upper-division World Languages & Literatures classes.
- Reflective Essay (see below)
Guidelines for the Reflective Essay
This should be an intellectual reflection that ties together the various components of your application. While the portfolio shows what you did, the essay explains how those activities fit together and why it matters.
Note that if you are submitting the video portfolio, please attach the reflective essay in a separate PDF.
- Word Count: 500-750 words.
- Core Objective: You must synthesize and reflect on the international dimensions of your learning experience.
- Key Themes to Address:
- Synthesis: Don’t just list your classes. Explain how your language study, your coursework, and your international experiences (like study abroad or internships) connected to one another.
- Decision to Pursue Pathway: What made you realize you wanted to pursue a global perspective in your studies and life path? Why did you choose your specific language?
- Perspective Shift: How did these experiences change your understanding of "international contexts"? Perhaps describe a time you experienced "culture shock" or a misunderstanding. How did you navigate it?
- The "Global Equity" Lens: The program emphasizes moving away from Euro/US-centric models. Address how your studies helped you engage with diverse sources of knowledge and different ways of thinking.
- Application: How will you apply these "global scholar" skills to your future career or field of study?
Questions? Want to get started?
Contact Honors Dean Dr. Glascott at glascott@pdx.edu, or Honors adviser Brianna Avery at bavery@pdx.edu