With study away applications finally open, the opportunities offered at the various campuses in the Global Network (GNU) are on every sophomore’s mind. And even the freshmen, who still have a year to wait to apply, may be thinking about what studying away has in store for them.One of the most unique programs offered in the GNU is NYU Washington, D.C.’s Global Leadership Scholar Program. The application deadline for the Fall 2016 semester has been extended to December 15th, so it is not too late to apply. (Note: While the program is open to Sophomore students, you may not study away until your Junior year as an NYU Shanghai student.)Earlier this semester Larry Jackson, the Director for Global Academic Planning in the Office of the Provost,came to NYU Shanghai to speak on and answer questions regarding this program. Since not every student may be able to attend these sorts of information sessions On Century Avenue has gathered some of the most important information on the program for you all. Thank you to Larry Jackson, Bethany Godsoe, and Kerstin Sorensen for responding to our questions.The BasicsThe NYU Washington, D.C., Global Leadership Scholars Program is a highly selective program open to rising sophomores and juniors from all three of NYU’s portal campuses. “The program is a partnership between the NYU Leadership Initiative and the Office of Global Programs,” says Jackson. As a result the program is designed to encourage students to discover the meaning of global leadership in the 21st century. The aim is to “foster the practice of ethical and inclusive leadership and prepare students to assume leadership roles in the public and private sectors.”The program starts earlier than a regular semester in order to incorporate a 4-credit intensive leadership course. During the semester students take courses in business, economics, journalism, politics, public policy, or another subject related to their major. There is an emphasis on experiential learning in this program so all students will also intern or participate in some other experiential learning opportunities while in D.C.Spring 2016 will be the program’s inaugural semester.About the Students

What exactly is a Global Leadership Scholar?

Bethany Godsoe: "A Global Leadership Scholar is an NYU undergraduate who is committed to creating positive change in the world and understands the importance of developing his or her capacity to exercise leadership in service of the change s/he seeks. Global Leadership Scholars see value in learning and taking action with others across cultures, disciplines and identities."

What sort of student would be interested in this program?

Bethany Godsoe: " Any student who is curious about global issues, who feels a responsibility to step up, who wants to hone his or her leadership skills, and who seeks to gain practical experience and a diverse network should take a look at this program." Kerstin Sorensen: " Those interested in the DC Leadership Program are highly motivated students seeking specific experiences which only DC can offer. Because of the multitude of unmatched experiential learning opportunities in DC, the city is a very attractive location for these students."

Why the emphasis on experiential learning opportunities?

Kerstin Sorensen: "Giving the students the opportunity to learn in authentic situations in the community like those offered through internships, volunteering, etc., creates an invaluable opportunity to prepare students for a profession or career, and deepens their knowledge and understanding of real world problems and situations. Considering the incomparable experiential learning opportunities DC offers, what could be a better place!"

What do you think students applying or accepted should know coming into this program?

Bethany Godsoe: "They should know that there is no singular best way to lead. They will not learn a winning formula for leadership through this program. Instead, they will be exposed to diverse ways people are exercising leadership together around the world and have the opportunity to expand their own capacity to lead in a way that is authentic to their values, strengths and culture."Kerstin Sorensen: "The students should know that being part of the DC Leadership Scholars Program means being in a diverse learning environment steps away from the White House and national embassies where there are endless opportunities to deepen their study of politics, law, and society."

What does this program hope students will achieve/gain after their semester?

Bethany Godsoe: "Through the NYU Washington, D.C. Global Leadership Scholars program, students will gain knowledge of contemporary leadership theory that can inform how they develop their own practice. They will walk away with an enhanced awareness of their own values, strengths and preferences. Students will build key competencies required to exercise ethical, inclusive and collaborative leadership and will practice putting their new skills into action. Finally, they will expand and diversify their network while building a supportive learning community with other students in the program."About the Program

Why was the Global Scholars program set up in Washington, D.C. versus any other location?

Kerstin Sorensen: "Washington, DC is the most logical place for the Global Leadership Scholars Program to be situated. This is due to the above-mentioned unmatched experiential learning opportunities and a top faculty who are active practitioners in their areas of expertise as well as contributors to their field." In addition, we asked about the challenges and limits faced by the program thus far. None to report as all the planning and organizing comes to a head and the programs enters its first semester. But like any project, when moving from planning to implementing there are going to be bumps in the road. I’m sure, however, that the staff, faculty and students are all eager to jump into things and work out whatever bugs they encounter. When asked about the future plans of the program Jackson did echo this sentiment. He says “The committee that created this program meets on a regular basis, so I'm sure that we will make minor adjustments to the program as needed. For right now, our plan is to get the word out at NYU and to make this the finest program for the study of leadership anywhere.”RespondersBethany Godsoe is Associate Vice President of the Leadership Initiatives Program at NYU and one of the architects of the DC Global Leadership Scholars Program. A faculty member at Wagner, she will teach the signature course on leadership.Larry Jackson is the Director for Global Academic Planning in the Office of the Provost at NYU.Kerstin Sorensen is Assistant Director of Academic Affairs and Global Leadership Scholars at NYU Washington, DC.

This article was written by Maya Williams. Please send an email to [email protected] to get in touch. Photo Credit: NYU