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Global Seminars

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Each year, BOSP invites Stanford Academic Council faculty to apply to lead a Global Seminar during the Summer Quarter of the following academic year. These programs are taught by Stanford faculty in locations that directly relate to the course topic and engage countries not served by BOSP's quarter-length programs.

Application Process

Applications for Summer Quarter 2025-26 are open.

Please visit the Apply to be a Faculty Leader webpage for complete details about the application process and a link to the application form.

Nature of Global Seminars

BOSP's Global Seminars aim to provide students with an intensive 2-4 week in-depth academic experience with a Stanford faculty member. Course content should be academically rigorous and unique yet, at the same time, general enough to be accessible to a wide range of undergraduates. The capacity of each program is typically 15 students. Special consideration will be given to proposals that engage countries not served by BOSP's quarter-length programs.

Who Can Apply?

Global Seminar proposals are accepted from any current Stanford faculty member who: 

  • belongs to the Academic Council, and 
  • has an appointment of 75% or more in their home department. 

Non-tenure track Stanford faculty may be considered occasionally, as may emeriti. Please inquire about your specific circumstances.

Why Should I Apply?

Faculty Leaders serve as mentors and role models for students exploring a new environment and participate in what many students regard as a highlight of their Stanford years. Many Stanford faculty members find these programs to be a rewarding and memorable experience, which offer the following benefits:

  • Teaching small classes and connecting with students
  • Participating in field-based and community-based study and research
  • Working with students across different academic disciplines and class years
  • Making connections with colleagues, libraries, and research projects in the host country

Faculty Leader Role and Responsibilities

The responsibilities of a Faculty Leader are more comprehensive than the standard duties of a faculty member teaching a course on the Stanford campus. To ease the logistical burden of the Faculty Leader, BOSP will identify a dedicated provider to coordinate the planning and implementation of the program. The Faculty Leader is also responsible for supervising the Seminar Assistant, conducting marketing and orientation, as well as overall student well-being.

Please refer to the Faculty Leader Role and Responsibilities webpage for more details.

Selecting a Location

BOSP currently operates quarter-length program in these locations. We strive to create opportunities for students to engage in places in the world not served by the quarter-length programs. For this reason, BOSP provides special consideration to proposals that engage countries not served by BOSP's quarter-length programs

Peer-Reviewed Articles

BOSP has curated the following articles to support faculty in formulating Global Seminar proposals with the overarching objective of nurturing informed, open-minded, and responsible learners. Global Seminars aspire to instill a heightened awareness of diversity across a broad spectrum of differences, coupled with a nuanced understanding of how individual actions impact both local and global communities.