Center for International Education

The Global Learning Research Scholarship is intended to support undergraduate student engagement in research activities that address the themes of global learning. Students are expected to propose research topics from any discipline but these topics must substantially engage with (or reflect dimensions that address) at least two of the three themes of global learning, and one of these themes must be global engagement. 

The three themes of global learning include:
    • diversity
    • sustainability
    • global engagement

These themes of global learning are defined in greater detail below. It is our hope that this scholarship will be another avenue of support to students to become globally competent as they prepare for work and life in a globally interconnected and interdependent world.

Awards of up to $1000 will be made to students whose proposals are deemed both compelling and achievable. 

• Funding is also possible for research projects that are either already underway or are being proposed for the first time.
• Students are allowed to apply for the award for a second time after a first successful application if they wish to extend the research project or pursue a second research project that meets the requirements of the GLRS. 
• Students are eligible for no more than two awards under this program.
• Students seeking funds to deliver the results of a research project at a conference or other professional meeting may be eligible for funding through the GLRS.  The research project must meet the basic requirement of having addressed the themes of global learning.

• Open only to undergraduates at NAU
• Must have a GPA of 2.5 or greater
• Must have been enrolled for at least one semester at NAU
• The proposal must be under the supervision of a faculty member
• Research must be done in conjunction with a class that fulfills degree requirements for graduation from NAU; or students must be approved by their department to receive credit for research that will apply towards the student's graduation requirements.

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Applicants must submit the following:

• A completed online application form
• A statement, not exceeding 750 words, explaining the nature of the research project, why funding is being sought and how this research activity specifically addresses the themes of global learning
• A budget clearly outlining how the scholarship funds will be used, and why funding is being sought (click here for an example budget)
• A completed Project Adviser Recommendation form

Please keep in mind, because most applicants are of comparable promise and ability, the quality and significance of the research project are decisive factors. This scholarship is intended to support the research process, therefor it is in the interest of the applicant to clearly state why funds are needed, and how they would be used.

Select a research topic which you and your faculty project adviser believe can be completed within the period in which the scholarship is tendered. Elaborate proposals with questionable timetables will not be viewed favorably.

If your research involves human subjects, be sure to work with your adviser to obtain any necessary approvals from the Institutional Review Board for the Protection of Human Subjects (IRB) before you begin research activities. Please see their website for more information.

If your research involves animal subjects, be sure to work with your adviser to obtain any necessary approvals from theInstitutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC)before you begin research activities.  Please see their website for more information.

October 15

Students who anticipate conducting research during the winter and/or spring semesters should apply for this deadline. Research projects should be finished with their report submitted by the end of the spring semester (the last day exams are held). Students in this cycle will have the option to present their findings at the Global Learning Symposium either the April of the semester their research is being conducted, or the following year.

April 15

Students who anticipate conducting research during the summer and/or fall semesters should apply for this deadline. Research projects should be finished with their report submitted by the end of the fall semester (the last day exams are held). Students in this cycle will present their findings at the Global Learning Symposium the April after their research is completed (the following spring).

Questions about this scholarship may be addressed to Rebecca Deadmond (Rebecca.Deadmond@nau.edu) at the Center for International Education or at 928-523-6865.

Project Adviser Recommendation Forms marked "Attention: Rebecca Deadmond, GLRS" may be submitted via the following ways:

• Email: Rebecca.Deadmond@nau.edu
• Fax: 928-523-6865
• Mail: PO Box 5598, Flagstaff, AZ 86011
• Hand Delivery: Center for International Education, Blome Building # 2, Northern Arizona University, Mountain Campus

Global Engagement

Students will gain an appreciation of the interconnectedness and interdependence of the human experience on a global scale. This includes, for example, the following issues:
a. The implications of race, racism and ethnocentrism for transnational, human, and societal interaction.
b. The relationship among culture, language, community and environment.
c. The role of ideology, spirituality, and religion in terms of human action and relationships.
d. The interconnectedness between and among political, cultural, personal and economic decisions and the natural world.
e. How economic, social, and technological practices and traditions impact climate and the environment.
f. How historical, political, religious and economic forces have shaped the current world system and the source of global power inequalities and efforts to address them.
g. The roles, possibilities and implications of diverse technologies on culture and the political economy.

Diversity

Students will appreciate the ubiquity and necessity of diversity in its many manifestations, including cultural, ethnic, religious, linguistic and biological diversity. This includes, for example, the following issues:
a. The scope of racial and ethnic diversity both in the US and globally.
b. In addition to race and ethnicity, gender, class, sexuality, religion, age, language and disability constitute key dimensions of diversity.
c. How ubiquitous diversity is and how it intersects with other socio-demographic factors such as gender, class, sexuality, religion, age, language and disability.
d. The relationship between diversity and survival on the planet.
e. How the position we take on diversity can either strengthen human communities and sustain the natural environment, or lead to conflict and environmental degradation.
f. The role of ethnocentrism and Eurocentrism in human and societal interaction.

Environmental Sustainability

Students will appreciate what it means to use natural resources in ethical and responsible ways that maintain a sustainable environment. This includes, for example, the following issues:
a. How culture determines how we construct the appropriate use of environmental resources.
b. The connection between responsible engagement with the environment and global citizenship.
c. The scientific basis of environmental sustainability.
d. The vocabulary and concepts around environmental sustainability (e.g., finite and renewable resources, environmental footprint, global commons, peak oil).
e. The role of human interactions with the environment and its relation to the root causes of many global problems.

Can I apply if I am an international student?
Can I apply if I am a graduate student?
How do I get faculty supervision for this scholarship?
How many students apply for this scholarship and how many receive it?
How do I submit my application?
This is my first semester at Northern Arizona University, may I still apply?
Can I get credit for this experience?
Is this an annual award?
When should I start my research?
Can I use this money to fund a study abroad experience?
How do I prepare a budget?
Why do I need to prepare a budget?
What are some examples of topics?
Do I need to travel internationally to do this research?
How will I get my scholarship?
When will I receive notification about receiving this scholarship?
My research involves interviewing people. Do I need to talk with the Institutional Review Board (IRB)?
My research involves animals. Do I need to talk with the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC)?
My research requires approval by the IRB or IACUC. Do I need to have it approved before I can apply for the GLRS?

Can I apply if I am an international student?

Yes, this scholarship is available to undergraduate students at Northern Arizona University.

Learn more about eligibility for this scholarship.

Can I apply if I am a graduate student?

This scholarship is for undergraduate students.

Learn more about eligibility for this scholarship.

How do I get faculty supervision for this scholarship?

We recommend that you come up with a project that you are excited about researching which engages two of the three global learning themes and is related to a class you are or will be taking. As this research must be done in conjunction with a class that fulfills degree requirements for graduation from NAU (or students must be approved by their department to receive credit for research that will apply towards the student's graduation requirements), we recommend speaking with the professor of the class with which your research correlates. 

How many students apply for this scholarship and how many receive it?

The number of recipients will be determined by the quality of the applications and the funding available.

How do I submit my application?

Learn more about the application process.

This is my first semester at Northern Arizona University, may I still apply?

Yes, you can still apply even if this is your first semester.  However, you must provide mid-term grades equivalent to at least a 2.5 GPA.  In addition, you must achieve at least a 2.5 GPA at the conclusion of your first semester.

Can I get credit for this experience?

This is a non-credit award.  However, if you are able to coordinate with your academic unit, you may be able to incorporate your experience into credit for independent study.

Is this an annual award?

Yes, it is expected the Center for International Education will continue to offer this research scholarship on a bi-annual basis (twice yearly).

When should I start my research?

You can start research as soon as you are ready.  Please note, if your research involves human or animal subject and requires approval from the IRB or IACUC, you must have your approval before starting your research.

Can I use this money to fund a study abroad experience?

This funding is for research on a topic that engages at least two of the three global learning themes; one of which must be global engagement.  Funding is intended to support research.  While you may use this for research abroad, it is not intended to fund study abroad.

How do I prepare a budget?

Examples of budget items may include:

• reference materials (e.g., books)
• supplies (e.g., presentation materials, research supplies)
• transportation to the research site
• accommodation
• registration fees to present a paper at a professional conference
• miscellaneous expenses

Please note that miscellaneous expenses should not account for more than one third of your total estimated budget. You are not limited to these categories as they are just examples of some common research expenses.

Please click here for actual examples of budgets.

Why do I need to prepare a budget?

The purpose of the budget is to ensure that you have a plan for the funding and have organized your research in a cohesive manner so that you can begin and complete your project.

What are some examples of topics?

The April 2011 Global Learning Symposium included the following topics:

• an examination of northern Arizona’s controversial “Snow Bowl Issue” through a multicultural lens, including the Native American perspective
• a presentation on the development of a safer solid-fuel cooking stove for use in the developing world
• the development of 6th grade curriculum that discusses the impact of natural disasters on diverse global communities
• a study of the design and implementation of sustainable international development projects in northern Ghana
• a discussion of the opportunities and threats associated with the ongoing globalization of higher education
• research on the cultural and environmental impact of the growth of tourism in Macau, China
• a presentation of research conducted in Germany on converting rapeseed oil into bio-diesel using chemical and enzymatic means
• the development of fourth, fifth, and sixth grade curriculum that will foster awareness and appreciation of diverse cultures
• a study of how the images of youth in post-World War II Germany have been used to frame social problems
• research on how West African music acts as a vehicle for transmitting West African values abroad

Do I need to travel internationally to do this research?

Research topics can vary and do not necessarily require travel. Many of these were conducted here at Northern Arizona University.

How will I get my scholarship?

The scholarship will be applied to your Northern Arizona University student account.  Please note that if you have any outstanding charges on your account, the award money will be applied to these first and the balance distributed. This application of funds is due to the automated account management system in LOUIE.

When will I receive notification about receiving this scholarship?

Applicants will be notified of the results of the competition by early November for the October 15 deadline and early May for the April 15 deadline.

My research involves interviewing people. Do I need to talk with the Institutional Review Board (IRB)?

Most likely. Please visit their website to find out more.

If your project meets the criteria, you will need to work with their office in getting your research approved. Please note that this research project does meet the requirements for "research" as your findings will be reported at the Global Learning Symposium, a presentation to an external audience.

My research involves animals. Do I need to talk with the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC)?

Most likely. Please visit their website for more details.

My research requires approval by the IRB or IACUC. Do I need to have it approved before I can apply for the GLRS?

Start the process for approval as soon as possible. You may apply for the GLRS without approval, but disbursement of GLRS funds will be contingent on receiving approval from the appropriate board. Please note, you must have your approval from the IRB or IACUC before starting your research.