Courses
Students in the Global Connections program take a combination of international studies courses, undergraduate electives and Academic English program courses depending on their English proficiency level.
Course Length and Schedule
Global Connections admits new students to begin studies in Autumn and Spring quarters. You can choose to study for three months (one quarter), six months (two quarters) or nine months (three quarters).
Autumn 2024
Sep 19, 2024–Dec 13, 2024 (1 quarter)
Sep 19, 2024–Mar 21, 2025 (2 quarters)
Sep 19, 2024–Jun 3, 2025 (3 quarters)
During the first quarter, you’ll be enrolled in a preparatory advising seminar designed to help you succeed in your classes. The rest of your course schedule is based on course availability and your level of English language proficiency.
If you make satisfactory progress, you’ll move into the next level of courses the following quarter. Students already at the highest level will select other courses at that same level.
| TOEFL Score | 72–91 | 92 or Higher |
| IELTS Score | 6.0 | 7.0 |
| Eligible Starting Quarters | Spring and Autumn | Spring and Autumn |
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| Quarter 2 |
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Note: Number in parentheses indicates how many credits each course is worth. Numbers with an asterisk (*) indicate the course earns continuing education units (CEUs) rather than credits. Recognition of CEUs varies by institution.
† In some instances, if a required AEP course is not offered during your first quarter, you will substitute a UW elective and take the next available required AEP course during your second quarter. For more detailed information about course placements see the Placement Page on the AEP website.
†† In the unlikely event you do not pass a required AEP course, you may retake it in Quarter 4.
Program Courses
These courses are designed specifically for the Global Connections program to facilitate innovative learning experiences.
Advising Seminar: Strategies for American University Success
This seminar provides you with the knowledge and resources you'll need to succeed in your university classes. You'll learn skills to become more resilient and take ownership over your study-abroad experience. Topics include campus and community resources, time and energy management, resilience, academic standards of conduct, cultural and classroom expectations and more. The seminar may have both online and in-class components. Participation is required for all students in the first quarter of the program.
International Studies Courses
The following is a list of special international studies courses that have previously been offered by the Jackson School. These courses are open both to Global Connections students and UW students. Course offerings are subject to change, and not all of these courses will be available in a particular quarter.
- JSIS 278: Diaspora Communities in Seattle & Beyond
- JSIS 278: Global Trade & Disruptive Technologies
- JSIS 305: Changing Generations in Japan & East Asia
- JSIS 478: Energy in East Asia: Regional Issues, Global Implications
- JSIS 478: Global Cities, Utopia & the Environment
- JSIS 478: Global Impact of Smart Technologies
- JSIS 478: Global Sustainability Movements
- JSIS 478: Institutions, Growth & the Environment
- JSIS B 307: Digital Storytelling & Global Citizenship
- JSIS B 352: Sustainability & Global Business
- JSIS B 361: The Rise of a Global Language
- JSIS 490: Economic Diplomacy: Government, Foreign Policy & the Global Economy
Academic English Courses
If you speak English as a second language, these UW credit courses are designed to help you improve your academic English skills. English 102, 103 and 104 are designed to improve your academic English skills so you can understand university texts, assignments and lectures and better participate in class discussions.
English 102: Essentials of College Reading & Writing
In this course, you'll learn and practice the reading, writing and critical thinking strategies needed for analyzing and responding to academic texts. You'll strengthen your grammar, organization and vocabulary to improve accuracy and fluency in writing.
English 103: Writing From Sources
In this course, you'll learn and practice the reading, writing and critical thinking strategies you'll need to develop researched, organized and correctly documented papers using academic sources. You'll be introduced to library research skills for finding a variety of sources.
English 104: Essentials of College Communication
This course is an academic listening and speaking course. It aims to improve your ability to participate in university course lectures and class discussions. You'll respond to lectures, participate in and lead class discussions, and deliver short oral reports.
Elective Courses
As a Global Connections student in UW undergraduate credit courses, you should expect to be academically challenged by the professors and by your U.S. and international peers. Most courses meet for about five hours each week. Some courses include a quiz section, which allows you to meet with the professor or teaching assistant in smaller groups.
Registration for electives is on a space-available basis, and final enrollments are determined during the first week of the quarter. Student options may be limited by conflicts with other required courses. Global Connections program staff will help you with the registration process.
The following are examples of elective courses that have previously been offered. Course offerings are subject to change, and not all of these courses will be available in a particular quarter.
- ENGL 213: Modern & Postmodern Literature
- GWSS 290: Special Topics in Women Studies
- HSTAA 230: Race & Power in America
- HSTEU 113: Europe & the Modern World
- LING 200: Introduction to Linguistic Thought
- MKTG 301: Marketing Concepts
- POL S 202: Introduction to American Politics
- POL S 427: International Political Economy
- PSYCH 101: Introduction to Psychology
Instructors
Academic English courses are taught by experienced instructors from UW International & English Language Programs. Many of them have advanced degrees. UW and international studies electives are taught by instructors from various UW academic departments, including the prestigious UW Jackson School of International Studies.