S cale up!

It's not what you think.

That's a command from

my yellow lab Ginger. When

we're out for a walk, she

wants to scale up to a

run; when we run, she

strains for a full gallop.

At the end of it all, we're

breathless and exhaust-

ed. She's dreaming of a

nap; I'm wondering

about endurance and yes, at that

point, my own mortality.

What is it that drives us to do

more? What exactly is it that we

do now that would be worth do-

ing more?

Access and excellence drive

development at the University of

Washington Tacoma. Excellence

in the Global Honors Program,

one of just a handful in the na-

tion with a curriculum focused on

global issues, is demonstrated in

consistently high standards for

academic performance, student-

community experience, quality

of instruction, and advising.

“Scale up” has also been a

challenge thrown at me through-

out my six years as

director. One approach

would be to think in

terms of numbers and

resources, which we

have. We have doubled

the number of core

seminars, established

pathways in global leadership

and global citizenship, intro-

duced a Minor in Global Engage-

ment, and are expanding to a

four-year curriculum.

Access is where the Institute

for Global Engagement (IGE)

comes in. It is where we take the

best of what we do in Global

Honors and scale up to serve the

campus as a whole.

This brings me to another

approach that ensures endurance

beyond material resources: being

mindful and deliberate about our

core values of cultural under-

standing, innovation, and collab-

oration. These values drive the

expansion of opportunities for all

UWT students to gain that global

edge critical to success in their

careers and further studies.

While the IGE is home to the

Global Honors Program, it in-

cludes two more components:

Research and Experiential Learn-

ing and Community Engage-

ment. Under the first, students

and faculty are financially sup-

ported in their global research

and travel; research competi-

tions will soon be open campus

wide. Under the second, partner-

ships with community and busi-

ness leaders benefit all students

through guest speaker series,

mentorships, and globally-

focused internships and extern-

ships.

How far we go depends on

how strong we are at the core.

Our new Program Coordinator

Alexis Wheeler (JD Harvard Law

School) brings considerable ex-

perience in study abroad. She

joins our incredibly resourceful

Program Administrator Paul Car-

rington, our highly motivated

Student Leadership Council and

our extremely hard-working

Global Honors Council, to assist

me in delivering on the Institute’s

mission. While structural fea-

tures may get us out the door for

a good run, what inspires us (and

Ginger) through the long-haul is

our curiosity about the world and

excitement in discovery.

And that’s the best part.

When it comes to what drives us,

there are no limits to scaling up.

Divya McMillin, IGE Director

Research and

Experiential Learning

tacoma.uw.edu/global-honors/

research-experiential

Open to qualified students of all majors, the Global Honors Pro-

gram is designed to increase the depth and breadth of student

understanding of critical global issues. Pathways to global leader-

ship and global citizenship are enriched through rigorous core

seminars, study abroad and active participation by industry and

community partners. Prospective students can find out more on

page 4, and by visiting tacoma.uw.edu/global-honors.

Winter 2015

Community

Engagement

tacoma.uw.edu/global-honors/

community-engagement

Members of the Global Honors student community at the Institute for Global Engagement Launch, October 2013 1

Mi Familia Española

Program Dates: July 24-August 22, 2015 Credits: 10-12 Application Deadline: March 13, 2015

Further Information: tacoma.uw.edu/international-programs/austria-exploring-psychology

Student Profiles: Study Abroad 2014 The Institute for Global Engagement encourages all students to

consider the benefits of cross-cultural opportunities, not least

those offered by the UWT Office of International Programs. Every

year, Global Honors students are among those who enjoy such

enriching experiences and are keen to share their adventures...

L ast March, I was lucky enough to study abroad in León,

Spain, where I anticipated learning more about the Spanish

language and culture. Initially, I was equal parts terrified

and excited; I had never been overseas and was going to be gone for

the duration of the quarter. To an extent, I knew this was going to be

the opportunity of a lifetime, but I didn’t truly realize this until the

moment I met my host family.

It was raining when the nine of us UW students arrived in León.

We were all hungry, irritated, and exhausted, having spent the last

two hours trying to find the meeting spot, all while dragging our

luggage and struggling to decipher directions given to us in a foreign

language. I started having doubts—had I made the right decision

coming here? Just ten minutes earlier, I had thoroughly embarrassed

myself by trying to order food from a nearby restaurant. Fun fact:

there is a significant difference between asking, “¿Tiénes hom-

bres?” (Do you have men?) when you really mean to say, “Tengo

hambre” (I have hunger). Apparently incapable of feeding myself,

was I going to survive?

All at once, my doubts left as the host families arrived. I looked

around as each family greeted its new member with a loving em-

brace, and mine was no exception. The warmth and safety I found in

the embrace of these complete strangers transcended the language

barrier and was like nothing I had ever experienced before. They

welcomed me into their house, which quickly became my home.

Over the course of the next three months, I was able to explore

the culture of northern Spain via tapas, Gaudí, discotechas, siestas,

volunteering at a local elementary school, and, most importantly,

my host family. They called me daughter and provided me with

some of the most amazing memories I will ever have, as well as with

an incredible amount of patience as I struggled with the language

(for which I will be eternally indebted). By embarking on this adven-

ture, I was able to step out of my comfort zone and into the best

experience of my life (so far).

Ashley Douthett, Global Studies & Global Honors, 2013-15

Ashley Douthett (second from left) and her host family

Cathedral de Santa María, León, Spain

UWT International

Programs Find out more about UW study

abroad programs at:

tacoma.uw.edu/international-

programs/international-programs

Fantastic options offered in 2015

include: 2

Ready to embark on your own study abroad adventure?

A few of years ago, NPR

did a piece on human

trafficking. At the time,

the issue was nowhere on my ra-

dar; I honestly didn’t realize such

horrific things happened. When I

heard about the Bamford Fellow-

ship in Global Engagement*, I saw

it as a chance to really explore this

topic in depth, examining its local

and global impact. It was im-

portant for me to study this topic

abroad, so I enrolled in SIT’s

“Netherlands: International Perspectives on Sexuality and Gender.” I

chose this program because of its relation to my Bamford topic and

because the Netherlands approaches prostitution very differently

from the United States. Much of the discourse surrounding trafficking

has made it synonymous with prostitution. I wanted to explore this

connection in a different cultural context.

I arrived in the Netherlands with a completely different attitude

than that with which I left. I brought with me an American perspective

on prostitution and its role in per-

petuating sex trafficking. This was

certainly not the perspective of

those I encountered in the Netherlands, where prostitution is legal and regulated. I was fortunate enough

to meet former sex workers and researchers who opened my eyes to other ways of viewing the industry.

These interactions prompted a total shift in my research approach, and I’m now very excited to complete

the project and share what I’ve learned with everyone back home.

In regards to studying abroad, there are so many stories I could tell, but couldn’t possibly begin in this

small space. I know everyone has heard this so many times, but it’s an experience like no other and an

opportunity to learn in a way only attainable through the challenge of acclimating to a new culture and

seeing it firsthand. I know I have come back a different person and a better person and am overwhelm-

ingly grateful to have had this opportunity. I can’t encourage you enough to do the same. It’s something

you will never forget.

Amy Blanchard, Psychology & Global Honors, 2013-15

It’s a pleasure to be joining the

IGE and a globally focused hon-

ors program. As a UW under-

grad, I studied abroad several

times; the opportunity to ex-

plore sites discussed in class

really brought the course mate-

rial to life and truly enriched my

education. I also gained cultural

competence and forged lasting

friendships with fellow Huskies,

many of whom I keep in touch

with today.

In addition to those benefits commonly associated with

study abroad, I discovered such opportunities were an efficient,

cost-effective way to complete dual degrees. Each month-long

Rome program provided a quarter’s worth of credits towards

my graduation requirements, and the quarter in South Africa

was part of a fully-funded McNair/Mary Gates research project.

Hence, I would strongly recommend study abroad to any stu-

dent looking for personal, professional, and intellectual growth

and hope you will each take advantage of such unique opportu-

nities. Happy Travels!

Alexis Wheeler, IGE Program Coordinator

A Fresh Perspective

Amy Blanchard

Belle: Rethinking

Prostitution

Alexis Wheeler

For additional opportunities and

more study abroad information,

don’t miss the...

2015 UWT Study

Abroad Fair

Wednesday, March 4

12:30-1:30, WPH Program Dates: June 21-July 18, 2015 Credits: 15 Application Deadline: April 17, 2015

Further Information: http://www.tacoma.uw.edu/international-programs/china-past-present 3

New IGE Program Coordinator

*The Bamford Fellowship in Global Engagement is the IGE’s unique undergraduate research initiative, and includes a $2000 student

award to help fund research expenses. Find out more at tacoma.uw.edu/global-honors/bamford-fellowship-global-engagement.

2014-15 Faculty & Staff

(L) Ali Modarres, PhD

Director/Professor, Urban Studies

(R) Rob Crawford, PhD

Professor, IAS

(L) Ji-Hyun Ahn, PhD

Assistant Professor, IAS

(R) Tyler Budge, MFA

Senior Lecturer, IAS

This newsletter was produced by Amy Blanchard, Paul Carrington, Ashley

Douthett, Divya McMillin and Alexis Wheeler. Special thanks to UWT International

Programs for input on pages 2-3. The banner photo at the top of page 1 was taken

by Alexis Wheeler in October 2009, and features Annapurna South, part of the

Himalayan range running through north-central Nepal. At 23,684 feet, it’s slightly

taller than Washington state’s Mt. Rainier and Mt. St. Helens combined, but it’s

the shortest of the six mountains forming the Annapurna Massif. IGE, MMXV.

Global Honors admits up to forty new students each Autumn, with limited admissions in Winter. All

majors are welcome, and students who will be of sophomore or junior standing in Autumn 2015 are

encouraged to apply as early as possible. Applications may be submitted at any time, and will be for-

mally processed beginning March 2015. Successful candidates have:

A minimum 3.5 GPA (contact us to explore your options if you have less than this)

Potential to make an exceptional contribution to our interdisciplinary community

Demonstrated interest in global themes

Apply at tacoma.uw.edu/global-honors/admissions

Academics

Interdisciplinary enrichment for all UWT majors

Small class sizes, supportive faculty, and friendly cohort of engaged classmates

Flexible pathways to Pro-gram completion including:

Minor in Global Engagement (25+ credits)

Global Scholar (with prestig-ious Global Honors distinction, 21-24 credits)

Global Leadership certification (17-22 credits)

Global Citizenship certification (12-17 credits)

Scholarships and funded opportunities including:

Global Scholar merit award for all members (typically $500)

Bamford Fellowship in Global Engagement with $2000 award for research expenses

Enhanced candidacy for UW and national scholarships

Excellent preparation for postgraduate education and professional opportunities

Community, Leadership & Service

The Global Honors student community represents an inspiring and

inclusive microcosm of the UWT student body . All members may

participate in the Global Honors Student Leadership Council (SLC),

which organizes co-curricular, social and service activities. Many of

these are held in our comfortable reading room, exclusively availa-

ble to Global Honors students.

The highly supportive IGE office

offers specialized honors and study abroad advising, including cus-

tom referrals to UW resources and opportunities. Our UWT staff and

faculty partners are similarly invested in our students’ success.

Externally, our South Sound community partners are drawn

from a range of industries and organizations. They regularly share

their expertise as guest speakers, mentors, and course instructors.

“The Global Honors Pro-

gram allows me to study and

discuss real issues that are

present in any field, so I be-

lieve this may be one of the

most valuable forms of edu-

cation at UW Tacoma.”

Kate Drohman

Accounting & Global Honors, 2014-16

Institute for Global Engagement University of Washington Tacoma

Box 358457, 1900 Commerce St Tacoma, WA 98402

ghonors@uw.edu / 253 692 4770 tacoma.uw.edu/global-honors

(L) Orlando Baiocchi, PhD

Endowed Professor, Institute of Technology

(Center) Paul Carrington, MA

Program Administrator/Part-time Lecturer, IGE

(R) Alexis Wheeler, JD; MSc

Program Coordinator, IGE 4

Benefits include...

(L) Divya McMillin, PhD

Director, IGE /Professor, IAS

(R) Brian Golob, JD

Global General Counsel,

Russell Investments/

Part-time Lecturer, IGE