CGA Academic Website

A resource for current Center for Global Affairs students

Global Field Intensives

 

The Global Field Intensive (GFI) model is designed for students to maximize their in-country academic experience by engaging in comprehensive pre-departure research and project planning.  Rather than simply attending a series of lectures and site-visits while abroad, students are asked to become active participants in their field intensive in-country experience.  Global Field Intensives incorporate the following elements across all programs:

  • Pre-departure class sessions
  • Pre-departure project planning with professor
  • Onsite lectures
  • Onsite field visits
  • Onsite individual or group information gathering
  • Onsite MSGA faculty and student debrief session
  • Post-trip wrap-up sessions and project presentations (this depends on the semester/timing of program)

2026 Global Field Intensives:

Spring 2026

Summer 2026

Past & Projected Global Field Intensives:

Application Process 

Registration for all Global Field Intensive courses is controlled and handled by the CGA administration.  Applicants are required to fill out an online application (available via the pages for each GFI) and provide a one-page statement of purpose, which should be uploaded through the application form.

Question for Statement of Purpose:

Please explain why you would like to go on the GFI, what questions/issues you’re interested in, and how the GFI relates to your academic and/or professional goals.

If you are applying to multiple GFIs, you must submit a separate application and statement of purpose for each GFI.

Students will be notified of their enrollment status within one week of the application deadline (unless otherwise specified). Please see information below regarding cancellation penalty. Priority will be given to M.S. in Global Affairs and M.S in Global Security, Conflict, and Cyber graduate students for all programs if applications are submitted by the Priority Application Deadline specified for each program.  You must be matriculated in a graduate program in order to apply.

Program Costs

While costs vary by program, students will be responsible for covering the cost of the program fee, tuition for 3 credits, and airfare expenses, and other related insurance and travel medicine/vaccine expenses.Included in Program Fee

The program fee will cover student lodging, some meals and special receptions, all meetings/special guest lectures, and planned cultural excursions/tours. Program fee information can be found under the links for each specific program. The program fee will appear on your bursar bill.

NOT Included

Airfare, airport transfers, visa fees, passport fees, personal items such as wines, liquors, laundry services, lunches, dinners (other than those specified in the program), special arrangements before or after the program, and other items not specifically mentioned as included. Insurance for trip cancellation, flight cancellation, luggage loss or damage, medical and accident is not included but is strongly recommended.

Cancellations and Refunds

Cancellations are subject to full forfeiture of the program cost as well as tuition penalties. Program cancellations must be made in writing. To protect yourself, we recommend that you purchase flight cancellation insurance.