GLOBAL UNDERSTANDING
Explore the world from ECU!
Take a Global Understanding course and connect with classmates around the world.
Global Understanding (GU) courses put you in a shared virtual classroom with students and faculty from more than 50 universities in over 30 countries. Together, you’ll learn from and with each other through live videoconference discussions, partner projects, and meaningful conversations that make the world feel a lot closer.
These courses aren’t just about “learning facts.” They’re about building relationships, seeing your own culture from new perspectives, and developing career-ready skills that employers value in every field.
Plus, if you take a GU course, you are guaranteed a study abroad scholarship!*
Why Take Global Understanding
In the Global Understanding course, students get meaningful, direct international experiences made possible through technology. You’ll spend about 18 class days connecting directly with peers abroad as you ask questions and share information that is meaningful to you.
Through large and small group discussions and partner projects, you’ll explore everyday life, compare perspectives on major global issues, and build confidence working across cultures.
Did you know? Students Who Take GU…
- Gain career-readiness skills like adaptability, self-awareness, curiosity, communication, and working in teams.
- Graduate at higher rates (+13%) and earn higher GPAs.
- Are guaranteed a study abroad scholarship.*
Who Should Take GU?
GU is a great fit if you:
- Want an international experience but can’t travel abroad.
- Need to complete a Social Science or Humanities Gen Ed requirement.
- Plan to study abroad – did we mention the guaranteed study abroad scholarship?*
- Expect to work on teams with people from different backgrounds – in other words…everyone!
FAQs
Do I need to speak another language?
- All GU classes are taught in English.
Is there an extra fee?
- It’s a standard 3 credit course included in tuition.
Does it fulfill any requirements?
- Most GU courses receive Social Science or Humanities Gen Ed credit and also carry the Global Learning designation.
Is online or face-to-face?
- Both options are offered. Online classes are synchronous; face-to-face classes meet in ECU’s Global Classrooms.
Can I pick which countries I work with?
- Unfortunately, no. Each class connects with 2-3 partner universities based on availability and scheduling.
What topics will we cover?
- You’ll start with everyday life (college, family, traditions) and move into bigger issues over time, like gender roles, mental health, and stereotypes.
I heard I can get a scholarship just because I took a Global Understanding class…Is that true?
- YES*! Any eligible student who successfully completes a Global Understanding class is guaranteed a study abroad scholarship. You just need to apply!
*Must meet study abroad scholarship eligibility requirements.
What our students are saying…
Overwhelmingly, students respond positively to the courses. 93% of students recommend GU, highlighting its impact on cultural understanding, communication skills, personal growth, and building international friendships.