Global Horizons
The Global Horizons Program is 9-day study abroad program for first year, First Generation/Low Income (FGLI) undergraduates who have never traveled abroad. Students will have the chance to participate in a fully-funded program (including a passport) in Taiwan during Spring Break. The program is short term, non-credit bearing, has no language requirement, and provides an opportunity for first year students to connect with faculty, advisers, and peers, while immersing themselves in another country.
The cohort "Where Cultures Meet: Exploring Modern Taiwan", will travel to Taiwan during spring break 2027. Students will gain a grounding in Taiwan’s history and diverse cultures as they dig deeper into intercultural differences and reflect on the comparative context in the US. Students will also have the opportunity to deepen cross-cultural learning by exploring differences in college cultures and student life in conversation with their peers from National Taiwan University and National Tsing Hua University.
Eligibility:
- Open to Northwestern undergraduate students in their first year from all majors
- Students must be U.S. citizens.
- Students must not have prior international experience
- There is no language prerequisite to participate in the program
- Applicants must be both a first generation and low-income (FGLI) student
- Students must be 18 years old by the time of travel in March
- If you will not be 18 by then, please contact Ryan Rounds ASAP!
Deadline to Apply: October 25, 2026
The program helped me step outside my usual routine and pushed me to engage with new perspectives, especially around language, history, and community. It was structured enough that I always felt supported, but flexible enough that I could explore and learn independently. I also built strong connections with other Northwestern students, which made the experience feel both meaningful and memorable.”
The program moved at a fast pace, and every day required me to adjust to new situations, whether it was navigating a different city, communicating across language differences, or understanding cultural norms on the spot. I learned how to stay flexible, observe carefully, and respond calmly even when I didn’t have all the information. That ability to adapt has carried over into my academic and personal life, and it’s made me more confident in handling new or unpredictable situations.”
I would recommend this program because it's such a nice introduction to international travel, and allows you to see most of what a country could offer - you’re not limiting yourself to just the city or just the country side - you’re gaining a whole person perspective.