The process begins in the sophomore year

Students apply to CISLA during the first semester (fall) of the sophomore year. The application process is open to sophomores only. 

How to apply

The application process begins during a CISLA sophomore informational meeting held every September. At this meeting, interested students receive additional details about the application process and provide their email address. All interested applicants will be asked to complete an Intent to Apply Google form.

Next, each applicant is assigned a student advisor (a CISLA senior), who will help guide them through the application process and give feedback on their draft application.

The CISLA Application

The elements of the CISLA Application include:

  • A motivation statement of approximately 200 words explaining why the applicant would like to be a CISLA scholar
  • A proposed integrative program of study, including:
    • An essay of approximately two pages (500 words) describing a potential topic or area of interest for your CISLA Senior Integrative Project (SIP), why this topic matters to you, and how your topic is situated within a broader global context or related to a transnational global challenge
    • A list and rationale of four proposed supporting courses (see below)
    • A proposed internship to be completed in the summer between the junior and senior years, that would provide first-hand insight into the SIP topic and interdisciplinary program of study, bridging theory with practice 
    • Language study plans
    • Study away plans
    • A brief interview with CISLA selection committee members

Applicants are encouraged to consult with a faculty member, research librarian, and/or staff at the Roth Writing Center as they draft their application.

Guidance on coursework

CISLA scholars must complete a gateway course, Perspectives on Modern Global Society (four credits), a two-part Junior Seminar (two one-credit courses), as well as the CISLA senior seminar, New Perspectives on Modern Global Society (two credits).

In addition to these four courses, students are advised to complete four other supporting courses to bring additional disciplinary perspectives to the student's Senior Integrative Project, as well as to the CISLA country, culture, and language of study. 

In keeping with CISLA's mission to produce scholars with broad knowledge of global issues, the supporting courses should be taken outside of the student's major (although they may be used to fulfill requirements for a minor or double major), and no more than one course may be at the 100-level or graded pass/nonpass marking.

Acceptance into the CISLA program will be determined by a faculty committee that takes into consideration the applicant's GPA, two faculty recommendations, language proficiency level, motivation (as articulated in the motivation letter and interview), and the proposed integrative program of study.

Students will receive notification about their acceptance to CISLA before pre-registration for the spring semester.