Global Semester is an annual fall study abroad program at St Olaf College providing twenty students with opportunities to develop insight into cultures around the world and their social, political, and economic contexts through the combination of course structure, experiential learning activities, and engagement with communities.
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Meet the Team!!!
Elizabeth Leer
Education Professor
Joel Leer
Group Dad
Silas Leer
Group Kid
Ellyson Bang
’26, Biology
Eva Barsness
’26, Biology & Chemistry
Grace Bielefeldt
’25, Mathematics
Alice Boerner
’26, SOAN & Dance
Fiona Boskovic
’25, Computer Science
Maggie Brooks
’26, Religion
Maria Camilli
’26, Economics
Owen Chamberlin
’26, Economics, French, Political Science
Jean-Luc Collette
’25, Quantitative Economics
Addie Flesch
’26, Psychology & Religion
Rosamond Greblo
’26, Biology & Education
Sofie Hamilton
’27, Environmental Science
Cole Kehrberg
’26, Environmental Studies & Quantitative Economics
Sam Laurel
’26, Political Science & Quantitative Economics
Galen McGlynn
’26, Kinesiology
Tejas Nenneman
’26, Political Science
Lauren Patchett
’26, Chemistry
Emma Sahly
’25, Chemistry
Habtamu Shibashi
’25, Economics & Mathematics
Paul Wiese
’27, Mathematics
FAQs
How do classes work?
Students receive 4.0 course credits through Global Semester, one for each of our partner programs and one class led by the St Olaf faculty leader. Though all grades are recorded in your transcript, courses taught by non-St Olaf faculty do not impact your GPA. This year, the courses consist of The Ethics of Study and Service Abroad (OEP), Environmental Sustainability in Costa Rica (NTS), Political and Social change in South Africa & Namibia (GHS), and Economic Reform and Development in Vietnam (SCS).
How much does Global cost?
Thanks to a generous gift to the college, the cost of Global Semester program is the same as your regular St. Olaf tuition and equivalent cost of on-campus room and full board (21 meals) for the fall semester. A student’s regular financial aid will be applied to the cost of the program with the exception of a work-study award. The program covers the around-the-world group travel from/to MSP; tuition and fees; accommodations en route in standard hotels in shared rooms, student dormitories or similar establishments in the principal university centers; three meals per day; and participation in scheduled sight-seeing programs according to itinerary.
What should I bring?
It really depends on what countries the program includes, but here’s what we packed!!
How do I apply for Global?
Global Semester is offered annually in the fall. Applications for Global 2025 are open now! Applications close February 11, 2025.