Institute for Global Studies

one world, connected

Discover the interconnectedness of the world through the Institute for Global Studies. Building on established programs at Hobart and William Smith, the Institute for Global Studies promotes a broad outlook for students across the globe in topics such as politics, language, culture, history, art and science. Through the Institute for Global Studies, crossover between programs is easier than ever, allowing you to explore and experience the breadth of educational and experiential opportunities that HWS offers. Programs provide a carefully guided academic experience, preparing you for graduate school, professional life world citizenry.

Expand your knowledge of the world through one or more of the following programs housed within the Institute for Global Studies.

Africana Studies Anthropology Asian Studies European Studies French, Francophone and Italian Studies German Area Studies International Relations Latin American Studies Russian Area Studies

Courses

Through its nine academic programs, the Institute for Global Studies offers courses that provide a broad scope of understanding across multiple topics.

Depending on the program, GLS 101 and 201 may be core or elective courses.

GLS 101 - Introduction to global studies

Gain the core concepts of global studies by following a specific topic through a range of geographic areas and historical periods. Topics include coffee, crossing borders, global soccer, saltwater crossings and water.

GLS 201 - Global cultural literacies

Explore literacies, languages and cultures across the world. This course is particularly useful for students studying Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Russian or Spanish but is open to anyone.

language instruction

Hobart and William Smith offer courses in Spanish, Japanese, Russian, French, German, Italian, Chinese, Latin and Arabic. To see what course level you should take, read the Language Placement Guidelines.

Language Placement Guidelines

Council of Directors

Meet the Council of Directors, who help organize cultural events and serve as guides to students across programs.

courtney wells
director of the institute for global studies and Associate Professor of french, francophone and italian Studies

Full Profile and C.v.

kristen welsh
associate director of the institute for global studies and associate professor of russian area studies

Full Profile and C.V.

scott macphail, p.h.d
associate director of health professions counseling and fellowship advising

Full Profile and C.V.

No Borders:Global Education

Whether you want to study European Union relations in Germany, feminism in Brazil or economics in the Czech Republic, or another curiosity, you can.

Wherever you go, our top-ranked global education program will allow you to apply classroom knowledge, develop cultural understanding and build global connections that expand your personal capacity and sense of purpose.

Study Abroad Options

Experiential EducationAccessing the World at Home

President Mark D. Gearan poses questions to Marie Yovanovitch, diplomat and bestselling author, as she reflects on the war in Ukraine.

Hobart and William Smith is a global campus, meaning you can experience the world without leaving Geneva. More than 50 languages are spoken on campus. Faculty bring a wealth of knowledge and experience from traveling the world. Clubs give you the chance to explore new cultures and languages. Noted guest speakers provide insight and analysis of world events.

At Hobart and William Smith, learning goes beyond textbooks and classrooms. You’ll gain high-impact practical experience that deepens learning and opens doors.

Explore and Experience at the HWS Centers

Hobart and William Smith Colleges

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one world, connected