Summary
The International Scholars Program is an innovative, student-centered initiative designed to extend geographic education beyond the traditional classroom. Grounded in inquiry-based and interdisciplinary learning, the program immerses students in the study of global geographies, cultures, governments, economies, and histories through sustained, experiential engagement. Participants engage in structured book studies, cultural analyses, collaborative inquiry sessions, academic research projects, and community presentations. The program also incorporates guest speakers and local partnerships to connect global themes to lived experiences.
By intentionally integrating academic rigor with experiential exploration, the International Scholars Program cultivates geographic literacy, critical thinking, cultural competence, and civic awareness. Students move beyond memorization of places and facts to develop spatial understanding, global interdependence awareness, and informed perspectives on contemporary international issues.
This poster will outline the program’s design framework, implementation strategies, and sample learning cycles. Attendees will gain practical tools for adapting the model to diverse educational settings. The International Scholars Program demonstrates how structured, inquiry-driven enrichment can meaningfully advance geographic education and prepare students for engaged global citizenship.
Session Focus
All Grade Levels | Human and Cultural Geography | Curriculum and Instruction
Conference Room/Area
Commonwealth Hall
Meet The Presenter
Justin McCrackin
