Global Scholar Program

Global competence is considered an asset in an increasingly interconnected world. Being part of this distinctive academic program and exciting journey brings infinite benefits to our students. For example, they are submersed in global learning, international travel, language proficiency, academic enrichment and hands-on experiences. Students also obtain a toolbox to help them navigate unfamiliar environments, enhance their cross-cultural and diplomatic communication skills, and increase their opportunities for a valuable network and leadership roles. Participation in a unique and globally focused program can also make a student's college application stand out. It recognizes students' global knowledge and efforts, initiative, commitment to personal growth and a willingness to embrace challenges. 

Before applying, it is important for your child to consider all the curricular and extracurricular requirements this academic track requires and understand the commitments. Please review the following application criteria:  

1. Current grades: Student needs to showcase academic excellence. Most matriculating students have an average grade of A- or higher. Students who do not meet this requirement due to personal or extenuating circumstances are advised to include a brief statement explaining how circumstances have affected academic performance, and why he/she will be a successful global scholar.

2. Standardized teacher and academic advisor evaluations based on:

1. Responsibility/ ability to follow instructions and get things done on time.
2. Endurance/ perseverance.
3. Disciplined Study Habits/ Independence/ Organizational skills.
4. Motivation for global issues, learning about other cultures... curiosity.
5. Academic Achievement  
6. Extracurricular Activity Involvement  
7. Creativity  
8. Empathy/Relating to Others 
9. Ability to work in a team 
10. Ability to follow instructions

3. The online student application

At Bolles, we have established specific frameworks to guide our decision-making process for our GSP. Our criteria have been defined by the Global Competence Model, the Intercultural Development Continuum and the Asia Society. While we understand and respect other definitions of “global,” note that our GSP admission committee will make final decisions based on the Bolles framework and academic excellence criteria. As we move forward, we might consider reviewing and updating these frameworks to ensure alignment with the evolving landscape of global competence and intercultural development.  

Our Global Scholar Program is a selective academic track, admitting only 20 new students each school year. In the previous academic year, our acceptance rate was around 33%. Consequently, applying does not guarantee acceptance.  

Therefore, we request our students to allocate sufficient time to complete the GSP application and have meaningful conversations with the current academic advisor, who will provide valuable information regarding outstanding academic performance, and with the selected teacher to submit your child’s recommendation. We encourage our students to take this opportunity to express why they are interested in being part of this program. This presents a good chance to reiterate their passion for engaging in global discussions in class, highlighting their involvement in class projects addressing global issues or their interest in applying their science skills to tackle global challenges.

We are thrilled to contribute to your child's global competence and intercultural communication development. 

Curricular
Students will complete four credits (in Upper School) of at least one world language offered in the World Language department.

Exception: Students may apply to verify proficiency in a second language through an approved language proficiency assessment. Students demonstrating proficiency are still required to enroll in an additional world language for two years as a requirement for a Bolles diploma.

The following courses will be required of all Bolles GSP students:

• GOA course: During the SY or during the summer
• Advanced Global Leadership Honors: cross-cultural communication course, Grades 9, 10, ½ Credit
• Second global elective,  ½ Credit, Grades 11, 12 – To be implemented: S2- 2024/25

GSP students will also earn 1.5 credits from the following list of options:

• ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE HONORS (407) — Grades 11 & 12, 1 Credit, Lab Science
• ADVANCED PLACEMENT BIOLOGY (459) –, 1C
• THE SCIENCE OF DISEASE (430) - Grades 10-12, ½ credit, Semester Course
• AP CAPSTONE: SEMINAR (1100) — Grades 11&12, 1 Credit – Commitment to choose a Global theme as a main project
• AP COMPARATIVE GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS (512) Grades 11 & 12, ½ Credit—Advanced Placement
• AP HUMAN GEOGRAPHY (525) Grades 10 – 12, 1 Credit, Advanced Placement

Extracurricular
The following activities will be required of all Bolles GLE Scholars while in upper school.

• Participation in a minimum of one (1) Bolles International travel program, including an online global journal
• Attendance at four off-campus presentations or lectures on global topics
• Attendance at eight Bolles Global Student Dialogues
• Participation in at least one extracurricular activity, followed by sharing learning outcomes with the wider school community. Examples of activities are Congrès, Student Diversity Leadership Conference (SDLC), etc.
• Two years of involvement in Student Global Connections Committe, with at least two years as a committee leader. One of these years, participate in a Global Entrepreneurship Challenge
• Sustained engagement in additional globally focused Bolles clubs/committees. Minimum two semesters
• Involvement in Bolles Residential Life Program. Minimum one (1) year
• Fulfill a leadership role during Make A Difference! Day: UN SDG as a senior

Financial aid for required travel: Students receiving need-based financial aid from Bolles may be eligible for assistance to support the required travel expected as part of the Bolles Global Scholar program.

Additional

• The following are required of all Bolles GLE Scholars while in upper school:
• Intercultural Development Inventory
• Global Competence Aptitude Assessment
• Presentation at the Global Association Panel/TedXBolles. A small part will be presented in a second language chosen
• Students must be in good standing in both academics and behavior

For transfer students: Proportional workload will be adjusted depending on the year of entry to Bolles.
The proportional workload will not apply to the four years World Language requirement.

Given annually to a student who has demonstrated an ongoing commitment to global learning on campus through their outstanding contributions to the GLE programs — including significant involvement in academic, service and co-curricular activities with a global learning focus — and who also has successfully completed the Global Scholar Program at The Bolles School (beginning in 2023-24). This award recognizes a Bolles student who displays respect among different people, fosters understanding and embraces and strengthens leadership in our global community. This award can be received only once.