Global Learning
Global learning in higher education is the process through which students critically engage with the complex, interconnected systems that shape our world—social, cultural, political, economic, environmental—and develop the knowledge, skills, and mindsets needed to act responsibly within them. It combines local, regional, national, and international experiences that help students build global awareness, understand the impact of their choices on communities near and far, and work collaboratively and equitably to address pressing global challenges. At its core, global learning prepares students to become informed, open‑minded, and capable contributors who can navigate diverse perspectives, lead across differences, and continue growing as lifelong learners committed to positive change.
Faculty are central to this work, shaping the curriculum, learning environments, and opportunities that enable students to engage with global issues in thoughtful and rigorous ways. Through their global research, faculty introduce students to new knowledge, emerging issues, and experiences that strengthen the relevance of global learning.
Global Competence
Global competence is the ability a student develops as a result of global learning. It is a multi-dimensional capability that requires a combination of knowledge, skills, attitudes and values successfully applied to global issues or intercultural situations. It is the ability to examine local–global issues, understand diverse perspectives, interact and respond effectively across cultures and backgrounds (AAC&U, OECD). In the UW Strategic Framework, global competence is identified as a core student capability needed for a rapidly changing world—alongside AI literacy, ethics, and digital fluency.
Faculty opportunities and resources
Faculty are key to advancing UW’s mission through global research, teaching, and service. UW Global offers resources to support in designing learning experiences that promote students’ global competence. Through faculty-centered workshops and consultations, we will cover topics including:
- Adding global learning outcomes to the syllabus.
- Integrating readings, case studies, and project-based learning from diverse global perspectives.
- Using local examples to explore global issues (glocalization).
- Creating ways to incorporate global learning (such as virtual exchange opportunities like COIL) in the course.
You can submit your request through this form. You will meet with UW global learning specialist, Center for Teaching and Learning instructional consultant Dr. Wei Zuo.
Wei Zuo bio
Dr. Wei Zuo is a UW global learning specialist, Center for Teaching and Learning instructional consultant, and Affiliate Assistant Professor in English. She has worked at the UW for the last ten years supporting learning and teaching. Her global learning experiences include working with faculty and TAs in Waseda University (Japan), serving as co-director for UW students to study abroad in Tsinghua University (China), and leading the APRU (Association of Pacific Rim Universities) learning community with partners from Australia, Singapore, Hongkong and U.S.
