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School of Global Policy and Strategy School of Global Policy and Strategy
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Future Global Leaders

U.S. university experience through graduate level coursework

Aug. 9–22, 2026


Who Should Attend?

Are you passionate about shaping the future of global affairs?

Come experience life at a U.S. graduate school this summer through an immersive learning program designed for motivated undergraduate students like you.

Gain first-hand exposure to the U.S. educational system, explore life on campus and develop a deeper understanding of graduate studies in an engaging academic environment.

You'll have the opportunity to learn from scholars and experts in judicial systems, innovation, entrepreneurship, marketing, foreign policy, U.S.-Japan relations and more, providing you with unparalleled insights and knowledge. You'll also engage with undergraduates from top universities, fostering a collaborative and intellectually stimulating environment.

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What You Will Gain from Attending

  • Lectures from graduate-level professors
  • Leadership skills development training
  • Student team projects
  • Exposure to career professionals
  • Educational field trips

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Program at a Glance

Immerse yourself in a dynamic learning environment where you'll engage with expert faculty, participate in thought-provoking discussions and collaborate on real-world policy challenges.

This intensive program offers a unique opportunity to enhance your understanding of international issues, develop advanced analytical skills, and build a network with like-minded peers.

6

graduate-level lectures
taught by university professors

5

educational field trips

4

teambuilding and networking events

Highlights

  • Format: Instructor-led coursework, combined with seminars and workshops
  • Certificate: Received upon completion to enhance your academic credentials
  • Activities: Networking events, field trips and cultural excursions
  • Housing: UC San Diego Dormitory – a safe and secure living environment
  • Group Project: Work together with your team to craft a final presentation

Benefits

  • Engage with expert faculty
  • Participate in thought-provoking discussions
  • Collaborate on real-world policy challenges
  • Enhance your understanding of international issues
  • Develop advanced analytical skills
  • Build a network with like-minded peers

Testimonials

"FGL helped me strengthen my English and become more confident in myself."
–Kiichi Matsunaga, Kyoto University

"I love watching the San Diego sunsets—the colors change every evening."
–Kokona Sato, Gakushuin University

"The program taught me how to approach problems from a global perspective and strengthened my cross-cultural communication skills."
–Sijia Cheng, Northeastern University at Qinhuangdao

Eligibility

International students pursuing an undergraduate degree in the U.S. or abroad.

Apply Today!

Don't miss this chance to explore new subjects, experience college life and prepare your future academic pursuits at a leading U.S. university.

Application

Frequently Asked Questions

Course Topics

Lecture Topics may include:

  • Entrepreneurship
  • Globalization
  • International Affairs
  • International Economics
  • Leadership Development
  • Product Marketing
  • Seminars on topical issues

Schedule

Week 1

 

Sunday, Aug. 9, 2026

Time Session
4 - 5 p.m. Dormitory Check-in

Monday, Aug. 10, 2026

Time Session
9:15 - 10:30 a.m. Campus Tour
10:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. Orientation and Welcome
12:30 - 2 p.m. Lunch Break
2:15 - 4:30 p.m. Lecture: Leadership Development
4:45 - 5:15 p.m. Seminar

Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026

Time Session
8 a.m. - 12 p.m. Team Building Challenge
12:30 - 2 p.m. Lunch Break
2:15 - 2:45 p.m. Preparatory Seminar
3 - 4:30 p.m. Lecture: International Economics
4:45 - 5:15 p.m. Follow-up Seminar

Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2026

Time Session
10 a.m. - 12 p.m. San Diego World Trade Center Visit
12:30 - 2 p.m. Lunch Break
3 - 6 p.m. Field Trip: San Diego Bay

Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026

Time Session
9:15 - 10:30 a.m. Workshop: Graduate School Admissions
10:45 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. Workshop: Career Services and Professional Development
12:30 - 2 p.m. Lunch Break
2:15 - 2:45 p.m. Preparatory Seminar
3 - 4:30 p.m. Lecture: U.S. Foreign Policy
4:45 - 5:15 p.m. Follow-up Seminar

Friday, Aug. 14, 2026

Time Session
9:15 a.m. - 12 p.m. Seminar
12:30 - 2 p.m. Lunch Break
2 - 5:15 p.m. Student Networking Event

Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026

Time Session
10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Field Trip: San Diego Zoo

 

Week 2

 

Sunday, Aug. 16, 2026

Time Session
10 a.m. - 5:15 p.m. Field Trip: Birch Aquarium and Torrey Pines Beach

Monday, Aug. 17, 2026

Time Session
10 a.m. - 12 p.m. Field Trip: Salk Institute 
12:30 - 2 p.m. Lunch Break
2:15 - 2:45 p.m. Preparatory Seminar
3 - 4:30 p.m. Lecture: International Affairs
4:45 - 5:15 p.m. Follow-up Seminar

Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026

Time Session
9 a.m. - 12 p.m. Self-Study and Independent Activities
12:30 - 2 p.m. Lunch Break
2:15 - 2:45 p.m. Preparatory Seminar
3 - 4:30 p.m. Lecture: Product Marketing
4:45 - 5:15 p.m. Follow-up Seminar

Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026

Time Session
9:15 - 9:45 a.m. Preparatory Seminar
10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Lecture: Globalization
11:45 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. Follow-up Seminar
12:30 - 2 p.m. Lunch Break
2 - 5:15 p.m. Field Trip: La Jolla Shores

Thursday, Aug. 20, 2026

Time Session
9:15 - 9:45 a.m. Preparatory Seminar
10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Lecture: Entrepreneurship
11:45 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. Follow-up Seminar
12:30 - 2 p.m. Lunch Break
2:15 - 5:15 p.m. Work on Student Group Projects

Friday, Aug. 21, 2026

Time Session
9:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. Presentations: Student Group Projects
12:30 - 2 p.m. Lunch Break
2 - 4 p.m. Presentations: Student Group Projects
4 p.m. on  Closing Ceremony

Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026

Time Session
Morning Free Time
2 - 3 p.m.  Dormitory Check-out

Note: Last updated on Nov. 12, 2025. Subject to change.

Seminars

UC San Diego graduate students conduct small-group seminar sessions to familiarize FGL students with the professor and the core concepts of readings, encourage students to discuss reading assignments and their understanding of the content and vocabulary, allow the students to talk about the material in a thoughtful, reflective way and help them feel confident about speaking on the subject. In addition, follow-up seminars focus on discussion with the students, which stimulates reflection on the lecture.

Cost and Applying

Let's Talk Numbers

COST

SUMMER 2026

Application Fee

$75

Program Fee

$1,400

Housing and Meals

$1,995

Total

$3,470

Application

Deadline: June 17, 2026
Applications will be considered until June 17, 2026, contingent on space availability.

Who can I contact?

We’re ready to provide any help you need.

Please reach out to Greg Mallinger at (858) 822-1696 with any questions or:
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Upcoming Webinars

Questions?

Connect with Greg Mallinger today.