Because the College does not attempt to maintain a protective or isolated campus environment, learning here is not an easy process. It involves direct confrontation with oneself, with other cultures, with constant transition, with life itself. It requires:

• Desire to experience the world deeply, to meet problems and change creatively and to take on a good deal of responsibility for one's own life and learning,

• Enthusiasm for new ideas, situations, people; awareness of self and goals; optimism and a spirit of constant seeking,

• An awareness of the world beyond the self and a desire to immerse oneself in the challenges of that world.

Each student's application is judged on its own merit. Most applicants have completed a secondary school program. A GED diploma will also be considered. Clear evidence of the ability and readiness to carry out university level work is expected, with primary emphasis placed on personal qualities of maturity, motivation, initiative and independence, rather than on standardized test scores or school grades. Admission to Global College involves mutual exploration of the suitability of the program for one's learning aims rather than a competitive process. An interview, whether in person or over the phone, is required.

Admission Requirements for all Applicants

All candidates must complete an application, enclose a non-refundable check for $30 (please make check payable to Global College/LIU), and provide transcripts of all academic work. A Global College admissions counselor will contact you for an interview.

Early Admission

High school juniors or students who have not yet completed their secondary programs may enter Global College if they have approval and recommendation from their high school. To be eligible for financial aid, the student must produce documentation of "Ability to Benefit." This documentation is based on an assessment of one of many exams. Please contact the Admissions Office to receive more information.

Transfer Students

Those who have done work at other colleges or universities may apply for admission to Global College with advanced standing on the basis of credits previously earned. Global College also grants credits on the basis of life experience for appropriate post-secondary independent learning. However, all transfer students are required to earn at least 64 semester-hour credits (four semesters) in Global College to qualify for its degree. Credits transferred in must be of the Grade C or better. Global College also awards credit for courses completed in the armed forces or through the College Level Examination Program. Official transcripts must be supplied to the Registrar. Transfer students with 24 or more accepted college credits may go directly abroad to any of our centers; all others must begin their studies in Costa Rica in the Foundation Year Program.

Visiting Students

Students from other colleges and universities who desire to carry out field study at one of Global College's overseas regional centers may, with the approval and recommendation of their home institutions, enroll at Global College for a semester or a year. Such students do not matriculate for a Global College degree and return to their home institutions to complete graduation requirements.

Associate Students

Students who wish to enroll in Global College on a non-credit basis (for example: adult students, students who already have an undergraduate degree, graduate students who want area studies experience, etc.) may be admitted as "Associate" students. Such students participate fully in Global College, making full use of the resources of the overseas centers, such as faculty advisement, help in making field research contacts, on-going support and evaluation. However, since no credit is awarded, nor is financial aid available to such students, tuition is on a reduced basis. All other expenses room and board, books and supplies, travel, etc. remain the same as those on the center expense sheet.

Life Experience

Global College may grant life experience credit for work or independent study done prior to entrance which reflects aspects of Global College's curriculum. Credit is not awarded for experience alone, but for what has been learned from that experience. The work or study must have been post high school level. There is a fee of $100 for the first 3 credits and $5 for each additional credit. Application for experiential credit will not be acted upon until the student is enrolled at Global College.

Higher Education Opportunities Program (H.E.O.P)

Degree-seeking entering freshmen who are New York State residents and who are both educationally and economically disadvantaged, and do not meet regular admissions criteria for Global College, may apply for admission under the Higher Education Opportunity Program. A wide range of supportive services is available, including academic, personal, and career counseling with both professional and peer counselors. In addition, H.E.O.P. students are provided with tutorial services as needed. Please call the admissions office for more information.