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Global Leadership Institute

FAQs


Programs Application Payments/Cancellations Academics Housing

Programs

What kinds of programs are available at GLI?

  • Academic year: Full certificate (3 quarters)
  • Academic year: Partial certificate (1-2 quarters)
  • Quarterly customized program
  • Study abroad destination
  • SYLFF fellows mobility program (short-term (e.g., one quarter) research at member institutions)
  • Short-term, customized program


Is GLI a Masters program?
GLI is a non-degree program. Fellows receive a certificate of recognition for coursework or study at the end of their session.

Application

How do I apply to the GLI program?
You can download an application here. GLI has a rolling admissions process, but application materials must be sent six weeks or more before the start of the quarter.

How long will it take to process my application?
The GLI staff will contact you within two weeks of receiving your application. Visas can take up to two months to process.

If I cannot attend during the exact dates of the official quarter, may I still enroll?
If you are a full-time student planning to attend courses for one quarter, you must be at GLI for the entire quarter.

I have a TOEIC or IELTS score, but not a TOEFL score. Will you accept another kind of test? What are the requirements?
Yes. We are happy to review your score on an alternate, official, recognized test, and accept the equivalent. For example, we require a score of 68 on the TOEFL IBT (190 CBT, 520 PBT). Equivalent scores: TOEIC (605); and IELTS (6.5).

What kind of visa will I be on? If I am already in the U.S. on an F visa, can you accept it?
GLI supports the J visa. We will invite you on a DS-2019, and at or before that time, you need to make a visa appointment at your consulate. If you are already studying in the U.S. on an F visa, it is possible to change your status while you are still here, but this process can take a long time – sometimes up to six months.

Payments/Cancellations

When is payment due?
The application and visa fees are due at the time you apply to the program. Tuition is due on or before the first day of study.

Are scholarships or financial aid available?
GLI does not offer financial assistance or scholarships. Most of the candidates are sponsored by their institution or government, an outside scholarship, and/or personal funds.

What types of payment are accepted?
We can accept a check, money order, traveler’s checks, or bank draft in U.S. dollars, payable to UC Regents. If you would like to pay by bank wire, please contact us for bank wire instructions. You will need to pay all bank wire fees.

What is your cancellation policy?
Fellows withdrawing during the first thirty-five calendar days of a quarter will receive a refund of fees according to the UCSD Schedule of Refunds for Tuition, Educational Fee, University Registration Fee, and other Student Fees. The date of withdrawal used in calculating a refund will be the date on which an offical withdrawal notice in the form of a signed letter is submitted to GLI. Refer to the UCSD Schedule of Refunds for refund information.

What is included in the program fee?
The tuition and fees for one quarter are $6,400. However, proposals for groups of executives and study abroad opportunities can be negotiated.

Academics

What can I expect at the beginning of the quarter?
When you arrive, you will need to come to our offices and check in. Orientation takes place the week before, or the week of, the first day of classes. At the beginning of most quarters, we will have a welcome reception for all incoming fellows.

What kinds of classes will I be taking?
As a full-time, enrolled fellow, you are required to take at least 12 units, of a combination of GLI and MPIA courses, to fulfill the certificate requirements for the quarter, as well as retain your visa status. Please see the sample course schedule for an example.

Do I need to bring a laptop?
Yes. All fellows are required to have their own personal laptops, with the appropriate security and firewall software installed. You need to bring your laptop to school every day.

Housing

Are fellows required to live on campus? Will someone assist me with housing?
UC San Diego campus housing is limited, even for undergraduate students, so GLI staff recommend that you find housing near campus. Most of our fellows live in apartments close by, share housing or stay with a host family. We are happy to provide you with a housing list and some assistance.