UAlbany confers a Global Distinction Transcript Milestone to undergraduate students in recognition of their successful completion of a structured set of integrated, intentional academic experiences that are distinctly global in scope and purpose. The milestone appears on students’ final transcripts.
Global Distinction students are distinguished for the global orientation of their academic pursuits, regardless of their major or minor. Program participants engage in:
- Second language study
- Globally-oriented curriculum and research
- A coherent, international immersion experience, including one study abroad semester and an eight- to 10-week research, professional or service internship
This invaluable combination of knowledge, skills and perspectives is highly sought after by today’s employers and graduate schools. Learn more in the Global Distinction brochure.
Global Distinction is endowed by The Dolan Family Study Abroad Opportunity Fund.
Benefits of Global Distinction
- Open to any UAlbany undergraduate student in good academic standing
- Adds value and purpose to your degree and time at UAlbany and beyond
- Equips your major with global career readiness via language training, international immersion and inter-disciplinary courses
- Provides the essential knowledge, skills and perspectives for your success in an ever-changing world
- Offers one-on-one advising and custom mapping for your study and career plans throughout your degree
- Can be completed within two years, depending on your interests and degree — whether you entered UAlbany as a first-year student or a transfer student
Global Distinction Alumni
More than 50 UAlbany students have graduated with a Global Distinction Transcript Milestone since it launched in 2018 — and there are as many unique pathways and rewarding journeys as there are Global Distinction graduates.
Some of our alumni had never left the U.S. before completing the distinction, while others were already well traveled. Our alumni include first- and second-generation Americans, bilingual and multilingual speakers, U.S. citizens and permanent residents, and international students.
Global Distinction students have traveled to 21 countries, studied 17 languages, completed 18 majors, and participated in a diverse range of University programs, such as the Honors College, Educational Opportunity Program and more.
Student Testimonials
"Global Distinction fit perfectly with my post-graduation plans because I was already doing all that was required of the program; it simply gave me a name for what I was doing. The sequence gave me a great way to build connections worldwide and to grow as a person. If someone wants to learn a second language, or study/intern abroad, or simply wants to have an advantage in the job market, then they should go for Global Distinction. There’s absolutely nothing to lose. Plus, the program doesn’t require additional class credit, which is always a bonus." — Courtney Elias '18
"Before studying abroad, I had never traveled outside of the United States. Studying abroad helped me to find my niche in the world, equipping me to pursue a career on an international scale. My two experiences were incredibly diverse and equally valuable. Chile allowed me to immerse myself into a Spanish-speaking environment, which greatly improved my language skills, and work in childcare teaching children how to play American football. Studying in Sweden provided me with incredible in-class experience discussing international conflict resolution with students from around the world. I am extremely grateful for these opportunities. I have gained invaluable experience in my academics and progressed professionally." — Mark Curry '20
"Going abroad has changed me — changed the way I see the world, what I believe in, what I know and what I care about. While in Germany, I was able to work on collaborative projects with students from not only Germany but also from Spain, Turkey, Korea and many other nations. I was also able to fulfill General Education requirements and learn German. Staying with a host family helped me to appreciate others' customs, circumstances and contributions." — Jazlin Perez '20
Contact
Reach out to Global Distinction Director Annette Richie at [email protected] with any questions.