Global Business Fellows
The Global Business Fellows (GBF) program is a cohort-based initiative designed for McDonough students interested in expanding their understanding of international business and public policy on a macro level. The curriculum also allows students flexibility to choose from one of the available business majors and work with a designated academic advisor to tailor course selection to their individual strengths and interests. Students apply in the fall of their sophomore year.
Program Elements
The Global Business Fellows program has three distinctive and inter-related elements:
- (1) Interdisciplinary Curriculum
- (2) Global Business Experience
- (3) Public Policy Programming

Interdisciplinary Curriculum
Fellows will take a common set of core courses in business, economics, and international affairs that will provide both breadth and depth of knowledge across multiple disciplines. The curriculum is designed to augment, not replace, the courses in the student’s major field of study.
The Global Business Experience
As part of the GBF curriculum, fellows will be required to participate in a semester-long Global Business Experience course that offers the opportunity to conduct a substantive consulting project for senior members of an international business or organization (private, public, or nonprofit) under faculty supervision. The course will culminate in a major project that may include travel to the clients’ country for one week to present their findings to senior management.
Public Policy Programming
Washington, D.C., is one of the world’s great international cities and a wealth of learning opportunities in business and international affairs exist at Georgetown’s doorstep. The McDonough School of Business regularly hosts renowned global leaders with the goals of promoting dialogue and innovative research in international affairs and business. In addition to special invitations to select events, each semester, fellows will participate in a custom program to interact with the policy community through visits to embassies and organizations such as the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, the U.S. Department of State, the Federal Reserve, and the US Trade Representative.
Application Process & Program Requirements
Admissions to the GBF Program is achieved through an application process. The application for the program will open in September and end in November. Admitted students will begin their coursework in January. Admitted students will work with a designated advising dean to enroll in appropriate courses for their sophomore spring.
The application process is administered through the Undergraduate Program Office. To be eligible for the program, sophomores:
- Are required to take a minimum of four semesters of a modern foreign language or equivalent. Students who have received a language proficiency score upon their admission to Georgetown University should discuss their situation with Sara Skillman, Assistant Dean.
- Should be in good academic standing.
- Should submit an essay explaining their motivation for joining the Global Business Fellows program and how their background and academic experience may add to the overall quality and distinction of the program.
Courses Required to Complete Global Business Fellows Program
- Foreign Language Proficiency – coursework or placement beyond Intermediate/Level II
- INAF 1000: Maps of the Modern World (1 credit)
- ECON 2543: International Trade
- ECON 2544: International Finance
- Three GBUS courses
- BADM 4090: Global Business Experience
The Global Business Fellows Program will be designated on a student’s transcript. In addition, fellows receive a certificate at graduation.
Timeline:
- Information Session #1: Wednesday, September 27, 2023 at 6:30PM in Hariri 145
- Information Session #2: Wednesday, October 11, 2023 at 6:30PM in Hariri 145
- Applications due by 11:59PM on Sunday, October 29, 2023
- Decisions released to students by Monday, November 6, 2023
- Admitted students commit to program by Friday, November 10, 2023
Program Contact Information
For more information about the Global Business Fellows program, please email Assistant Dean Sara Skillman.