What is Global Scholars?
The Global Scholars Program strengthens students’ readiness to be a Global Health Professional by providing career development and cultural and social awareness in a dynamic cohort of School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine peers. Global Scholars Coordinators provide students two monthly seminars, monthly service opportunities, networking events, and one-on-one support. Global Scholars develop valuable skills for their International work and are a part of a unique community dedicated to international development and global health.
Tulane SPHTM has a long affiliation with the Peace Corps. Hundreds of graduates have gone on to pursue Peace Corps service where they have been able to directly use the skills learned in the classroom to assist communities around the globe. Participants gain insight from the experiences of the many Returned Peace Corps Volunteers (RPCV) at SPHTM, including the Coverdell Fellows, the Global Scholars Program Coordinators, and many faculty and staff.
This new program is not limited to students going into Peace Corps. Students pursuing other international work and service opportunities are welcome to participate as Global Scholars.
Participation and membership is initiated upon your arrival to New Orleans as a graduate student in the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine.
Program Requirements:
- Attend bi-weekly seminars throughout each semester.
- Engage in community service events with New Orleans partner organizations every month.
- Submit a reflection piece to contribute to The Internationalist.
Program Benefits:
- Develop technical skills for international work
- Gain professional skills from our Career Services programs
- Access extensive alumni database and networking events
- Be a part of a strong community of RPCVs and peers with similar passions
- Improve your language skills through Language Lab and conversational language groups
- Opportunity for Global Scholars Program travel funds– each year, Tulane SPHTM GSP offers five $1,000 travel grants to GSP members to help fund their expenses for international practicums and internships.
Example Curriculum:
- Cultural Humility
- Compassion Fatigue in International Health Work
- Medical Practices Across the Globe
- Career Services - Interview Workshops
- Emergency Disaster and Relief
The Global Scholars Program magazine, The Internationalist, is published once a semester and is a collection of pieces submitted by current students, both at Tulane and overseas, as well as currently serving and Returned Peace Corps Volunteers. The magazine highlights different aspects of global health and international work from many different perspectives.
Check out the 2023-2024 issue of The Internationalist. It's a big issue that spans two years of activity!
The Internationalist Archives
- 2022
- 2021
- 2020
- Fall 2019
- Spring 2019
- Fall 2018
- Spring 2018
- Fall 2017
- Spring 2017
- Fall 2016
- Spring 2016
- Fall 2015
- Spring 2015
- Fall 2014
- Spring 2014
- Fall 2013
- Spring 2013
- Spring 2012
- Fall 2011
- Fall 2010
Notes from the Field Archives (the first Peace Corps programs newsletter at TUSPHTM)
Returned Peace Corps Volunteers
Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine (SPHTM) has been the number one Peace Corps Volunteer-producing graduate school for five years in a row. We are deeply passionate about the mission of Peace Corps and are dedicated to supporting volunteers throughout their academic careers.
RPCVs are considered a valuable asset to the student experience here at Tulane. They offer a unique perspective on global development work and bring a more practical experience to the classroom. Tulane SPHTM supports students who are RPCVs by creating a community of like-minded peers where students can interact and connect academically and socially. By including all RPCV students, faculty, and staff in the activities of the Global Scholars Program, along with the official Coverdell Fellows Program, Tulane SPHTM creates a unique community dedicated to improving global health.
Tulane SPHTM welcomed its first Coverdell Fellows in the fall semester of 2017. The Coverdell Fellows program is an opportunity for Returned Peace Corps Volunteers (RPCVs) to pursue graduate studies with specific benefits such as financial assistance. To learn more about our dynamic Paul D. Coverdell Fellowship, click here or contact globalscholars@tulane.edu.
Meet the Current Coverdell Fellows
2024-2025
Casey Douma
Casey Douma was raised in Richmond Virginia, and completed her undergraduate studies at the College of William & Mary where she studied Kinesiology and Health Sciences with a concentration in Public Health. Casey's love of service brought her to the Peace Corps in Cameroon. Working with her village counterparts she completed projects related to malaria, nutrition, and maternal and child health. From there she attended the MGH Institute of Health Professions to study nursing. There she gained a greater understanding of the US health system and a deeper appreciation for all health workers. Most recently, Casey has worked for a public health consulting firm on an international COVID-19 immunization project. Casey is thrilled to study at Tulane's SPHTM Tropical Medicine Department and deepen her understanding of infectious diseases. She loves cooking, coffee, dogs, and exploring new places and is overjoyed to explore New Orleans!
Resident Initiative in Global Health at Tulane (RIGHT)
The Resident Initiative in Global Health at Tulane (RIGHT) program will provide skills and training to residents interested in a career path in global health. By offering opportunities for residents to expand their medical knowledge and experience internationally, the program aims to add to the community of ethically guided advocates for evidence-based holistic approaches to equitable care, locally and abroad. The program includes five core components: education, mentorship, international rotation, scholarly project, and local clinical experience.
Current Masters' International Students
If you have any questions, please contact the Global Scholars Program Coordinators.
