Global Village Learning Community
Global | Involving the entire world
Village | A community of people smaller than a town
The Global Village Learning Community is open to American and international students from all majors that have a sincere interest in meeting and learning about people from other countries and cultures. Residents live in a designated dorm space area and take one common course. This unique and dynamic community is fueled by cross-cultural conversation, fun times, friendship, and moments of discovery.
Motto: Study Abroad Without Leaving the USA
Important Information
- Residential Fee | $200
- Home | McDonald Hall
Kefa Otiso
Learning Community Director
kmotiso@bgsu.edu
419-372-2258
Community Highlights
- Interaction, understanding and eye-opening education are central to Global Village.
- Participate in an event/service-based course (RESC 2000G) that gets students involved with various university and community events that relevant to the Global Village mission to learn about others.
Engaging Experiences
Engaging Experiences
- Day trips around the Bowling Green and Northwest Ohio.
- Weekend trips to regional cities such as Chicago, Washington D.C., Detroit, Columbus, New York City, and others.
- Celebrate events organized by BGSU international student groups.
Celebrate national holidays like Valentines Day, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and others from around the world.
Global Village Residential Community
Residential Requirements
Fee* | $200 + Residential Fees
Must live in the community? No
Allows roommate pull-ins? Yes
*Fees are per semester.
Residential Requirements | Students who are members of the Global Village Learning Community are not required to live within the community in order to be a member but it is an added benefit. If you choose to live in the community, your roommate does not have to be a member of the community.
About the Community | Global Village students live in a diverse population in McDonald Hall along with other highly ambitious and motivated students who are members of other learning communities. Students work, live, and hang out together to ease the transition to college life, while also growing together.
McDonald Hall | This newly renovated, airconditioned, traditional hall is centrally located and steps away from the Bowen-Thompson Student Union and the Social House dining facility. Amenities include a recreation room, study areas, computer lab, laundry on each floor, and a full community kitchen.”
How to Apply
Each community has a set of residence hall rooms specifically designated for them. To sign up for one of these rooms, you must apply, and be accepted into the community, prior to April 25, 2018. To ensure your chance to live in the community, please complete the following steps:
| Step 1 |
Complete your housing application |
| Step 2 | Apply here and login with your BGSU username and password |
| Step 3 | Click on Add a New Community Enrollment Request and choose your desired community and academic year/term |
| Please Note | Students can apply only for two communities on their own. If you want to apply to more than two communities, please contact the additional communities you are interested in so they can apply for you. If you have applied for two and change your mind, go into the system and withdraw yourself from the one(s) you are no longer interested in. This will open up a space for you again. |
After you have submitted your request to join a community, you will receive an email from the community director approving your request. When it’s time for you to select your room in the next phase, you will be able to view and select rooms within the designated community space in the community’s residence hall. For example, if you choose to join the Chapman Learning Community, you will select a room in Kohl Hall.
Having Trouble Applying?
If you are experiencing any issues when you are trying to apply for this community or any others, please contact Greg Lytmer at 419-372-2147 in our Learning Community Office so he can assist you. We are here to help.
Community and Fellowship
The Global Village community is founded on the ideal of respect, and appreciation for the unique and diverse perspectives held by its residents. With opportunities to share culture, to express new ideas, and develop long-lasting friendships, the Global Village is truly a unique and special community.
Core Values
- Learn through intentional and organic interaction
- Respect Cultural differences. Embrace them through questions and smiles
- Listen to your friends earnestly
- Have fun
- Always lend a helping hand
- Network with the BGSU and Bowling Green communities
- Be active
- Create experiences
The wisdom to perceive the interconnectedness of all life and living.
The courage not to fear or deny difference; but to respect and strive to understand people of different cultures and to grow from encounters with them.
The compassion to maintain an imaginative empathy that reaches beyond one's immediate surroundings and extends to those suffering in distant places.
These qualities are essential elements of global citizenship
~ DAISAKU IKEDA
“The best part of living in the Global Village are the late night conversations with my roommate. It’s a study abroad-experience without ever having to leave campus!”
~ Former Student
Participate in Other Organizations
Residents of the Global Village Community take advantage of the numerous international student organizations on campus.
- African People's Association
- Asian Communities United
- BG Pickup Soccer
- Black Student Union
- Caribbean Association
- Chinese Students Scholars Association
- Four C’s Program (Cross Cultural Communication Connection)
- French Club
- German Club
- India Student Association
- International Business Association
- International Relations Organization
- Italian Club
- Japanese Club
- Korean Student Association
- Latino Student Union
- Latino Dance Association (Sunday's at the Rec)
- Middle East Studies Association
- Model United Nations
- Net Impact BGSU
- Russian Club
- Saudi Student Association
- Spanish Club
- World Student Association
- World Student Association Career Networks
Courses
There are two required core courses for Global Village
- Field Experience (RESC 2000G) | is an arranged event/service-based class that is held in both fall and spring semesters. The class requires students to participate in a set number of University and community events/ service activities relevant to the Global Village mission. Residents MUST enroll in this one-credit course in every semester of their Global Village residence.
- In addition, students will also chose a second academic class applicable to University requirements, such as Introduction to International Studies (INST 2000) or World Regional Geography (GEOG 1210 or GEOG 1220).
Other classes offered in the Global Village residence include Academic Writing (GSW 1110) and Relational Communication in Transnational Contexts (INST 2100).
Global Village Council
Members of the Global Village have a unique leadership opportunity! They are responsible for planning social and educational events such as: International Game Night, International Film Nights, and International Dinners. These leaders within the community play a vital role in developing camaraderie and relationships that stretch the globe. If you are interested in the Global Village Council, e-mail Dr. Kefa Otiso
Countries that have been represented in Global Village
- China
- Dominican Republic
- Ethiopia
- Ghana
- Great Britain
- Hong Kong
- India
- Japan
- Korea
- Nigeria
- Saudi Arabia
- Taiwan
- Wales
LIVE AND LEARN WITH STUDENTS WHO SHARE YOUR PASSION
Join one of our Learning or Theme Communities and take advantage of unique opportunities designed to help you succeed in your personal, professional and academic lives. These communities are comprised of students who share a major or common interest.
Updated: 02/11/2025 04:28PM