Global Connections & Engagement
Scholarship Opportunities for International Students
Criteria and application processes vary for each scholarship. If you have any questions or need additional assistance, please email scholarships@palmbeachstate.edu.
The TradeUP! Scholarship Fund is a transformative initiative dedicated to empowering Caribbean students through education. In partnership with Palm Beach State College (PBSC), this scholarship program offers students in the Caribbean access to a wide range of accredited online trade and technical courses, specifically designed to accommodate and benefit overseas learners.
With an initial emphasis on the hospitality industry, the TradeUP! Scholarship highlights two key PBSC programs:
- Hospitality and Tourism Management (AS Degree)
- Hospitality (Certificate)
These programs are tailored to meet the needs of students aspiring to build successful careers in the dynamic hospitality sector, both within the Caribbean and beyond.
This program, funded by the U.S. Department of State, gives students the chance to receive funding that can significantly reduce the financial barriers to studying abroad. This is particularly beneficial for our standard short-term study abroad programs, which provide students with the opportunity to explore new cultures, gain global perspectives, and enhance their academic experience.
PBSC has a dedicated Gilman advisor who works closely with our students to guide them through the application process and explore the funding opportunities available through the Gilman Scholarship. Our advisor is committed to helping students understand the requirements, prepare strong applications, and maximize their chances of receiving a scholarship.
Gilman Scholarship Eligibility Information | Application & Deadline Information
Advisor Contact Information
Jonathan Pernick
Gilman International Scholarship Advisor
pernickj@palmbeachstate.edu
Conferences
As a PBSC student, you'll have the opportunity to participate in regional and national conferences that align with your pathway programs, providing you with meaningful connections and lifelong professional opportunities.
Immerse yourself in a community of like-minded individuals, exchange ideas, and collaborate on initiatives that make a difference. Whether you're interested in business, healthcare, technology, or the arts, PBSC offers diverse conferences to suit your interests and career goals.
Phi Theta Kappa Catalyst
PTK Catalyst is Phi Theta Kappa’s premier annual event, bringing together members, advisors, and their supporters for professional development and celebration of the accomplishments of the community. It includes immersive opportunities for personal and professional development, college transfer guidance from experts, speakers, election of leaders, and opportunities to network and learn from others.
In the News: Phi Theta Kappa Honors Society students recognized at international conference
NAFSA Annual Conference & Expo
NAFSA: Association of International Educators is the world’s largest association dedicated to international education and exchange. International educators from all corners of the world will gather to attend sessions developed by peers from international education leaders and changemakers across the globe. Connect with fellow attendees and build a network essential to your professional success.
Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) Annual Conference & Expo
Join HR professionals for learning, networking, inspiration, and professional growth. Whether you prefer competency-based HR seminars, hands-on workshops, or curated content on crucial HR topics like mental health, AI in the workplace, DE&I, and so much more, there is something for you.
Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) Collegiate National Leadership Conference
FBLA members convene to compete in leadership events, share their successes, and learn new ideas about shaping their career future through workshops and exhibits. This conference is considered the pinnacle of the FBLA experience, especially for those running for national office.
Collaborative Online International Learning
Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL), is an innovative teaching and learning approach that brings global perspectives into the classroom through online collaboration. COIL fosters cross-cultural understanding and global awareness by connecting students and faculty from different countries to work together on joint projects, assignments, and discussions.
PBSC students engage in meaningful, virtual exchanges with peers from partner institutions, allowing them to share diverse perspectives, challenge their thinking, and develop a deeper understanding of global issues.
COIL courses are structured to combine online instruction with collaborative activities, where students from different cultural backgrounds work together on common goals. These interactions are facilitated by faculty members who co-teach and guide students through the process, ensuring a rich and immersive learning experience.
- Global Reach: COIL has connected over 500 institutions in 60 countries, involving more than 25,000 students worldwide.
- Diverse Disciplines: COIL projects span a wide range of disciplines, including business, health sciences, social sciences, humanities, and STEM fields.
- Increased Engagement: Studies have shown that students participating in COIL report a 30% increase in engagement and interest in their courses, as well as improved cultural awareness and communication skills.
Enhanced Cultural Competence
COIL offers PBSC students a unique opportunity to interact with peers from diverse
cultural backgrounds, helping them develop critical cultural competencies that are
essential in today’s globalized world.
Global Networking
By participating in COIL, students build international connections and networks that
can benefit them personally and professionally. These relationships often extend beyond
the course, leading to future collaborations and career opportunities.
Real-World Skills Development
COIL projects require students to work on complex, real-world problems in collaboration
with international peers. This experience helps students hone essential skills such
as teamwork, problem-solving, and effective communication across cultural and linguistic
differences.
Accessible Global Education
COIL allows students to gain global perspectives without the need to travel, making
international learning accessible to all PBSC students, regardless of their financial
or personal circumstances.
Preparation for the Global Workforce
In an increasingly interconnected world, employers value candidates who have experience
working in diverse, multicultural environments. COIL provides PBSC students with a
competitive edge by equipping them with the skills and experience needed to thrive
in a global workforce.
Partnerships
University Partnerships
PBSC is dedicated to providing students with transformative global experiences through our University Partnerships. These partnerships allow PBSC students to engage in enriching and immersive study abroad programs that go beyond traditional study abroad offerings.
While our standard study abroad programs allow students to explore various destinations, PBSC’s University Partnerships focus on a more in-depth cultural immersion. Students are primarily situated in one location, where they can fully immerse themselves in the local culture, history, and academic environment.
Why Choose a University Partnership Program?
- Students participating in these programs have the unique opportunity to live and study in a specific region, allowing them to engage deeply with the local community, traditions, and way of life. This deep dive into a single culture provides a richer understanding of the area than a more generalized study abroad experience.
- Collaborating with peers and faculty from partner universities overseas fosters an environment of mutual learning and exchange, where students gain new perspectives and develop life-long connections.
- University Partnerships often include specialized coursework and projects tailored to the cultural and academic context of the host country. These programs complement PBSC’s educational offerings, providing students with unique opportunities to study subjects in ways influenced by the cultural setting.
