Global Studies students with writing on their faces, in front of book cases

Institute for Global Studies

Connecting students, scholars, and communities dedicated to social justice and to understanding and transforming our globalized world.

Students in Global Studies class seated at a table with laptop computers on it

Global Studies students in the field. They are posing as a group with other people walking past in the background.

Real-World Experience

Sign at the entrance to West Bank on the UMN Twin Cities campus

Funding Opportunities

Recent News

GerShun Avilez introduces Compass 2030

Kicking Off Compass 2030

Welcome to the start of the 2026-27 academic year, CLA community members!

IHRC Travel Grants for Grad Students

The IHRC offers travel grants for select UMN graduate students to support the presentation of research at academic conferences.

CLA faculty and staff pose with Goldy during the State Fair

Minnesota State Fair and CLA 2026

Come see us at the Great Minnesota Get-Together! Learn about the programs and people who make liberal arts a world of possibilities.

A book shelf with many books

Immigration History Manuscript Workshop

The IHRC is now accepting applications for the 2027 Immigration History Manuscript Workshop. We invite applications from authors nearing completion on a book manuscript…

Seal of the University of Minnesota on a brick wall

2026 University of Minnesota Fulbright Award recipients prepare for their next adventure in learning

CLA graduates are heading overseas to advance their careers in teaching and research, thanks to grants from the Fulbright U. S. Student Program.

Upcoming Events

Film poster from My Sweet Land

In-Person

September 23, 2026

Film Screening: "My Sweet Land"

Join us for a screening of "My Sweet Land" with Director Sareen Hairabedian

A central figure in a blue robe and red mantle holds a crowned basket, surrounded by lion-like creatures and red animals.

Hybrid

September 24, 2026

From Homer to the Highlands: A Global History of the Idea of Ethiopia

Join the Center for Premodern Studies on the 24th of September at 4:00, for a lecture by Dr. Felege-Selam Yirga (History, University of Tennessee-Knoxville).

The text "Data By Design" dominates the image. The background is cream-white and black.

Hybrid

October 02, 2026

Visualization and Power: Learning from the Past to Design the Future We Need

Join the Center for Premodern Studies on the 2nd of October at 12:15, for a lecture by Dr. Lauren Klein (Data & Decision Sciences and English, Emory University)

Sahra Noor and her book cover

In-Person

October 06, 2026

Coffee and Conversation with author and UMN alum Sahra Noor

Join us for an informal chat with Sahra Noor, the author of Salt in the Snow: A Somali Immigrant Story.

Salt in the Snow: A Somali Immigrant Story on an orange and blue background

Hybrid

October 06, 2026

Salt in the Snow: A Somali Immigrant Story with author Sahra Noor

Join us on Tuesday, October 6 for a conversation with Sahra Noor, author of Salt in the Snow: A Somali Immigrant Story.