Academics
Become Part of Gallaudet University’s Global Impact

Global Engagement

Experience Global Impact at Gallaudet University

At Gallaudet University, we believe in the power of global engagement in making a positive impact on the deaf community.

Our programs advance learning, research, and service opportunities to address the unique challenges facing the deaf community on a worldwide scale. Through global learning, we gain understanding and trust with people in other societies, positioning us to ethically engage in actions leading to social justice — on campus, in Washington, D.C., and internationally.

Advancing Deaf Communities Globally​

Our faculty, staff, and students are actively engaged in a wide variety of service projects and global networks. By working together, we can achieve more and make a real and lasting impact on the world.

Gallaudet in Nigeria-Africa

Gallaudet in Nigeria-Africa (GAIN) is a groundbreaking program in partnership with Wesley University, an accredited Nigerian Tertiary Education Institute, and the Nigerian National Association of the Deaf that promotes institutional and national academic cooperation in Africa.

Together, we are dedicated to advancing deaf education in Nigeria to enable deaf communities to reach their full potential, open career pathways, and thrive as citizens in their country.

World Federation of the Deaf

Gallaudet University has a strong partnership with the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD), an international organization that promotes the rights and well-being of deaf people around the world. One aspect of this partnership is a reciprocal agreement in which Gallaudet connects with international government leaders in WFD member associations, and in turn, WFD offers learning opportunities to Gallaudet students.

This mutually beneficial partnership allows Gallaudet to connect with international leaders and organizations working to improve the lives of deaf people, and WFD to share its knowledge and resources with the students of Gallaudet University, who are future leaders in the deaf community.

Additionally, Gallaudet and WFD have a history of collaboration on advocacy and human rights for deaf people, working together to promote the use of sign languages, access to education and information, and the rights of deaf people. Through this partnership, Gallaudet and WFD are able to leverage their strengths to improve the lives of deaf people around the world.

Gallaudet-Nippon World Deaf Leadership

One of the ways that Gallaudet University supports students from developing countries is through the Gallaudet-Nippon Foundation World Deaf Leadership (WDL) Scholarship. This scholarship program, established through a partnership between Gallaudet and the Nippon Foundation of Japan, provides financial assistance to qualified students from developing countries who are deaf or hard of hearing and wish to pursue a master’s degree program at Gallaudet. The scholarship covers tuition, room and board, and other expenses for the duration of the program.

The Nippon Foundation is a private, non-profit organization established in 1962 to promote social welfare and global understanding. The foundation has a strong commitment to promoting education and the rights of people with disabilities, and it works closely with organizations around the world to support programs that benefit deaf and hard of hearing individuals.

The WDL Scholarship is awarded to individuals who demonstrate leadership potential and a commitment to improving the lives of deaf and hard of hearing people in their home countries. The scholarship is intended for students who have the potential to be leaders and advocates for the deaf and hard of hearing community in their home countries.

Virtual Exchange-Collaborative Online International Learning

Gain firsthand experience in global understanding and cultural exchange through Gallaudet University’s Virtual Exchange-Collaborative Online International Learning (VE-COIL) Program, an online learning program that allows our students to connect and collaborate with students from other universities around the world. This program is designed to promote global understanding and cultural awareness, and it provides students with the opportunity to learn about different cultures, perspectives, and communication styles.

The VE-COIL program has agreements with colleges and universities in Norway, The Philippines, and Japan. This means that students from these universities can participate in online courses with our students, and allows them to work together on projects and assignments, engage in discussions, and participate in cross-cultural activities. There are also opportunities for face-to-face interaction through video conferencing.

The VE-COIL program is open to students from all majors, and it is designed to be flexible and adaptable to the needs of different students and universities. Whether you’re an undergraduate or graduate student, the VE-COIL program provides you with the opportunity to develop your leadership and language skills while gaining a deeper understanding of different cultures and perspectives.

Siena School for Liberal Arts

Experience Italian culture and language with Gallaudet University’s Siena School for Liberal Arts (SSLA) Study Abroad Program. The program, located in the beautiful Tuscany region of Italy, is designed for deaf students from all majors. It is offered in collaboration with Siena International Institute, providing students an intensive and immersive learning environment.

The SSLA Study Abroad Program offers classes in a variety of subjects, such as art history, Italian language, and culture, and it allows students to gain a deeper understanding of Italian culture and the Italian way of life. The classes are taught in ASL and Italian, and also provides opportunities for students to take classes in English. The program is designed to be inclusive, with accommodations and support services for deaf students.

The Siena program also includes cultural activities and excursions that allow students to explore the beautiful Tuscany region of Italy and experience its rich culture and history. Students have the opportunity to visit such famous sites as the Siena Cathedral, the Piazza del Campo, and the Palazzo Pubblico.

National Tsukuba University of Technology

Gallaudet University has a partnership with National Tsukuba University of Technology (NTUT) in Japan, allowing students from both universities to study abroad and participate in academic and cultural exchange.

The program includes classes in various fields, scientific exchange opportunities, and cultural activities such as language classes, cultural workshops, and excursions. This allows students to gain hands-on experience, learn from experts in their field, and develop cross-cultural communication skills.