Program Components
Foreign Language
Hamilton Scholars continue their foreign language through the fourth semester (FL 202) level and also take a minimum of one 300-level Foreign Language elective for the International Studies degree. The IS foreign language requirement is two courses beyond the third semester (FL 201) level required for their Poole College degree. Some Hamilton Scholars choose to minor in a foreign language and can easily overlap the additional required Foreign Language minor courses within the International Studies Departmental Requirements.
Study Abroad
Each Hamilton Scholar arranges a significant international experience. Options include a semester or year-long study abroad program. There are additional summer programs available if you wish to get more international experience. In each case, the experience should provide a minimum of six academic credit hours toward the International Studies degree. It should also include immersion in the language and culture of the foreign geographic area of focus where applicable.
The Global Programs Office in the Poole College of Management and the University’s Study Abroad Office are great resources to assist you in your efforts to study abroad. Both offices work together to support students looking to study abroad. Through the application process of studying abroad, students will work with Poole Global and the International Studies Program regarding the pre-approval of coursework for both degrees. This insures that classes transfer back to NC State and students remain on track to complete both degrees.
Events
The focus of Hamilton Scholars is primarily academic with the completion of both degrees’ requirements. The Hamilton Scholars additionally provides activities outside the classroom to enrich scholars’ experiences in the program. The following are examples of Hamilton events:
- Organizational meetings for Hamilton Scholars (fall & spring)
- Global company information session/panel (spring)
- College of Humanities and Social Sciences Dual Degree Dinner (fall)
- Events with visiting Poole College of Management international exchange students as guests
- NC State sporting events
- Local fairs and events that have an international focus
- Mentor an exchange student
- Service opportunities
- University Shack-A-Thon event in fall
- Service Raleigh in spring
Event Requirements
Participation in a minimum of three Hamilton events each fall and spring semester is required (minimum of six per academic year). Attendance at organizational meetings and at other key Hamilton sponsored events, like the global company sessions, is required. Participation in social and service opportunities organized by Hamilton Scholars is encouraged and can count toward the three events per semester requirement. If a Hamilton Scholar is studying abroad during a regular fall or spring semester the Hamilton event requirement is waived for the semester abroad. The level of participation in Hamilton Scholars events is additionally considered in making the study abroad scholarship awards. To get credit for being a mentor you must submit a report to the co-directors before the end of the semester. If you do not complete the three events you are allowed to submit a plea to the co-directors to stay in the program and make up the missed event(s).