Skip to main content

Institute for Global Engagement

UH drone view

Educate, Engage, Lead

Mission

The Institute for Global Engagement supports the university’s mission to create global citizens by promoting opportunities that increase the global competence of UH’s notably diverse community. Through academic and co-curricular programs and partnerships supported locally and globally, we seek to build a community of global citizens prepared to solve today’s global challenges.

Vision

IGE Global Coogs

#GlobalCoogs

VALUES

Global Guides group family pic Delegation members from UAE and TIEC with UH Fulbright Alumni Luncheon group photo IEW Opening Reception 2022 Henderson facultyled group in Colombia on the coast

Community

Collabroration

Growth

Mutual Understanding

Resilience

 

Global Learning Outcomes

At the Institute for Global Engagement (IGE), we believe every Cougar has the potential to contribute meaningfully to our interconnected world. To guide this vision, we have established a set of Global Learning Outcomes (GLOs) that serve as the foundation for all of our global programs. These outcomes ensure that students don’t just participate in global opportunities—they grow from them. By aligning our programs with these outcomes, we prepare UH students to graduate with the global competence needed to succeed in their careers, communities, and the world.
The Goal: Global Competence.

Global Competence

Global competence is the ability to understand and act on issues of global significance with cultural intelligence and respect.

At UH, we define global competence through four dimensions:
Attitudes – openness, curiosity, and respect for diverse perspectives
Knowledge – understanding global contexts, languages, norms, histories, and values
Skills – applying analytical, communication, and collaboration tools in global and intercultural settings
Action – engaging responsibly and effectively across cultures to make a positive impact

UH Institute for Global Engagement Student Learning Outcomes

Students who participate in UH global programs will be able to:

Foster attitudes that drive intercultural understanding and engagement. 
Cultivate intercultural knowledge, including global contexts, languages, norms, and values. 
Develop skills that enhance global engagement. 
Engage effectively and responsibly across cultures. 

Global competence is not gained through a single event or experience, but instead through lifelong, continuous engagement. Through these experiences, UH students gain the attitudes, knowledge, skills, and action that define a true global citizen. #GlobalCoogs

Global Learning

Assessment is a critical part of ensuring our programs have a meaningful impact. IGE uses tools such as student reflection, pre- and post-assessments, and instruments like the Cultural Intelligence Assessment to measure growth in global competence. This approach allows us to:

  • Track student learning across multiple global programs
  • Assist students in identifying strengths and areas for growth  
  • Continuously improve how we design and deliver global learning experiences

Where Global Learning Happens at UH

Our Global Learning Outcomes guide student experiences across a wide range of opportunities, including:

Learning Abroad – faculty-led, exchange, and affiliated programs 
Global Citizens Credential (GCC) – a distinction recognizing globally engaged students 
Global scholarly events – lectures, panels, and symposia with international perspectives 
Globally designated courses – courses across disciplines with integrated global learning 
Global research – faculty-mentored research with international or intercultural focus 
Globally centered internships – career-building opportunities with international dimensions 
Global and multicultural student organizations – student-led spaces for cultural exchange and leadership