The Global Engagement Summer Institute (GESI) is a new program through the Buffet Center for International and Comparative Studies at

Northwestern University. The institute dedicates university resources to supplying students with immersive experiences in the developing

world and teaching students how effectively engage in community development.

60 GESI students from universities around the nation will work with Northwestern and FSD to study and engage international development at the grassroots level. The summer program consists of a two week intensive on-campus training course, followed by a seven week Group Engage Program in the field with FSD in Uganda, India, and Argentina. After working in the field, participants will return to Northwestern University for three days of group sharing and evaluation.

Students are accepted into the GESI program based on their previous experience and demonstrated ability to handle the challenges of working in the field as a group member. Fees for the GESI program are covered entirely by participating students.

The campus-based training gives students academic credit through Northwestern

University and includes 80 hours of lectures, discussions, group activities, and readings on relevant development issues. FSD participates in the on-campus

trainings in Evanston to ensure students are optimally prepared to work with FSD in the field.

Accompanying this partnership will be an intensive study at Northwestern University - sponsored by the Buffet Center. The study will evaluate the behavioral impact of global engagement programs on students and what specific aspects of these international programs most effectively result in desired behavioral changes.

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