What is Global Student Programs and Development?

Global Student Programs and Development (GSPD) is a department dedicated to seeing global students thriving in a more globally minded community at Biola.

We exist to serve, equip & empower global students toward whole-person, intercultural development. We do this by:

• Providing transition services to California and Biola University, including orientations and workshops
• Connecting global students to a network of university and community resources
• Facilitating community-building opportunities among global students
• Empowering students in intercultural identity development through community groups and leadership development
• Offering cultural awareness events for the entire Biola community

Who are Global Students?

Here at Biola, "global student" is mainly used to refer to students who have spent a significant period of their developmental years in a country or culture other than the U.S. Some examples are F1 Visa students, missionary kids (MKs) and third culture kids (TCKs).

• Over 600 global students attend Biola University
• More than 20 faculty/staff are originally from countries outside the U.S.
• 40+ home countries are represented
• Dozens of languages are spoken here every day

Department Members