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Find Your People and Pursue Your Passion

The School of International Service's cohort communities bring together students who share a commitment—to environmental justice, to rigorous research, to building peace, to intellectual excellence—and give them the structure, mentorship, and community to pursue it with purpose. Each community offers small-group learning, dedicated faculty mentorship, and meaningful real-world experience alongside peers who share your drive.

A group of Earth Scholars pose for a photo while working outdoors on a sunny day.

Earth Scholars

If you believe that global change begins at home, Earth Scholars provides the opportunity to work alongside DC-area nonprofits to apply big ideas about environmental sustainability, social equity, and public health to real communities, all while gaining hands-on research experience and friends who share your commitment to a more just world.
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Two SIS students work on their laptops in front of the U.S. Capitol.

Olson Scholars

Olson Scholars are driven by intellectual curiosity and a desire to pursue original research. You'll be matched with a faculty mentor whose expertise aligns with your own interests and work alongside peers through a dedicated research sequence, building the analytical skills and scholarly rigor that will prepare you for graduate programs, fellowships, and careers in research, policy, and international affairs.
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A group of Olson Scholars smile for a selfie.

Abdul Aziz Said Peace Scholars

The Abdul Aziz Said Peace Scholars Program brings together SIS students who share a commitment to advancing Professor Said's life mission—the study of peace, conflict resolution, and interfaith dialogue. Said Peace Scholars carry Professor Said's legacy forward, building the knowledge, skills and relationships to wage peace during their undergraduate years and beyond.
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A group of SIS honors students smile as they pose for a group photo.

Honors Program

SIS Honors is a community of intellectually curious juniors and seniors looking for an academic challenge. You'll complete a year-long independent research project—a thesis, documentary, or other original scholarly work—supported by faculty mentorship, small-group seminars, and a group of classmates and friends who hold themselves to the same high standard. You'll graduate with a notation of Honors in SIS on your diploma and transcript.
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A groupf students, faculty, and staff pose for a photo with the Toledo, Spain, skyline behind them.

Madrid Scholars

Madrid Scholars is a first semester fall program offered exclusively to AU Cornerstone students planning to major in the School of International Service.  This program allows you to get a jump start on your international education. You'll experience international culture firsthand while the onsite AU Madrid Center staff and faculty guide and support you. 
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