What if preparing for college abroad didn’t mean navigating a maze of forms, exams and financial risk, but instead started in the classroom students already know?As access to higher education grows more complex across borders, a new kind of global learning model is taking shape — one that brings university-level coursework directly into high schools.
In collaboration with the education arm of the Council on Foreign Relations, my new online course is now available. CFR writes, “Now more than ever, it is crucial that students understand the world around them. This learning, however, does not have to occur only in the classroom. The Council on Foreign Relations teamed up with Arizona State University (ASU) to create Introduction to Global Affairs, an online course that makes a global affairs education available to anyone.
Offered as a Universal Learner Course, INR 194 – Introduction to Global Affairs, equips students with the analytical skills and knowledge to navigate complex global challenges by exploring topics such as globalization, governance, international development, human rights, immigration, trade, nuclear proliferation, and global security more broadly. By engaging with interactive multimedia resources, articles, and podcasts from experts in the field, students can broaden their perspective, hone their critical thinking skills, and gain knowledge essential to understanding today’s connected world.
“This relationship is significant because ASU brings our expertise in scalable, technology-driven learning together with CFR’s unparalleled knowledge in global affairs,” said Scott Weatherford, Executive Director of Universal Pathways at ASU’s Learning Enterprise. “Together, we’re making global literacy more accessible, especially to learners who haven’t traditionally had these opportunities.”
Designed for learners at all stages of their educational journeys—prospective college students, working professionals, or lifelong learners—the new course uses real-world case studies to engage students as they learn about global issues and how to tackle them as if they were in the shoes of decision-makers.
‘At the Council on Foreign Relations, we believe informed citizens are essential to a functioning democracy. This collaboration with Arizona State University lets us bring that belief to life,’ says Caroline Netchvolodoff, Vice President of Education.
Introduction to Global Affairs debuted in Spring 2025 and will be offered in Fall 2025 and Spring 2026. The three-credit course requires approximately 135 hours of work over an 8-week period and includes quizzes and assignments submitted and evaluated online.”
Source: ASU brings college courses to high school students worldwide
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