What is Global Scholars?
The Global Scholars Program strengthens students’ readiness to be a Global Health Professional by providing career development and cultural and social awareness in a dynamic cohort of Celia Scott Weatherhead School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine peers. Global Scholars Coordinators provide students monthly seminars, service opportunities, networking events, and one-on-one support. Global Scholars develop valuable skills for their International work and are a part of a unique community dedicated to international development and global health.
Tulane WSPH has a long affiliation with the Peace Corps. Hundreds of graduates have gone on to pursue Peace Corps service, where they have been able to directly use the skills learned in the classroom to assist communities around the globe. Participants gain insight from the experiences of the many Returned Peace Corps Volunteers (RPCV) at WSPH, including the Coverdell Fellows, the Global Scholars Program Coordinators, and many faculty and staff.
All students pursuing other international work and service opportunities are welcome to participate as Global Scholars.
Once you arrive in New Orleans for your graduate program, reach out to globalscholars@tulane.edu to be added to the email list and keep up with our events! You can also follow us on Instagram @tulaneglobalscholars
Program Requirements:
- Attend seminars throughout each semester
- Engage in community service events with New Orleans partner organizations every month
- Submit a reflection piece to The Internationalist
Program Benefits:
- Learn from public health professionals in the field during the monthly seminars
- Develop technical skills for international work
- Gain professional skills from our Career Services programs
- Access an extensive alumni database and networking events
- Be a part of a strong community of RPCVs and peers with similar passions
- Improve your language skills through Language Lab and conversational language groups
- Volunteer with local New Orleans nonprofits, including some like Glass Half Full, Second Harvest, Culture Aid NOLA, Bike Easy
Program Advisor: Dr. Erica Valenzuela
- Service Event: NOLA Tree Project - April 11th, 2026
- Global Scholars General Body Meeting - October 17th, 2026
- Peace Corps Meetup - October 27th, 2026
The Global Scholars Program is coordinated by returned Peace Corps volunteers and Coverdell Fellows. The Celia Scott Weatherhead School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine (WSPH) if a five-time, number one Peace Corps Volunteer-producing graduate school. We are deeply passionate about the mission of the Peace Corps and are dedicated to supporting volunteers throughout their academic careers.
RPCVs are considered a valuable asset to the student experience here at Tulane. They offer a unique perspective on global development work and bring a more practical experience to the classroom. Tulane WSPH supports students who are RPCVs by creating a community of like-minded peers where students can interact and connect academically and socially. By including all RPCV students, faculty, and staff in the activities of the Global Scholars Program, along with the official Coverdell Fellows Program, Tulane WSPH creates a unique community dedicated to improving global health.
You can also email the team members directly:
- Bella Brittin | Global Scholars Program Coordinator
The Global Scholars program magazine, The Internationalist, is published once a year and is a collection of pieces submitted by Global Scholars and students and faculty engaged in international work. The magazine highlights different aspects of global health and international work from many different perspectives.
Check out the 2026 issue of The Internationalist.
| The Internationalist Archives | Notes from the Field Archives |
|---|---|
Notes from the Field was the first Peace Corps program's newsletter at WSPH!
Returned Peace Corps Volunteers
The Celia Scott Weatherhead School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine (WSPH) if a five-time, number one Peace Corps Volunteer-producing graduate school. We are deeply passionate about the mission of Peace Corps and are dedicated to supporting volunteers throughout their academic careers.
RPCVs are considered a valuable asset to the student experience here at Tulane. They offer a unique perspective on global development work and bring a more practical experience to the classroom. Tulane WSPH supports students who are RPCVs by creating a community of like-minded peers where students can interact and connect academically and socially. By including all RPCV students, faculty, and staff in the activities of the Global Scholars Program, along with the official Coverdell Fellows Program, Tulane WSPH creates a unique community dedicated to improving global health.
Tulane WSPH welcomed its first Coverdell Fellows in the fall semester of 2017. The Coverdell Fellows program is an opportunity for Returned Peace Corps Volunteers (RPCVs) to pursue graduate studies with specific benefits such as financial assistance. To learn more about our dynamic Paul D. Coverdell Fellowship, click here or contact globalscholars@tulane.edu.
Meet the Current Coverdell Scholars and Fellows
Bella Brittin | Global Scholars Program Coordinator
Bella is from O’ahu, Hawai’i, and received her B.S. in Public Health with a minor in Women and Gender Studies from Loyola University Chicago. She served in Peace Corps Philippines as a Children, Youth, and Family Volunteer. Her site was a halfway house for children in conflict with the law, where she implemented daily programming for residents. She is pursuing her Master of Public Health in International Health and Sustainable Development with a concentration in Maternal and Child Health.
Resident Initiative in Global Health at Tulane (RIGHT)
The Resident Initiative in Global Health at Tulane (RIGHT) program will provide skills and training to residents interested in a career path in global health. By offering opportunities for residents to expand their medical knowledge and experience internationally, the program aims to add to the community of ethically guided advocates for evidence-based, holistic approaches to equitable care, locally and abroad. The program includes five core components: education, mentorship, international rotation, scholarly project, and local clinical experience.
