"Can I complete this with my current degree?"
Yes! The certificate is designed to complement your existing program. Most courses count as electives for your major, so you're not adding extra time or cost to graduation.

"I'm not an anthropology major. Is this still for me?"
Absolutely. We welcome students from all backgrounds—international relations, pre-med, public health, sociology, political science, and more. Different perspectives make the program stronger, and employers value that interdisciplinary approach.

"Will this actually help me get a job in this uncertain environment?"
The skills you'll gain—cultural competency, community organizing, working across difference—are exactly what organizations need when they can't rely on big budgets or top-down approaches. These are recession-proof skills that transfer across sectors.

"What if I can't study abroad or do international fieldwork?"
No problem. While international experience is valuable, it's not required. We focus on building skills you can apply anywhere—including in diverse communities right here in DC. Plus, many global health opportunities are now remote or US-based.

"How much extra work is this realistically?"
Most students take 1-2 certificate courses per semester alongside their regular coursework. It's designed to enhance, not overwhelm, your studies. Many courses fulfill multiple requirements.

"Is it worth starting this program when funding is being cut everywhere?"
This is actually the BEST time to get these skills. When government funding disappears, the organizations that survive are the ones that know how to work with communities and build trust. You'll be prepared for whatever the field becomes.

"What if I'm pre-med/pre-nursing? Does this still make sense?"
Yes! Healthcare is increasingly recognizing that medical interventions fail without cultural understanding. This certificate makes you a more competitive candidate for health professional schools AND prepares you for global health work later in your career.

"I'm worried about taking on more coursework when I'm already stressed."
We get it. That's why most certificate courses can substitute for electives you'd take anyway. You're not adding courses—you're choosing more purposeful ones that build toward a credential.

"What's the application process like? I don't have time for anything complicated."
Simple one-page application. We're not trying to create barriers—we want motivated students who are ready to engage with these issues.

"Will I be behind if other students have more background in global health?"
Not at all. We start with foundational concepts and build from there. Your unique background (whether it's economics, psychology, history, whatever) brings valuable perspectives to class discussions.

"What if I decide halfway through that this isn't for me?"
The courses you take still count toward your degree as electives. There's no penalty for changing direction—that's part of figuring out your path in college.

"Are there internship opportunities, or will I have to find my own?"
Our faculty have extensive networks in DC and internationally. While we can't guarantee placements, we actively help students connect with opportunities that match their interests and career goals.

"I'm interested but intimidated by the 'culture' focus. What if I say the wrong thing?"
That's exactly why this training matters! The whole point is to learn how to navigate cultural differences thoughtfully and respectfully. Everyone starts somewhere, and making mistakes is part of the learning process.

"What if my parents think this is too 'soft' compared to a more traditional pre-professional track?"
Show them the job market data. Organizations are desperately seeking people with these skills. Cultural competency isn't soft—it's strategic. It's what makes programs work and what makes professionals irreplaceable.