Frequently Asked Questions
All you need to know about the Global Trade & Development Program
How much does it cost?
Fees for this program are $1,800 and include tuition, diverse faculty instruction, academic support, course materials and career guidance.
Current Monterey Institute and Middlebury students and alumni can participate in the program for $1,300. Housing, transportation and visa fees are additional and the responsibility of the student.
Additionally, the GTD program does provide a tuition, airfare, & housing package for $4100-$4500 (certain airfare restrictions apply). Interested students will be provided with furnished housing conveniently located near the Monterey Institute. Local transportation and food are not included and are the responsibility of the student.
How long does the program run and how many hours will I spend in class?
The Summer 2011 Global Trade & Development Program is run in two separate sessions.
The GTD classes will meet Monday, July 23 through Thursday, August 16. Classes will run from 10am-12pm and from 2-4pm unless otherwise noted.
The program will include four weeks of intensive class and group work, with four days of field exposure to international trade experts working in agriculture and technology industries in Central California. The program also includes a 3-day weekend trip to San Francisco (lodging provided).
Field exposure includes trips to technology, agriculture, government, and finance organizations on the Central Coast and in the San Francisco Bay Area area (including Silicon Valley). Past site visits have included Ebay, Wells Fargo, Driscoll's, Matsui Orchid Nursery, Cisco, Hub Ventures, Kiva and Google as well as a visit to the Economic Development department of the City of San Jose. Further details will be given to accepted students with their schedules.
Can I attend part of the program?
No. Due to the integrated format of this program, partial attendance is not possible.
How does this program relate to degree programs offered at the Monterey Institute?
The program is largely-based on coursework presented through the Graduate School of International Policy and Management (GSIPM), specifically from the trade policy curriculum. Overall, it serves as an introductory course for students interested in honing his or her skills on this topic.
The program is not geared towards students currently studying trade policy at the Monterey Institute, rather MBA candidates or BA and MA students specializing in development, conflict resolution, human rights, etc. who would like to build knowledge in this subject area.
Is housing available?
The Monterey Institute does not have on-campus housing; however, we do provide assistance in locating affordable options to suit the individual needs of the student. Typical options include renting a hotel room, living with other students, sublet a room or apartment from a student or local community member, or participating in a homestay etc. Detailed information is provided to students accepted to the program.
Additionally, the GTD program does provide a tuition, flight & housing package for approximately $4500 (certain airfare cost restrictions apply). Interested students will be provided with furnished housing conveniently located to the Monterey Institute. Transportation and food are not included and are the responsibility of the student.
Is there scholarship or other funding support available?
We are limited to a select scholarship program at this point, which is specifically designated for Davis UWC Scholars. However, we are continually exploring additional funding opportunities. We actively encourage applicants to consider applying for other scholarships through outside sources.
To date, we have had several students that have been successful in securing such funds through other school affiliations, local community organizations and/or previous volunteer service (i.e. Americorps, Peace Corps, etc.).
How long will it take to process my application?
All applicants can expect to receive an initial email within three weeks confirming receipt of electronic application. Final selection is as follows:
- Davis UWC Scholars will be notified no later than March 1, 2012.
- All other applicants will be notified no later than April 15, 2012.
Can this program help me find a job?
This program will likely give you an "edge" in establishing your next career. One unique feature is the multicultural, hands-on learning environment. We also offer direct career assistance. Through our faculty and a designated career office we have many available resources for students. You can receive help with resume building, job prospects, career advice, interviewing tips, etc.
Am I eligible?
To be eligible, applicants must have:
- Completed (or will complete) at least sophomore year of undergraduate study with high academic achievement
- Completed an introductory course in micro and macro economics by the July prior to start of program
- Show an interest in global trade and development issues such as trade and the environment, trade and poverty alleviation, the WTO, trade negotiations, etc.
- Be proficient in English
- This program is particularly geared towards juniors and seniors in undergraduate programs and recent graduates (less than 2 years out) of BA and BS programs.
Who are the instructors / faculty?
This unique program is taught by a dynamic team of practicioners with expertise in trade, finance, economics, development and environmental issues. See the "Instructors" tab for a sampling of faculty biographies.
Who typically attends this program?
The program is best-suited for students, professionals (who are relatively new to the field), and career-changers interested in gaining a working knowledge of international trade and it's impact on development, financial sectors, and the environment.
Is there an English proficiency requirement?
We recognize that many of our international students come to the Monterey Institute with sophisticated language backgrounds. Terms like "native-speaker," "fluent," or "bilingual" often do not accurately reflect the rich backgrounds of our students. In order to maintain the quality and integrity of the Monterey Institute experience, candidates will be asked to demonstrate English proficiency as part of the application process.
Non-native English speaking GTD candidates may provide evidence of English proficiency from either the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) examinations.
Suggested Minimum TOEFL Scores:
- Internet-based test: 79
- Writing sub-score: 23
- No sub-scores below 19
Suggested Minimum IELTS Scores:
- 6.5 Overall
- No Sub-score below 6.0
if you are a non-native English speaker and do not have a TOEFL or IELTS score, please send an email summarizing your English language experience and ability to Carolyn Meyer at cmeyer@miis.edu.











