Presidential Global Scholars
Gain a global perspective through community engagement
Presidential Global Scholars (PGS) is a full spring semester study abroad program at Virginia Tech's own Villa Maderni at the Steger Center for International Scholarship in Riva San Vitale, Switzerland. This exceptional opportunity allows students to earn their Honors diploma through an immersive cultural experience.
PGS students learn through courses that deeply engage with the community in the surrounding primarily Italian-speaking region, including a semester-long, real world project that responds to local partner organizations’ priorities and needs. Additionally, students engage in coordinated and independent travel in Switzerland, Italy, and Europe, allowing them to better understand the world and their place in it.
PGS Program Information
PGS courses are hands-on learning experiences led by outstanding Virginia Tech and Steger Center faculty. Courses count toward students’ Pathways general education, Honors Laureate Diploma/Honors Minor in Collaborative Discovery, and/or PGS Italian language requirements. PGS allows students to nearly totally satisfy their Honors diploma requirements aside from required pre-departure and post-return courses. NOTE: the specific PGS curriculum will change in 2028 with details coming soon.
PGS will count differently towards your Honors Laureate Diploma based on when you first entered the Honors College. Select the option below that corresponds to your first semester in Honors.
Coordinated program travel includes extended trips to Naples, Italy and Valposchiavo, Switzerland. Outside of class, PGS allows for recreational travel as well. PGS students may take advantage of inexpensive airfares from Malpensa Airport in Milan to travel broadly across Europe. Past students have traveled to Morocco, Malta, Portugal, Spain, France, Italy, Ireland, England, Scotland, the Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Denmark, Sweden, Greece, the Czech Republic, and other locations.
- VT Spring 2027 Tuition and Fees: Same as attending VT in Blacksburg.
- Steger Center room and board: To be determined (2025 cost = $7,700).
- Presidential Global Scholars Program 2027 fee: $4,300
- Round-trip airfare and train tickets: Estimated at $1,300.
Please note: Students will need additional spending money. Previous students recommend a minimum of $5000. Many scholarships and forms of financial aid are available to help defer some of the program costs, including some specific to Virginia Tech like the Global Education Scholarship, Steger Center International Scholarship, and the Steger Center Room Fund.
Check with the Global Education Office and University Scholarships and Financial Aid for more information.
How to Apply
To apply, visit the PGS program brochure webpage and click the "Apply Now" link immediately below the photograph to begin the process.
Eligibility
PGS is available to Virginia Tech Honors College and honors-eligible students from all majors (3.4 or higher cumulative GPA).
Questions?
Please contact Dr. Rachael Budowle with questions or to express interest. It’s never too early to begin planning your PGS study abroad experience!