About the Governor's School for International Studies
The Tennessee Governor's School for International Studies (GSIS) at the University of Memphis is a summer program during the month of June that offers rising high school Juniors and Seniors an exciting and total immersion experience, introducing them to the world around us through activities including studying global cultures, learning world languages, and exchanging perspectives on issues of international scope. The program provides students the opportunity to see far beyond our state's boundaries and explore a variety of global economic, historical and cultural relationships.
Students must be nominated by their high school counselors or teachers, and submit statements and letters of recommendation, with the application deadline coming in late November/early December every year. This is a highly competitive program, with only 50 students being admitted every year.
Once at the program, students are enrolled in INTL 1101, a three-credit-hour college course. In addition, the GSIS program exposes its scholars to languages, cultures, speakers, and activities designed to broaden horizons and deepen perspectives on issues as diverse as international business, immigration, the workings of the United Nations, genocide, national security, world hunger, careers in diplomacy, and health and environmental issues.
Students live together in a residence hall with their resident counselors (many are alumni of the program) and some of the faculty members. All regular meals are provided in one of the campus dining halls. All housing, meals, tuition, and other program costs are covered. There is no cost for attending GSIS other than that required for transportation to and from the program.