Top 7 Must-visit Global Spots at Duke

Passport not required.

-By Charles Givens

August 21, 2024

Duke is a global university, and you can experience the world at more places on campus than you might think! Here are 7 globally-inspired spots to broaden your horizons without leaving Durham:

1.) Duke International Student Center

Outside of Smith Warehouse (Photo credit: Jared Lazarus, Duke Photography)

More than just a resource center, DISC is a vibrant hub for cultural exchange. Engage with students from more than 80 countries through events, workshops or simply hanging out in their welcoming space. Meet Duke’s global student community and get a taste of the world in your backyard.

DISC on Google Maps

2.) Perkins Library

Perkins Library with the Blue Devil weathervane (Photo credit: Les Todd, Duke Photography)

Sure, Perkins is a place every student expects to visit, but for a global twist, connect with an Area Studies Specialist. These librarians are experts on specific regions, offering invaluable insights into different cultures and research opportunities. While you’re there, explore a different culture by reading a book written by an author from a country you’re curious about.

Perkins Library on Google Maps

3.) Duke Lemur Center

Two lemurs enjoying the outdoors (Photo credit: Charles Givens)

Journey to Madagascar without leaving Durham! The Duke Lemur Center houses the world’s largest population of lemurs outside their native land. It fosters appreciation for biodiversity and conservation efforts, highlighting Duke’s impact on a global scale.

Duke Lemur Center on Google Maps

4.) Duke Biology Greenhouses

Duke undergraduate students in Bio 202 tour the Duke greenhouses (Photo credit: Megan Mendenhall, Duke Photography)

Step into a living, breathing map of the world! These “global gardens” house over a thousand plant species collected by Duke botanists from around the world. Get up close and see true biodiversity and Duke’s commitment to plant conservation.

Duke Biology Greenhouses on Google Maps

5.) John Hope Franklin Center

Outside shot of the John Hope Franklin Center

Regularly hosting public lectures, exhibitions and workshops, the JHFC offers a chance to engage with global perspectives and become part of a vibrant intellectual community. Don’t miss an opportunity to broaden your understanding of the world and its complexities.

JHFC on Google Maps

6.) Duke Gardens

The Japanese Bridge at the Sarah P. Duke Gardens on a warm, sunny day (Photo credit: Charles Givens)

A jewel in the crown of Duke, the Duke Gardens showcase plants from around the world. Stroll through the Asiatic Arboretum, visit the koi pond or take a walk through the Blomquist Garden of Native Plants. Bring a friend or a good book, sit back and enjoy the views.

Duke Gardens on Google Maps

7.) Fuqua School of Business “Hall of Flags”

Students and faculty walk past the hall of flags in the Fuqua School of Business (Photo credit: Jared Lazarus, Duke Photography)

Capture the ultimate global selfie! With over 200 flags representing the national identity of every member of the student body, the Hall of Flags has evolved over the past two decades to include banners representing Native American nations, branches of the U.S. military, the LGBTQ+ community, and the Peace Corps.

Fuqua School of Business on Google Maps