The Importance of International Exposure

I would argue that international exposure is imperative for modern students. Whether it be enrolling in a global issues elective, participating with Model United Nations, hosting an exchange student, or traveling abroad, students will gain invaluable worldly experiences.  At a recent conference on Global Education in Charlotte, NC, the keynote speaker and several presenters reminded us all that top corporations cross international boundaries. Those companies seek dynamic employees with the ability to demonstrate cultural sensitivity and creativity beyond a singular worldview.  Employers want individuals with the capacity to learn languages, respect others, and open themselves up to multicultural experiences. We cannot allow our students to become locked in a monolingual or narrow framework. 

To be competitive in the increasingly global jobs market students must be challenged to extend themselves beyond their geographic locale. I have witnessed amazing transformations in traveling with students and sharing language and culture firsthand. The kids make observations about such things as when and how families eat meals, which common values are shared internationally, which customs are unique to a singular people, how to eat octopus, that a smile really does transcend language barriers, that international friendships and collaborations can open many doors for a lifetime of opportunities.  It isn’t always traveling abroad that broadens our horizons; attending classes with international students is also a wonderful way to experience the world.  For example, Chinese exchange students are taking my Spanish 1 class as a third language. Their peers are my students (some of whom have never left the U.S.). Needless to say, the cultural comparisons we can make and the conversations we can have are very enlightening.