In Picardo article (2012), he states that it is essential for students to have a strong sense of global awareness and better understanding of other cultures. He believes that by understanding and interacting with other people from another culture, opportunities that were once unknown to us are now open. He agrees that due to globalisation, there are new methods to bring the world into the classrooms. Examples are social networks, video conferencing, google maps and many more. To allow students from his school to have a strong sense of global awareness and understanding of other cultures, his school had organised many student exchange programmes such as: "The history trip to Berlin, the French exchange and the cultural visit to Andalucía." He also mentions that both Britain and the EU, "through the Comenius and eTwinning programmes", are supportive regarding international partnerships between schools. He conclude that students from the foreign exchange programme became more knowledgeable, capable in decision making and the students acquired new life long skills that they can pass on to people.
In the world today, globalisation has inevitably changed everything. It is so powerful that it shapes our culture, life and economy due to better technology such as the internet. Because the world is becoming more interconnected, it is important for students to have global awareness and better understanding of other cultures and the student exchange program is one of the methods which can provide them with the opportunity to study overseas. In the next few paragraphs, I will talk about why it is important for students to have a global awareness and understanding of other cultures and the benefits of student exchange programmes.
Globalisation has led to a rapid increase in migration. To be successful in this globalised world, it is important to be able to adapt and communicate when being placed in a foreign environment. According to Campbell (2012), a principal from Impington College, he argued that "In an increasingly interconnected world, today's young generation need to learn to be able to engage in communication with people from a wide range of different cultures and traditions." For students to do that, schools provide many opportunities for them to cultivate their global awareness and understanding of another culture. An example would be the student exchange programme.
The benefit of the student exchange programme can be separated into 3 parts. Educational, personal and future benefits. Educationally, students are able to experience a new culture and maybe even learn a new language. By picking up a new language, one would gain insight into another culture. Hence, being exposed to a new way of life due to the many differences such as festivals, family tradition, cuisine, dressing and beliefs. This is a great opportunity for students to see the world from a different angle.
On a personal level, the student exchange programme can improve students’ self-confidence and self-esteem. Being exposed into an unknown world, they will face many difficulties in their everyday life which they have never experienced before. For example, being separated from their family forces a student to step out of his comfort zone to become independent.
In the future, students who participate in the student exchange program gain an advantage in getting a job. The Global Skills Gap: preparing young people for the global economy, reveals that employers are more likely to hire people with experience and knowledge of another language and culture rather than just looking at a candidate’s degree certification.
In conclusion, I personally feel that the student exchange programme is an important tool to flourish cultural and global awareness in students.
(597words)
References
Picardo, J. (2012, September 25). Why students need a global awareness and understanding of other culture. Retrieved from: http://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/2012/sep/25/students-global-awareness-other-cultures
Sutcliffe, J. (2012, November 5). Why global awareness matters to school. Retrieved from: http://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/2012/nov/05/global-awareness-schools-education
Think Global & British Council. (2011, December 8). The Global Skills Gap: Preparing young people for the new global economy. Retrieved from http://think-global.org.uk/resources/item/6404
In the world today, globalisation has inevitably changed everything. It is so powerful that it shapes our culture, life and economy due to better technology such as the internet. Because the world is becoming more interconnected, it is important for students to have global awareness and better understanding of other cultures and the student exchange program is one of the methods which can provide them with the opportunity to study overseas. In the next few paragraphs, I will talk about why it is important for students to have a global awareness and understanding of other cultures and the benefits of student exchange programmes.
Globalisation has led to a rapid increase in migration. To be successful in this globalised world, it is important to be able to adapt and communicate when being placed in a foreign environment. According to Campbell (2012), a principal from Impington College, he argued that "In an increasingly interconnected world, today's young generation need to learn to be able to engage in communication with people from a wide range of different cultures and traditions." For students to do that, schools provide many opportunities for them to cultivate their global awareness and understanding of another culture. An example would be the student exchange programme.
The benefit of the student exchange programme can be separated into 3 parts. Educational, personal and future benefits. Educationally, students are able to experience a new culture and maybe even learn a new language. By picking up a new language, one would gain insight into another culture. Hence, being exposed to a new way of life due to the many differences such as festivals, family tradition, cuisine, dressing and beliefs. This is a great opportunity for students to see the world from a different angle.
On a personal level, the student exchange programme can improve students’ self-confidence and self-esteem. Being exposed into an unknown world, they will face many difficulties in their everyday life which they have never experienced before. For example, being separated from their family forces a student to step out of his comfort zone to become independent.
In the future, students who participate in the student exchange program gain an advantage in getting a job. The Global Skills Gap: preparing young people for the global economy, reveals that employers are more likely to hire people with experience and knowledge of another language and culture rather than just looking at a candidate’s degree certification.
In conclusion, I personally feel that the student exchange programme is an important tool to flourish cultural and global awareness in students.
(597words)
References
Picardo, J. (2012, September 25). Why students need a global awareness and understanding of other culture. Retrieved from: http://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/2012/sep/25/students-global-awareness-other-cultures
Sutcliffe, J. (2012, November 5). Why global awareness matters to school. Retrieved from: http://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/2012/nov/05/global-awareness-schools-education
Think Global & British Council. (2011, December 8). The Global Skills Gap: Preparing young people for the new global economy. Retrieved from http://think-global.org.uk/resources/item/6404
Hi Javier,
ReplyDeleteThis is a very coherent piece of writing with good substantiation/references. I like how you gave the writing a direction by making it clear for the reader. It is true that globalization has increased the need for awareness in students! I think it's very applaudable that you picked an article that differs from the masses but good job anyways! :)