Whether they're travelling abroad to help a community in need or learning new languages, a new generation of global citizens is being educated in private schools across the country.
"It's about fostering cultural awareness, a deeper understanding of international perspectives and an appreciation for the fact that things are done differently all over the world," says Elizabeth Moore, executive director of the Independent Schools Association of British Columbia. "We want our students to be broad-minded, tolerant and knowledgeable because all of these things will contribute to being able to live harmoniously in a multicultural world."
 More About Boarding School
|
International Private Schools
|
Exposure to this type of global education begins as early as kindergarten in many private or independent schools. As the world becomes smaller and more interconnected, students require a better sense of cultural literacy in order to work and live within a global context. Extending the global classroom beyond the walls of school, many independent schools organize service-learning trips, exchange programs, and cultural, sports and academic expeditions. "We have groups travelling to China to learn about food, culture and language; others travelling to Guatemala and Kenya to work with underprivileged schools in small communities; and others studying subjects like history on location in France and England," Moore says.
As another example of how private schools broaden minds to learn from multiple perspectives, students at St. John's-Ravenscourt School in Winnipeg team up with kids their age living in India to share ideas, collaborate on environmental initiatives and develop communication skills through Skype, Facebook, email and a trip to India.
"I'll never forget the last night of our trip when the Indian students came to the apartment we were staying in and we turned the common room into a dance floor," says Mary Ellen Campbell, the teacher coordinator of the India Connection program and head of the social studies department. "Dance is such a huge part of Indian culture and the kids all dressed in traditional outfits and danced late into the night. This experience truly transcended the barriers of language, class, culture and religion, and brought the students even closer together."
It's important for students to step outside their comfort zones to experience how others live, Moore says. This awareness goes a long way in helping young people see the world from more than just their own frame of reference and develop into true global citizens.
Q&A on Global Education with Taylor McCurdy
For Taylor McCurdy, a life-changing service trip with her school led to a surprising new perspective about another culture and herself. In December 2009, she went to Ecuador with Trinity College and Me to We, the movement formed by children’s rights activists Craig and Marc Kielburger. The Grade 12 students built the foundation for a high school in a rural community outside of Quito. The experience inspired the McMaster University student’s plan to specialize in peace studies in university -- and many more lessons.
Q: What were the main lessons you took away from this trip?
A: I was expecting to feel badly for the people we worked with. That’s typical western thought. But I didn’t. I was in awe of their culture, and how close-knit they were as a community. It definitely changed my views on poverty and the western view of the developing world.
Q: What did you learn about giving of yourself to others?
A: In this community, though they were indigenous, the effects of the western world were evident. They liked our cameras and wanted our little Spanish/English translation books. We were told not to give these to them because that would be a “hand out” rather than a “hand up.” We learned that a helping hand will benefit people far more in the long run.
Q: How did the trip impact you upon returning to Canada?
A: We got home on Dec. 23, and when you leave their culture and step right into the western world’s most commercial, extravagant time of the year, it’s really shocking. The trip taught me that we take for granted much of what we have in our lives. I know that I want to learn more because you can’t really make a difference without learning about the issues first.
