Students don't have to go far beyond their own classrooms to become global citizens. Global education is taught in nearly every subject and experienced in co-curricular programs in most private schools. It aims to promote a type of 21st-century learning that focuses on tolerance, awareness and inclusiveness. This growing trend is playing a significant role in the curricula of many independent schools across Canada.
"I believe that it is absolutely critical that we expose our students to what's going on in other parts of the world and help them realize what they need to do in order to become global citizens," says George Briggs, former executive director of the Conference of Independent Schools of Ontario. "I see this trending upwards in terms of importance. In 10 years, the world will be more complicated and citizens will need a deeper understanding of other cultures in order to coexist."
Beyond living with and learning from international students, many private school students take part in service-learning trips geared toward global education and outreach. These include international travel and volunteer opportunities, combined with exposure to different cultures, languages and customs.
This type of education makes students more tolerant and accepting of those living in their own communities, and more aware of the beliefs and cultures of people around the globe. "It also gives students the opportunity to experience being an outsider in a new place," explains Kate Neligan, director of teaching and learning at Bayview Glen's Upper School in Toronto. "They see what others don't have, for example, running water, and what they do have, for example, smiling faces and a strong sense of community."
Neligan, who has participated in many service trips, believes it's important for students to step outside their comfort zones in order to learn new skills. "Most students come home wanting to make changes in their own lives," she says.
Other international learning opportunities include a chance to study in a foreign country with exchange programs and semesters abroad. The Blyth Academy in Toronto, for example, offers a summer school program where youth can study subjects such as biology in the Galapagos, philosophy in the Greek islands, and world issues in Australia and New Zealand.
"An international experience changes a student's entire perspective on life," says Alex MacKinnon, principal of the Blyth Academy. "Students come back to Canada reinvigorated with a notion of what education is really about and more poised to be a global citizen."
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.
