Global Education
A significant amount of research has been done that shows the importance of global education in today's multicultural, interconnected world. This page contains an overview of this research with specific information on the skills, attitudes, and insights that students gain through the Youth For Understanding homestay program.
What is Global Education?
Global education is known as the set of knowledge, skills, and attitudes that prepare
individuals to live and compete in an increasingly multicultural, interconnected, and fast
changing global society. In fact, the US National Education Plan Goals 2000: Educate
America Act specifically targets the different aspects of global education in its
goal statement. Global education is not just for those planning to enter international
careers; all fields of knowledge and virtually all occupations have been deeply
transformed by the globalization of the economy. A global perspective and cross-cultural
skills have become essential to succeed in multiple fields ranging from social studies to
healthcare, business, law, engineering, and foreign languages. The YFU exchange program
provides the optimum environment for acquiring a global education.
What do YFU Students Learn?
Nearly fifty years of experience and research have shown YFU that full immersion is the
most effective means of global education. The YFU exchange program offers young people the
adventure of a lifetime - the opportunity to explore other countries and cultures, master
new languages, and discover themselves. Through YFU, young people acquire a passion for
life-long learning, and the skills and knowledge to thrive and contribute amidst cultural
diversity. Young enough to
fully adjust to a new country and culture, yet old enough to
reflect and integrate their experiences, YFU participants reap the rewards of host family
and community life.
In addition to the academic work at school, students gain a deep insight into the culture of their host country; but the benefits go well beyond the specific culture, history, geography and language of the host country. By acquiring another perspective, YFU students learn to be more open and receptive to different approaches, assumptions, values, and methods - the same attitudes and skills essential to thrive in a fast changing, multicultural environment.
Research has found that YFU students acquire skills crucial for succeeding in a global society. David Bachner (1993) found that exchange:
improves cross-cultural attitudes, reduces prejudice, and corrects stereotypes,
develops personal traits which enhance appreciation and respect for other cultures,
enhances cross-cultural skills, and
develops leadership skills and international involvement.
Research of AFS Intercultural Programs, Inc. found that the intercultural homestay exchange program impacts participants in ten ways by significantly raising:
awareness and appreciation of host country and culture,
foreign language appreciation and ability,
understanding of other cultures,
international awareness,
adaptability,
awareness of opportunities,
critical thinking,
non materialism,
independence, responsibility for self, and
awareness and appreciation of home country and culture.
More on What YFU Students Gain
Maiworm and Teichler (1990) found evidence that study abroad programs are a means for acquiring a mix of competencies suitable to meet new challenges and demands. The magnitude of this impact was found to be positively correlated with the length of the exchange experience (Zoom C. R., 1996). However, even experiences as short as one month were shown to cause change in attitudes among teenage participants (Stitsworth, M., & Sugiyama, Y., 1990).
In 1995, Quinn confirmed that through their international experiences, students gain more appreciation for their home school culture and acquire new attitudes and beliefs to test. International student exchange programs have also been identified as providers of an ideal atmosphere for whole language learning and the integration of language in total language and cultural immersion (Maristany, R. M., 1996).
Studying the Young Diplomats program of New York City, Mei (1990) found that the experience affected participants in positive life-lasting ways, influencing important aspects of their decision making about college and early career choices.
Findings on the impact of exchange are not limited to the students who travel abroad.
Although this aspect of exchange has received little attention of researchers, one study
was found that describes the impact among non-participants. Moose (1995) found that
families also learn from the international student they host, pointing out the benefit of
hosting exchange students as an adult educational opportunity.
Research on Global Education
Global education is central to the national educational goals as specifically addressed in three of the eight items outlined in the objectives of the Goals 2000: Educate America Act. This section contains a selection of research summaries on global education. More can also be found at the US Department of Education web site.
References
Bachner, D. (1993) A very practical approach to peace: The case for international exchange: The role of international educational exchange in conflict reduction. 1993 Annual Review of Conflict Knowledge and Conflict Resolution. New York: Garland.
Maiworm, F. & Teichler U. (1996) Study Abroad and Early Career: Experiences of Former ERASMUS Students. London, Bristol: J. Kinsley.
Maristany, R. M., (1996) Linguistic and Cultural Immersion and Second Language Acquisition: International Young Student Exchange. Unpublished doctoral dissertation, The Louisiana State University, Louisiana. [Dissertation abstracts - Proquest No. AAC 9538748].
Mei, D. (1990) The Young Diplomats Program 1983-84/1988-89 OREA Report. Brooklyn, NY: New York City Board of Education, Office of Research, Evaluation, and Assessment. (ERIC Document Reproduction Service No. ED332948).
Moose, N. G. (1995) Hosting International Students as an Adult Education Experience (Host Families). Unpublished doctoral dissertation, University of South Dakota. [Dissertation Abstract. - Proquest No. AAC9535510].
Quinn, L. (1996) International students teaching: New Zealand and the United States, Perspective on Schooling Action in Teacher Education 17, 2 18-27 (ERIC Document Reproduction Service No. CIJMAY96).
Rhinesmith, S. H. (1985) Bring Home the World: A Management Guide for Community leaders of International Exchange Programs. New York: Walker.
Stitsworth, M. H. & Sugiyama, Y. (1990) International Youth Exchanges: Measuring Their Impact on Attitudes. (ERIC Document Reproduction Service No. ED331775).
Zoom C. R., 1996 Zoom C. R. (1996) The long-term impact on nursing students participating in international exchange. Journal of Professional Nursing, 12, 2 106-116. (ERIC Document Reproduction Service No. EJ521117).