Global Going

Experiential learning trips help students foster cultural competence

An ancient Buddhist temple and the Westminster Abbey were just a sampling of the sights Upper School students experienced during CSG’s two global programs this past month over Spring Break.

Twenty-one students traveled to Japan, while seven students traveled to London, England. The programs represented the beginning of CSG’s global education program. These experiences offered students an opportunity to participate in a carefully constructed, on-theground, in-country curriculum.

The development of global competencies fostered through these programs supports CSG’s mission of empowering our students to discover their distinct potential as learners and leaders. When students participate in this programming, they develop the ability to engage in open, appropriate, and effective interactions across cultures; they understand and appreciate the perspectives and worldviews of others; they examine local, global, and intercultural issues; and they take action for the sustainable development and collective well-being of their communities.

Research from the National Association of Independent Schools affirms that strengthening students’ global competencies positions them to succeed in all aspects of their lives now and in the future. In a survey, 88.4% of alumnae said their high school global learning experience informed their current ability to modify the way they communicate with people from cultural backgrounds different from their own. Of those surveyed, 87% reported that their global learning experience taught them how to adapt to different situations.

This past month, students participating in the London and Japan programs were able to more completely experience the benefits of learning abroad by avoiding use of their cell phones. They also strengthened executive functioning skills that come from navigating experiences outside one’s comfort zone.

In addition to reaping the benefits that come from new and novel experiences, students in the London program also had an opportunity to more fully immerse themselves in theater and art. The six-day itinerary included visits to the National, Orange, and Globe theaters, a viewing of London’s Academy of Music and Dramatic Art, and an exploration of Westminster Abbey. But rather than simply taking in sights, students had an interactive experience, meeting with theater staff and costume designers to learn more about their work and viewing two different shows–one at the Globe, and one at the Young Vic. They also spent time experiencing some of London culture, participating in tea time and taking a bespoke art tour.

While the London Program was an opportunity to learn more about the arts, students traveling to Japan were able to explore the juxtaposition of modern and rural landscapes. Students visited UNESCO World Heritage sites such as Nijo-jo Castle and the Rokuon-ji and Ryoan-ji temples and also traveled to the bustling center of Kyoto. While there, they visited the Kyoto Disaster Prevention Center to learn about how the threat of natural calamity has influenced the Japanese way of life. The trip also included many opportunities for students to learn about and participate in Japanese culture, from trying Zazen Buddhist Sitting Meditation to making soba buckwheat noodles. Students stayed in host homes for an even greater immersive experience.

Now that students have returned from their cultural immersions, they’ll have the opportunity to share their experiences and learning with their fellow students in Upper, Middle, and Lower Schools. And as CSG evolves with our global education program, it will have a strong presence across divisions. Curricula also will continue to expand for our oldest students. Next year, Upper School students will be able to take Global Seminar. And in addition to global experiences, there will be opportunities for micro-exchanges, virtual exchanges, and hosting international students.