Global learning. What are universities doing about it.

     In this fast changing world filled with so many people and cultures, it is very difficult to know about all the issues that affect every single one of them; we have the news, but it does not seem enough for some people, just by watching them you cannot change the reality of things, that is when global learning explores the connections between people and places around the world. It helps us observe and understand the differences and similarities that exist around the globe, it also helps us to know about the issues that concern other countries around us, and gives us the possibilities to help them solve the mentioned issues. Global learning helps develop critical thinking, self awareness, open mindedness, optimism and action for a better world, it also helps people value diversity and appreciate the similarities between people everywhere. This topic should not be confused with online learning, or distance learning, both very different concepts. Though GL uses electronic devices, online software and Internet to connect with other people, it is not the same as an online educational course. 

     Now that we have the concept of global learning clear in our heads, we can move onto the heart of this essay: how are universities acting about the challenge of global learning? Right now, many colleges and universities around the globe are making efforts to give their undergraduates the opportunity to experience global learning programs, which give them the tools they need to later get sent to another country and study or explore the culture that is established in there. Also, besides these programs, colleges and universities are working on developing a curriculum that will prepare the students for issues of the real world, complex global problems and help them develop a sense of "global citizenship" which might help them in the field of GL later on. 

     Some of the strategies that these universities are using to endorse a better global learning experience are travelling,  studying abroad and living abroad. Many of them offer programs that send students to other parts of the world but continuing with their education, so that they can get a full exposure and understanding of the culture and the issues in there. Also, other universities offer cultural exchanges through electronic devices such as computers, cell phones and nowadays tablets, helping students to get in contact with other people without undergoing through the whole journey experience. 

     Now that we see how global learning can be done, English learning and teaching must be mentioned. We know that GL is not the same as online learning, but we can relate both subjects (teaching/learning English) and GL in a way that, in order for the teacher to perform a good teaching work, he/she must be in contact with the student and know a little about their background, and in order for a student to know more and learn better about a language, he/she must know a little about the culture of the country he/she is learning the language from. 

     It also has to be said that not only through global learning we will just know about a culture; it is a part of it, yes, but the real meaning and purpose of GL is to make a change in the world through social justice, conflict resolution, human rights, understanding diversity and becoming "global citizens". Knowing that we are surrounded by other cultures who have their own issues and problems, and finding ways to do something about it, we must also know that is very difficult to get an idea of those issues in just one place, while it is very difficult for some to travel, it must be done if you want to be part of this world changing concept, for it cannot make a change from just one place. 

     I believe that global learning is a beautiful concept created to join the world together, and get rid of all the cultural barriers we have, working together as one, for a world filled with peace, justice and understanding. so it is not very hard if we all really believe in it and we all work hard for it; it should be made step by step, first working in our own countries and then expanding that concept of "global citizens" all over the world. 

Zenaida Souquett