Global Education: What is It? Why Should You Care?
Global interdependence is a reality of our everyday lives. We are linked economically, politically, socially, and environmentally with people around the world. Modern technology brings the world into our living rooms and offices. Products from around the globe line the shelves of department stores and supermarkets. Many of these global links are easy to discern, even in the most rural parts of the U.S.
Some links, however, are less obvious. Few Americans understand how international cooperation and development programs impact the U.S. While Americans are often very generous in offering support to other countries in times of famine, earthquakes, hurricanes or other disasters, there is no visible constituency to support long-term development and cooperation programs. Many Americans think that programs that promote development in other countries create competition for U.S. companies or waste precious tax dollars when there are pressing needs at home. Misperceptions about the amount of money that the U.S. spends on foreign assistance are also widespread. The many benefits we reap from international cooperation and development programs are not well understood by the American public.
"The American people have to understand that foreign policy is not foreign; everything that happens throughout the world impacts on us in some form or another." -- Madeleine K. Albright, U.S. Secretary of State, 2000.
There is a pressing need to help Americans understand the U.S. role in global cooperation and development, and the domestic benefits that accrue as a result of international involvement. These benefits include, but are not limited to, opening up new markets for American farms and businesses, ensuring food safety, cooperating on the eradication of human and animal diseases, preserving environmental resources, and promoting world peace. Promoting growing economies, peaceful democracies, and healthy families helps to improve the quality of life both at home and abroad.
Through a program of global education we can reach out to students, colleagues, and communities to increase understanding of international development and cooperation, and the benefits of these programs to the U.S. We are not alone in this effort. Many organizations throughout the U.S., Canada, Europe, and Japan are actively involved in global education efforts. These programs seek to convey information, promote critical thinking, and build an informed citizenry capable of participating effectively and responsibly in the affairs of the world.
The GASEPA Committee (Globalizing Agricultural and Science and Education Programs for America) envisions "globally competent stakeholders, faculty and students in the U.S. food, agriculture, and natural resource sectors who live, compete, and work well in an ever dynamic and interdependent world community." One important piece of the puzzle is helping Americans to understand the relationships between the U.S. and less developed countries, and the impact of agricultural development and cooperation on those at home and abroad.
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As we position U.S. agriculture for the 21st century, we are cognizant that higher education, research, and outreach programs at our land-grant and similar universities will need to address global issues more than in the past. We urgently need to find ways to increase the level of engagement of our resident teaching faculty, research scientists, and extension agents in addressing global dimensions of food and fiber industries, and the natural resource base on which they rely. Only in this way will we adequately serve the needs of the citizens of our respective states." -- Bobby D. Moser, Chairman, GASEPA Task Force ______________________________________________________________________________
You have the opportunity to live and work in another country, contributing to the development of that country, and in many ways benefiting Americans too. Your overseas experience makes you uniquely qualified to reach out to your campus and your community with a message about the importance of international cooperation. Educators have found that when people feel a "personal connection" to another country or culture they are more likely to be motivated to seek more information or become involved in further activities. In your community, on your campus, or in your organization, you are the "personal connection."
Indeed, those of us who are fortunate enough to work in international development and cooperation programs must reach out to the American public to build an awareness of the domestic benefits of these programs. Increasing public understanding about global development efforts will help to build critical support for current and future programs.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS TO THE U.S.?
The U.S. benefits of international cooperation and development cut across many sectors - economic, political, environmental, health and social. Following is a list of some of the benefits that accrue to the U.S. as a result of development programs. As you carry out your overseas assignment you will undoubtedly uncover examples of these and other benefits. This information can help you put your personal experiences in the "big picture" for your friends, colleagues, and community members in the U.S.
1. Increased trade
2. Promotion of private sector investment opportunities
3. Preservation of the world's natural resources
4. Preservation of global genetic resources
5. Exchange of scientific ideas
6. Improvement of food safety and quality
7. A better educated and globally aware citizenry
8. Collaboration on international health problems, including HIV/AIDS research
9. Cross-cultural awareness leading to increased tolerance and cooperation between nations.
10. More stable economies which promote a more peaceful world for everyone
In addition to the many benefits to the U.S. as a whole, you will certainly find that there are personal benefits. Most participants in overseas development projects report that it was a valuable learning experience, both personally and professionally. Communities, co-workers, and professional organizations may also reap the benefits of your international assignment. ____________________________________________________________________________
It is hard to believe that seven years has past since receiving the first notification from Tim about the possibility of going to Armenia. I must confess, at that time I had no idea where Armenia was located. Now seven years later, their culture and customs are an integral part of my life." -- Raymond Clark, County Extension Director, Michigan ______________________________________________________________________________
An impact study of the Polish/American Extension project documented the project benefits to participants, their families, communities, clientele, and Extension organizations. "Tangible outcomes included more internationally aware citizens, interest in openly discussing international issues, expanded opportunities for citizens and families to host international visitors, and greater numbers of adults and youth taking part in international exchanges. Extension organizations benefited from the increased competence and international orientation of returned staff, as well as the enthusiasm and renewal that the assignments provided." ______________________________________________________________________________
Written by Carol Radomski
For USDA/CSREES/International Programs, 2002
www.reeusda.gov/serd/ip/