Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Higher education is responding to critical world concerns with groundbreaking research, new curricula and increased internship opportunities to prepare tomorrow's leaders to address—and potentially solve—global issues. In turn, the ISEP Network seeks to identify and assist in developing new opportunities for student engagement through study abroad.
The first day of the Symposium offered attendees the opportunity to attend one of five Global Issues Roundtable sessions, based on themes related to Clinton Global Initiative University (CGI U) initiatives. Each roundtable allowed participants to engage in interactive dialogue on projects and initiatives within the ISEP Network that address the intersection between international education and addressing global challenges. Participants explored the successes and challenges of collaborative efforts between higher education and communities, presented ideas for students to engage in study away programs that focus on these issues, and showcased their projects and collaborative efforts. The roundtables were well attended and generated dynamic dialogue.
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Roundtable 1. Education
Primary, secondary and tertiary learning opportunities are subpar in many areas of the world due to insufficient infrastructure and resources. Discussion centered around ways in which ISEP members are already responding to these challenges and ideas for how the ISEP Network could help prepare a new generation of leaders to address these issues. Ideas that emerged included developing innovative teacher training programs where exchange students could provide support to volunteer programs and educational services in developing countries, partnering with state and international organizations to advance these issues, and the usefulness of distance courses for marginalized students that would help connect them with other students oversees.
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Roundtable 2. Environment and Climate Change
How can ISEP institutions provide students with the skills and experiences to develop innovative solutions to global environmental issues, striking a balance between the goals of industrializing economies and international business with the need for responsible development? Participants discussed examples of international partnerships that allow students to engage in positive environmental work, such a climate change research exchanges and opportunities for environmental research abroad.
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Roundtable 3. Peace and Human Rights
How is academia preparing tomorrow’s leaders to facilitate dialogue between conflicting communities, implement awareness campaigns, or engage in peaceful protests? What resources and opportunities can the ISEP Network provide for students to actively foster peace and promote human rights? Discussion included ideas for embedding these topics in curricula and programs, such as requiring students to complete community engagement projects or internships while abroad.
- Roundtable 4. Poverty Alleviation
A lack of basic human needs contribute to the poverty in which some 1.7 billion people live, and higher education is challenged to address this issue through new innovations in economic empowerment, affordable technologies and agricultural advancements. Discussion centered on ways in which educators and institutions can inspire students to develop cross-cultural/international collaborations that will lead to an improved quality of life for all people.
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Roundtable 5. Public Health
Health risks from shifting environmental conditions around the world disproportionately affect disadvantaged and vulnerable groups and chronic diseases are on the rise as global demographics shift as well. How can students and universities be at the forefront of the movement to advance responses to global health challenges? Participants in this roundtable highlighted short-term programs, internships and volunteer opportunities as a means for health majors with rigid program requirements to be able to participate in learning experiences abroad. Partnerships with governmental organizations that can help facilitate these opportunities were discussed, as well as the importance of maximizing interaction between local and international students during these programs.
Click here to read how the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) defines these five global challenges.