The World Awaits: Globalizing U.S. Education

Considering the global competitiveness and the global opportunities that graduates face in the twenty-first century, every college and university must prepare its students for their profession, for their business, and, especially, for their life in a global society and economy. Preparation for life in a global society does not just mean learning another language. It means exposure to other societies and cultures, including the religions that play a central role in most cultures. It means acceptance of the reality of continual trade, business relationships, and political linkages between countries. It also means recognizing that intelligence, creativity, competitiveness, business acumen, and scientific curiosity exist in every country and virtually every society. And it means recognizing that morality, compassion, respect for human life, and other social goods exist within every country and virtually every society. How should an institution's curriculum be designed to facilitate international exposure for its students? How does the cocurriculum--student organizations, residence halls, fraternities and sororities, food service, or recreation facilities and programs--contribute to preparing students for the global context? How can student recruitment and enrollment or financial aid and scholarships fit into the task? In this article, the author presents a list of suggestions for presidents, vice presidents, deans, and other campus leaders. (Contains 5 notes.)