10 Years of Connecting
Launch of new 'Global Connect' program fosters international collaboration among ages K-12
On November 2nd, 2020, Global Connect launched its first digital-partner program between the Yungu School in Hangzhou, China and Lakewood Montessori Magnet School in Durham, NC for students of the ages 11-13. This program aims to build deep cultural understanding among international K-12 students through an inquiry based curriculum.
Recognizing that an individual’s cultural competency is a critical success factor in today’s globalized world, Global Connect releases this supplementary curriculum to help students and institutions better understand themselves and their culture, connect with people of diverse backgrounds, and develop a global mindset, all in the context of a digital world.
“Many schools value building global connections but lack the framework to provide these experiences for students. We will bring expertise on how to teach cultural awareness and our long-term relationships with Chinese schools to Durham,” said Thor Duryea, a Program Director at New Mind. “This program is a culmination of New Mind’s values; it employs inquiry based learning, allowing students to chart their own investigations while teachers guide reflections. Moreover it harnesses the tide of digital learning and applies it to an engaging, intercultural learning experience.”
Global Connect will help schools of all sizes develop their students into global citizens by having them be involved with person-to-person interaction and shared reflections. Features include:
UPP's cultural exchange now partnered with Cary retirement community
Carolina Preserve, a premiere Active Adult living community located in Cary, NC, joined university students as members of an ongoing virtual cultural exchange to offer international students with engaging discussion and to provide cultural insight on the U.S. The program asks participants to meet virtually with their partner every two weeks to discuss topics ranging from their life story, professional and academic success, the importance of civic duty, and American culture.
“All of our students are taking online classes, many of whom are still in China, and have so few opportunities to interact on a personal level with American Citizens,” says Sarah Munro, UPP at UNCG’s program director. “This is another opportunity to get engaged with someone they would never talk to otherwise. Not only do they improve their English by having a native speaker for a conversation partner, but they explore cultural differences together, challenge their biases, and bring awareness to their own values.”
When it comes to language and cultural integration, many international students find themselves in a catch-22. To improve their language they must immerse themselves in local culture and remain confident despite being novices, a hard sell when it’s not required of them. Cultural exchanges can break this cycle by providing rich exposure of diverse perspectives from non-judgmental peers. Feedback from Carolina Preserve has validated the program’s objectives, promising continued exchanges in the fall of 2021 as international students finally arrive in the U.S.
Student Spotlight: Nuo "Snow" Shi
Intercultural interactions can often be framed by inevitable communication issues, and are sometimes so uncomfortable that students are deterred entirely from connecting with locals. “I think the language barrier is the most challenging part of integrating because native speakers speak quickly and say some words I don’t understand. Also the logic is different between the U.S. and China, U.S. speakers go linear and Chinese people tell you a story. Because it’s not my habit to speak step by step it can be a challenge,” remarks this months ‘Connect’ Student Spotlight winner, Snow Shi, who fearlessly ignores these hurdles to her success.
Despite her current location across the Pacific, this UNCG student embodies our vision of ‘connection,’ as she attends many Student Life virtual events, joining not one but two cultural exchange partnerships through Zoom.
“I think because we have different cultures, habits, lifestyles, and backgrounds, it is important for me to connect with other people, because I can learn so much from them.” Curiosity may have killed the cat, but at New Mind it awakens students to the very reasons they study here in the first place, proving that they can fill meaningful roles within our diverse society.