What Do Globally Competent Students Look Like?

Editor’s note: this article was originally published on April 26, 2017. It was updated on November 21, 2018.

Our futures are increasingly connected to challenges on a global scale. The world’s population is projected to grow from 7.3 billion to 8.5 billion by 2030 and nearly 10 billion by 2050. Such growth will affect pollution, disease management, and the availability of energy, food, and water resources.

To participate effectively in this evolving world, students must first understand it. The 21st-century student will work in international contexts, collaborate with people from different backgrounds, and tackle challenges that transcend borders.

In fact, nine in 10 students recognize that jobs are becoming more international in nature and believe that understanding various perspectives will make them stronger professionals.

Defining Global Competence

Preparing students for success in the modern world means equipping them with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive. This includes not only technical expertise but also the ability to communicate respectfully across cultures and work collaboratively to solve complex problems.

Global competence is the set of soft skills and characteristics that enable individuals to interact thoughtfully and effectively with the world around them. It includes:

• Appreciation of culture: Students value their own cultural identities while seeking to understand those of others.
• Evaluation of information: Students critically analyze information and perspectives to deepen their understanding.
• Cross-cultural communication skills: Students effectively share ideas with individuals from different backgrounds.
• Perspective-taking skills: Students demonstrate empathy and curiosity, fostering mutual understanding.
• Intelligent humility: Students acknowledge the vastness of the world and their ongoing need to learn.
• Divergent thinking: Students explore creative and original solutions to challenges.
• Technological literacy: Students use technology to collaborate, communicate, and innovate.

Building Global Competence Through Education

To prepare students for the future, educators must integrate global perspectives into their classrooms. Students benefit from learning about different cultures, challenges, and viewpoints, fostering a deeper understanding of the world.

Simple activities like discussing global challenges, participating in virtual exchanges, or engaging with resources that highlight a variety of perspectives can make a significant impact. These efforts open students’ minds to new ways of thinking and equip them to navigate a complex world.

A Path to Opportunity for All Students

Effective global education helps close gaps in opportunity by exposing students to cultural experiences and encouraging them to think beyond their immediate surroundings. Through this approach, students develop the tools to flourish in a rapidly changing world.

Global education begins in the classroom, creating an environment where students can connect with new ideas and perspectives. It prepares them not just for academic success but for meaningful contributions to their communities and the world.