Emory Report

October 18, 1999

Volume 52, No. 8

Carter Center "Conversation" to focus on the globalization of education Carter Center interns Michael Bindell and Stephanie Shemin's advice to students considering studying abroad is an unequivocal Go! "There are so many different cultures and so many different ways of living and thinking; it is easy to be an American and grow up thinking that your way is the way of the world," said Shemin, an Emory junior who has studied in England and Spain and traveled extensively in Western Europe, the Scandinavian countries, the Czech Republic, Israel and the Caribbean. "By traveling abroad I realized there are many ways to live and to appreciate life. Life in the United States is just one way and not necessarily the best." Bindell, a graduate student at Georgia State University who spent a year studying in Israel, agrees and added, "We are but just one." Shemin and Bindell will join a panel at The Carter Center on Nov. 4 to discuss a program on the globalization of education, the second discussion in this year's "Conversations at The Carter Center" series. Also speaking will be President Bill Chace, Vice Provost for International Affairs Marion Creekmore and Cynthia Hooks, director of educational programs at The Carter Center. According to a 1997-98 Institute of International Education publication, over the past decade the number of U.S. students studying abroad has doubled to almost 100,000. However, travel and study abroad are only one aspect of the globalization of education. "The term 'globalization of education' is helpfully ambiguous," said Chace. "On the one hand, it suggests getting education into every nook and cranny of the globe; and on the other, it implies the need for educators to have a global perspective. The term applies to Emory in both senses: we want to extend our reach throughout the world, but we also understand the need for our perspectives to be shaped and colored by the world." A longtime professional in the field, Hooks said, "Terms like 'globalization' and 'internationalization' are heard in almost every corridor and arena in higher education. Globalization of education is a weighty issue--so significant that many colleges and universities have taken steps to develop strategic plans to achieve it. "The goal is to make everything we, as educators, do worldwide in scope or application," she added. "This means institutions need to seek ways to encourage a vast broadening of perspective when considering an issue or theme." Emory is a prime example. "As a strategic priority," said Creekmore, "Emory has increased its commitment to international education and to enhancing opportunities for international research, teaching, study and service. "In doing so, Emory has accepted its obligation to train its students to live in a global neighborhood," he continued. "It has recognized its obligation to help its faculty expand their vision and their fields of study to include global and international dimensions. It has determined that the University's service mission must embrace the global community, as well as its local and national communities." The evening promises to be enlightening and will allow time for questions from the audience. The event will be held at The Carter Center from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $6; free admission to Emory students, staff and faculty with valid ID and registration. To register or for information, call 404-420-3804. Natasha Singh coordinates "Conversations at The Carter Center." Return to October 18, 1999 contents page