Today we live in a globalized world where we constantly engage in cross-cultural dialogue on a daily basis. As a result of our participation in this growing multicultural environment, our cultural identities are being redefined, as we transcend borders, and broaden our connections to various communities, at home and abroad. While we have achieved new levels of peace and unity, it is evident that discrimination, prejudice, and bias still plague our society and impact our interactions with others.

In my previous article, I expressed my disappointment in my students’ choice of majors (I’m a student advisor for predominantly Chinese international students at an ESL school). Most of them choose either business, management, finance, or accounting because they believe those majors are less complicated for international students and the job prospects in those fields are relatively more compelling.   

By working as a student advisor for predominantly Chinese international students at an ESL school, I have been exposed to a different world I never envisioned. I thought I could relate to the students on a deeper level, because I came to the states from Mainland China about seven years ago as an international student.

Originally from Ashburn Virginia, Kiara Lee is a junior bioengineering student minoring in Spanish and Chemistry at the University of Pittsburgh. Her study abroad experience began the summer after her freshman year, when she studied abroad in Chile with a program called Plus3. This program was a partnership between the engineering and business schools at Pitt where students learned about the economy and various businesses in Chile.

Career-related Programme Highlighted as Innovative Career-track Study for  Today's Global Economy 

On November 10th, the International Baccalaureate (IB) participated in the White House's Next Gen High School Summit, a national conversation on transforming high schools to better serve all students. The IB was invited in recognition of its newest educational program, the International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme, or CP. 

With over 20 years of experience in the field of International Education, Kurt Olausen is currently serving as Director of Study Abroad at Eastern Illinois University, in Charleston, IL. Kurt has worked in the field of Education Abroad since 1994 beginning with a position at James Madison University (Harrisonburg, VA). He served as Assistant Director in the Office of Study Abroad at Duke University (Durham, NC) for 10 years, and, most recently, as Director of International Programs at the University of Cincinnati (Cincinnati, OH) from 2007-2012.

We can learn much from those who have searched for answers. One such seeker of knowledge is Ed Berger, who continually impresses me with his curiosity, love for learning, and sense of adventure. We've shared their family's worldschooling adventures - now it's time to share his. 

It is with great, great pleasure that I share with you a remarkable story and video. It comes from Alex Berger, a friend and fellow international educator, who runs a fantastic site called Virtual Wayfarer (here's our interview with him!).