Empowering Alabama Educators through International Experience: Strengthening Classrooms, Supporting Communities

Abstract

Since 2011, Auburn University’s College of Education has led the Global Studies in Education: South Korea program, providing over 85 Alabama educators with direct exposure to Korean culture and educational practices. This 10-day experience helps educators build cultural understanding, which in turn strengthens their teaching practices and their ability to connect with students from different cultural and linguistic backgrounds. Evaluation results show that participants return with new insights and skills that improve how they engage with students and families from international backgrounds. Expanding these types of global learning opportunities is a valuable investment in preparing educators to meet the needs of today’s classrooms and prepare students for a globally connected future.