The Internationally-Minded School

I recently came across an inspiring article on international education written by Mr. Seth Ruef, of the International School of Luxembourg, which I think makes great reading and food for thought for the A-JIS community in our ongoing efforts to advance and develop in accordance with our own mission, aims and philosophy.

The Internationally Minded School by Seth Ruef

Trying to define an international school in this forum seems a bit redundant as most of the contributors are already long-time members of the international education community. However, if I recall back to the days when I first returned to the United States after having worked at an international school, I remember having to explain what an expat was before describing the institution itself. This is not intended to be a negative reflection on where I come from but rather to explain that some places in the US are so beautiful that people have a hard time understanding why anyone would leave. And yes, the great state of Wisconsin is such a place. Back in 1982, it was all I knew and I left it all behind.

It would also be a mistake to think that what makes an international school is that it is situated elsewhere, teaching a curriculum other than that of the host country, in a language other than that of the host country and filled with students, many if not most of whom maintain a nationality other than that of the host country. This simply describes a relocated educational institution. A truly international school is better described as an internationally-minded school. If this is the case, then it is possible to have internationally-minded schools anywhere. In fact, I will argue that the future of our planet will depend on all schools becoming internationally minded. We are already finding out what happens (climate and economy) when we don’t.

Internationally-minded may seem like one of those educational cliché flavors of the month. It is actually more of a goal or direction than it is achievable. It describes a mind set, a change in priorities and a commitment to educational best practices. The more a school strives toward it, the further away it may seem. Truly internationally-minded schools realize that they are not the center of the universe but rather a small drop in a large sea. Let me explain.

The traditional model of schools as we have grown to see them is that of an institution intended to maintain the status quo. In any given community, it will produce educated citizens that can choose government officials who will manage the tax base that the citizens contribute toward. This society will then see to the further education of youth and the care for the elderly. And so the cycle continues. You are born, educated, contribute, grow old and are (hopefully) cared for. Since the start of civilization, some form of education has been crucial to its continuation. Closer examination would also indicate a common language, code of laws, culture, monetary system and possibly even religion.

Our communities have subsisted with this model for ever. The internationally-minded school recognizes this but places their school in perspective to a community much larger. The expression think globally, act locally is a big step in this direction but only a step. With the technology in use today it is possible to think and act globally.

To think globally, a school may need to teach (dare I say require) the ability to function in more than one language. Language is the key to understanding any culture. Thinking globally may also mean broadening the curriculum to include more than one system of measurement, many religions and perspectives in history. A globally educated person respects the laws and culture of where they are and where they may go. A global citizen has a clear understanding of right and wrong and human rights. In short, an internationally-minded school nurtures (no, expects) global understanding and respect from its students and teachers. An internationally-minded school works toward creating global citizens.

What is it to act globally? For internationally-minded schools, this means leading by example. To address the global issues that fill our front pages and International sections requires that teachers and students think outside the box. As early as possible, internationally-minded schools teach students that their actions have a direct impact on the world they live in. This is not simply one day set aside to recognize different countries (although this is a good step) but rather a theme in all lessons, assemblies, clubs, activities and sports. It is a premise that is driven by a mission statement dedicated to international understanding. When this is achieved (if it can be) a school will reflect and start again in pursuit of excellence and best practices. Hence, the truly internationally-minded school is never really there but always moving toward.

Whether a school is situated in the heart of Europe or the breadbasket of America, their students will impact our world in some way at some time in their lives. By ensuring, through internationally-minded curriculum that decisions are always taken with a global perspective, schools around the world can truly be considered international.

Seth Ruef is an ICT Learning Facilitator and Teacher at the International School of Luxembourg

Thank you A-JIS!

This week we received a wonderful letter from Ms. Elise Garrity, a Student Outreach Volunteer at Partners in Health, the organization which handled the distribution of our school donations to the relief effort in Haiti. The letter is a great testament to the efforts and kindness of the A-JIS community and the manner in which our students and families have been able to think globally and act locally, helping those in real need in another part of the world few of us have seen, living in hardships which few of us have ever experienced. Thank you all for caring and coming together as a school to help a nation in need. In particular I would like to thank Mr. Shahan for leading this campaign. Well done everyone!

Barbara Beaufait

May 25, 2010

Dear students, teachers, staff, and families of Aoba Japan International School,

All of us at Partners In Health are profoundly grateful for your contribution to Haiti earthquake relief. We are honored to accept your gift of over $10,000 from a one-month campaign in January 2010, with special thanks to A-JIS Student Council 2009-2010 and The A-JIS Family Community 2009-2010. We are truly inspired by your expression of solidarity, your generosity, and your support of our organization at this critical time.

Partners In Health and its local partner Zanmi Lasante have established deep roots in Haiti, where we have provided health care services for over twenty years. Within hours of the earthquake on January 12th, we were able to mobilize a network of over 100 doctors, 600 nurses, and 4,000 employees who were already on the ground. Today, more than one month later, Partners In Health has assumed a central role in providing immediate relief and long-term care for an estimated three million people who were directly affected by this cataclysmic event.

Your generous contribution will go directly towards improving health care infrastructure and health worker training in Port-au-Prince and our 12 pre-existing facilities. Here are some examples of how much the value of your donation can accomplish. By raising over $10,000 dollars, your donation is equivalent to:

– The necessary funds to support an entire mobile clinic for two weeks, providing basic primary care to hundreds of Haitians.

– Or, the cost of hiring a nurse midwife, who ensures safe deliveries of newborns and supports women’s health.

– Or, the price of providing more than 100 houses with water purification systems.

While your contribution will go far to alleviate Haiti’s urgent calls for help, we ask you to remember that the recovery and rebuilding process is far from over. We encourage you to stay informed about our progress by visiting our website at pih.org. Stand with us. Stand with Haiti.

In Solidarity,

Elise Garrity

Student Outreach Volunteer