A fizzle to end it, but it's not over!

The Fulbright Teachers for Global Classrooms program is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for educators to broaden their perspectives and gain a deeper understanding of the world. Unfortunately, due to the pandemic, I was unable to travel to Thailand in 2020. The follow-up opportunity was for me to travel to Finland to interact with teachers there. Again, unfortunately because of the ongoing issues with finding substitute teachers on my campus (due to the pandemic), I was unable to travel in November 2022. This was very disappointing, as the capstone for the whole program was getting to gain perspective of other teachers to inform my own classroom in-country with those teachers. The virtual meetings I attempted with a colleague in Colombia didn’t come to fruition, so I’m now left to process and proceed on my own. However, it’s important to remain optimistic and find new ways to bring a global perspective into the classroom.

As Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie says in her TED talk The Danger of a Single Story, “The single story creates stereotypes, and the problem with stereotypes is not that they are untrue, but that they are incomplete. They make one story become the only story.” By sharing multiple stories and perspectives, we can help our students understand the complexity and richness of the world, and inspire them to make a positive impact in their communities and beyond. This is especially relevant for educators, as it’s our responsibility to provide students with a diverse range of perspectives and experiences.

So, how can educators connect their classrooms to the larger world, even without the opportunity to travel overseas as part of the Fulbright program? Here are a few ideas:

1. Utilize technology: With video conferencing tools like Zoom and Skype, teachers can connect with colleagues and experts from around the world, creating a truly global classroom experience. Virtual field trips, online museums, and other virtual resources can also provide students with the opportunity to explore different parts of the world without ever leaving the classroom.

2. Participate in virtual exchanges: Virtual exchange programs allow students to connect with peers from different countries and engage in meaningful cultural exchanges. These programs provide an opportunity for students to learn about different cultures and perspectives, and to develop critical thinking and communication skills.

3. Intentionally select resources: By choosing books, videos, and articles that represent diverse perspectives and experiences, teachers can ensure that students are exposed to a wide range of ideas and worldviews. Additionally, teachers can encourage students to seek out additional information and resources on their own, empowering them to become lifelong learners and global citizens.

4. Partner with organizations: Connect with organizations that focus on global education and cultural exchange. These organizations can provide resources, support, and opportunities for students to engage with the world. For example, the World Affairs Council or the Global Classrooms program offer a wealth of resources and opportunities for students to engage in international exchange and learning.

5. Celebrate diversity: Encourage students to learn about and celebrate the diverse cultures, traditions, and holidays of the world. By recognizing and appreciating the similarities and differences among cultures, students can develop empathy and respect for others, and gain a deeper understanding of the world.

Incorporating these ideas into the classroom can help students understand the importance of diverse perspectives and become more well-rounded, empathetic global citizens. It’s crucial for educators to help students understand that there is not just one story or perspective, but many. By sharing multiple stories and perspectives, we can help our students gain a more complete understanding of the world and inspire them to make a positive impact in their communities and beyond.

While the cancellation of my travel with the Fulbright Teachers for Global Classrooms program is certainly disappointing, it’s important to remain optimistic and find new ways to bring a global perspective into the classroom. By leveraging technology, virtual exchanges, intentional resource selection, and partnerships with organizations, educators can help students gain a more complete understanding of the world and become more well-rounded, empathetic global citizens.

My goal moving forward is to bring awareness and ideas to campus in a more meaningful way (beyond the tips I shared with my colleagues on this website). I hope to initiate (well, re-invigorate a defunct) “Multi-Cultural Night” on campus, in which various student organizations can be represented and showcase the attributes of different cultures. I want to capitalize on the wealth of experiences our diverse student population has, and allow students to take frontline roles in sharing global cultures that other people on campus and in the area might not be aware of.

I am proud to have been chosen as a member of the cohort, and hope to not only continue my relationship with IREX and Fulbright, but also build on the wealth of knowledge I gained from the program, so that my students–and everyone on my campus–have a better understanding of the world and people around them.