"Here in landlocked Kentucky, we are on the front line of international commerce. Wait, you say, this isn't New York, Washington, D.C., or Los Angeles; this is Lexington. Yes, my friends, here in Lexington, just as in every other city around the world today, the front line of global commerce is here and now. Global communication technology and ease of travel have seemingly flattened the world, as Thomas Friedman laid out clearly in his book. In contrast to times past, when students had to travel to larger cities to gain exposure to global perspectives, they can now find broader horizons right here at home.
Students nationwide are exploring the flattened world with great interest, in many instances through foreign language study. Arabic language course enrollments at colleges and universities have surged 127 percent nationally since 2002. Chinese language course enrollments have grown by 51 percent and Korean language enrollments by 37 percent, a study recently released by the Modern Language Association (MLA) reports. Traditionally popular languages such as French, Spanish and German have enjoyed enrollment growth, too. According to MLA executive director Rosemary G. Feal, "Students recognize that having the ability to function across cultures and languages is an enormous advantage."
Graduate schools and employers readily confirm this, as they are increasingly on the lookout for global experiences and global awareness. We can now say with confidence that the confines of our world know no local limits. Driving out of the Lexington airport, a sign reminds us that Lexington is part of the broader world as it identifies our sister cities in England, France, Ireland and Japan. Think of our local employers such as Toyota, Lexmark, Alltech and the Thoroughbred industry; think of the people you come across on a daily basis who have one foot in our local culture while seeking or maintaining a toehold in another country's culture. In order to make sense of the world in the 21st century and to succeed in it, we all need a broad understanding of cultures across the globe.
Interdisciplinary college majors also lead students to that end, and many institutions nationwide have risen to that challenge. The University of Kentucky provides a terrific local example through its new offerings in international studies. Professor Monica Udvardy, director of the international studies major, said, "What are the impacts of our global technology, communications networks and means of transportation on the economic, political, social, cultural and health issues of our times? These are the kinds of questions for which the new international studies major at UK was designed." Students may elect concentrations in culture and the arts, global environment, human rights and social movements, international commerce, international development, and international relations. They receive great encouragement to study abroad, and Udvardy reports that her students have gone to all corners of the globe.
Across campus at the Gatton College of Business, Suzanne Waldrop serves as director of the Global Scholars Program implemented two years ago for high-achieving students with a sincere interest in international business. Waldrop also oversees Project Destiny, providing enrichment activities with a global outlook for Gatton students. All business students have access to the international business minor, and all are encouraged to study abroad during their undergraduate years.
These examples are consonant with the mission of a task force at the University of Kentucky charged, by the president and provost, with identifying actions to internationalize the campus environment. Associate Provost John Yopp, task force co-chair, posits emphatically, "If the students don't have some idea of global literacy and they don't have an understanding of global cultures they won't be ready for the 21st century workforce." The task force has concerned itself with curricular matters, identifying means of fostering greater cultural literacy; increasing the proportion of undergraduates who study abroad; recruiting more international students, particularly as undergraduates; creating research opportunities abroad, and faculty and student exchanges; and co-curricular matters, internationalizing programming throughout student life and the arts.
The task force's scope provides a valuable blueprint for college-bound students as they explore prospective institutions. Questions students might ask to determine whether a college will provide the global literacy so important to long-term success include:
Which foreign languages are taught on campus, and is foreign language proficiency required for graduation?
Are courses examining foreign cultures and perspectives widely available in a broad range of departments?
Is study abroad encouraged? (or, as at trailblazer Goucher College in Maryland, is it required prior to graduation?)
Do faculty exchanges take place, bringing non-U.S. faculty to campus and sending tenured faculty to other countries to broaden their experience?
Is a global outlook reflected in the types of speakers and performers brought to campus, and in programming in residence halls?
Is there a sizable international population on campus, at both undergraduate and graduate levels?
Students whose undergraduate experience provides an international perspective will find greater chances of success as they move on to graduate school and careers. They will have a better understanding of how the world works and what motivates people in various places. Do you know any students? Encourage them to think globally and to prepare themselves for positions on the front line of the world's economy. Remember, that front line is here in our community, providing a (common) wealth of opportunities. Undergraduate education with a global outlook is good for the individual, for Kentucky and, not incidentally, for the world at large.
Jane S. Shropshire guides students and families through the college search process, drawing on over a decade of college admission experience. Send questions or suggestions to JShrop@att.net or visit Shropshire Educational Consulting, LLC at www.ShropEd.net.