Three Reasons to Become a Global Citizen

A global citizen is defined as someone who is aware of the world around them, respects the diversity and understands their role in the overall global organization. While some would indicate this can be accomplished through the reading and studying of other cultures, the best way to get to know a different country is to spend time immersed in its families and community.

This is the goal of the top foreign exchange and best high school abroad programs which is why they can be found with a simple internet search and reviewed for the details. The agencies that support these initiatives offer them to students starting at the age of 15 and go through about age 19 years or just after the student graduates from high school and is waiting to enter college. There are a variety of program options to choose from that vary in time length and focus so that each participant can find the event that works best for them and supports future goals.

Students who engage in these programs are typically looking for a global experience where they can interact with peers, learn a new language and enhance their college application or business resume. One of the primary motivations to become a global citizen is a desire to help those who cannot help themselves and understand the issues that face multiple countries where a solution is needed. International companies want employees that have a first-hand knowledge of these issues so they can come up with ideas that can be implemented within the industry.

Understanding the language is extremely helpful because it gives employees access to individuals with insight who, otherwise, would have been unreachable by someone who could only speak English.

The gap year abroad programs are a perfect time for high school graduates to take this journey since it is right before they start college and they may already be confident in the direction they want to pursue. In some cases, individuals go in with one perspective and come out with a totally different view and passion for the world around them which is indicative of a someone who has transformed into a global citizen. As part of the experience, students will network with peers, host families and those they meet in the community which can be used as connections later on for personal, professional or humanitarian purposes.

The world that was once divided by long travel times and lack of reliable communication has been brought infinitely closer together with solutions created by technology and communication firms. Today, students can travel to a global destination and stay two weeks or for an entire year and come back home a different person due to the experience. To get involved, go online and check out the top agencies that offer these programs and get the application started in advance of the desired travel dates. Learn the language basics and be prepared to experience something completely new and unique and return with a perspective that isn’t the same as what you left with.