Debate

Today I'm preparing for a debate that I'm having in one of my classes this afternoon. The class is called Globalization and the University and so far I really enjoy it. There are about 10-15 students in the class so it's very intimate and discussion driven. Our professor is extremely knowledgeable in the field as he has worked for a number of universities in Australia, Asia, Europe and the U.S. in addition to working for the World Bank. I could sit and listen to the fascinating stories that he has to tell all day!

For this particular assignment my group has to take the position of a higher education institution and decide whether or not we are going to "join the global market" and then defend our position when our classmates and professor try to find holes in our argument. For me, this seems like a very practical (if not a little bit stressful) exercise because we truly have to think about our own positions on these kinds of issues as opposed to just memorizing what we feel the professor wants us to learn. There are no wrong answers, but at the same time this is not an easy assignment.

I believe that students who study abroad gain a very valuable experience by doing so. In addition, I feel that international students add to the diversity of U.S. campuses in a unique way. While I hold these beliefs, this assignment has really made me think about WHY? Why do I believe this to be true?

As an undergrad I studied abroad for a year in Ireland and it was one of the best experiences of my life. I met amazing people from all over the world, I learned a lot about other cultures and I really grew as a person as I developed my beliefs and values. Likewise, the interactions that I've had with international students here in the U.S. have been enriching and memorable.

I'm heading to South Africa this summer with students from GSE and it only seems natural that I'm adding an international element to my graduate studies. Ultimately, I believe that my educational experiences have been shaped by my exposure to cultures different from my own and I appreciate the fact that I’ve had these opportunities.

Wish me luck on my debate!!