Global Learning in the Twenty-First Century: Essential General Education in Higher Education Institutions

In this article, we investigate the process of global learning and explore why it makes sense to embed this process in the general education programs of higher education institutions. A valued learning outcome in higher education is now global awareness. For students to acquire the global competencies and thought patterns required to successfully navigate our increasingly interconnected and complex world, they need repeated and ongoing learning opportunities. This essay makes the case that it would be beneficial to include an introductory global studies course in the general education of all undergraduate students. An introductory global studies course, when taken early as part of the general education curriculum, gives all students the chance to start making connections across disciplines and to conceive of original solutions to issues in the private and public sectors. An introductory global studies course can jumpstart a process of global learning, where students gain knowledge of world challenges, develop intercultural competencies and learn how to deeply engage complex global issues. Students will need their global education habits of mind and preparation more than ever before given the demands of our globally interconnected society in the twenty-first century. When higher education institutions incorporate a global learning experience into their general education programmes, they can successfully kickstart the process of global learning on their campuses.