"It is the obligation of educators, policymakers, community and
business leaders to seek to understand the differences... (in cultures,
expectations, and dreams) ...when shaping a system of education that
serves all of a state's and nation's citizens."
~ Why International Education? International Education Organization, 2002 ~
The International Education Center of
Excellence is a not-for-profit agency that provides comprehensive services to
educational institutions, corporate entities, and community organizations with
emphasis on global awareness and sustainability education of our citizens. The
Center challenges learners of all ages to consistently reflect on and question
what it means to be acting at one’s fullest potential as a learner, leader, and
global citizen. Learners are asked to use their education to improve
themselves, their local neighborhood, and global communities and to strive for
sustainable living.
“I remember sitting on a river boat on the Yangtze River in China after
having tested the water for pollutants two days prior. Children swam in
the muddy waters and the people regularly ate the fish they acquired from
the Yangtze. In Africa, I remember walking to the schools one morning to
visit the secondary math classes when I passed children carrying water to
their houses from the village well. Everyday they did this, two or three
times. These two experiences helped shape my entire view on the use of
water worldwide. I am amazed at how much I waste each day as opposed to
those who are experiencing shortages of their own. I realized that this was
not rote knowledge given to me in my university education. This was a
feeling. I became dedicated to using this idea of helping the students
feel their education through experience, the best way to have them
learn and develop their own ideas. Despite the difficulty in incorporating
this into every lesson plan, it is important to understand that various
aspects of education lack this very factor. I believe this integral
component of my teaching style is dedicated to my experiences abroad.”
~ Middle School Teacher, Participant in International
Education Experiences
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