- One idea I learned about international studies in ECE is that no matter where in the world we are, we have struggles with issues that haunt our community and trends that negatively effect the full development of our youth. There is not one country that is exempt from this. The issue and trends may be a little different; some may even be more prevalent in one country verses another. But ultimately, the issues exist and must be handled in order to support the full potential of our nation's children.
- A second consequence of studying globally is the language barriers that exist. I think that it is much more difficult to relate when you don't understand the language. Although my global partner spoke English, she used a lot of phrases and terms when we spoke that I did not understand. When I asked her to explain them; it presented a better concept of what she was talking about, but I do not think I fully understood the magnitude of some of our conversations because some of it did not appear to effect me the same way it effected her.
- A third consequence that I encountered when trying to learn more about international studies was the issue of time. Our operating (working) hours are very different and it takes a great deal of effort to communicate in some instances.
A goal for field related to international awareness of issues and trends that I have acquired in this course is the objective to try and keep up with what is going on in at least three other countries and share resources with someone in order to broaden my ideas and contacts as a means to a resolution for some of shared issues and trends. The resources that we shared will also assist me in working with children and families that have been demographically relocated. Developing and understanding of someone else's culture creates a bond that will allow communications between the two to flow more evenly and comfortable.
What a great goal to find and keep in contact with other professionals around the world. I believe that in order for true and lasting change to happen our field, the changes will need to be made at a global level. I also think that language differences can sometimes be a barrier, even for two people that are speaking the same language. Patience, a desire to understand, and a willingness to ask questions or to clarify are ways to overcome those barriers and it sounds like you are already using these tools.
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