3 Ways to Become a Global Leader

While students of the past needed to be proficient in Reading and Math, today’s youth lives in a much more complex world. Each day, the economy and culture grow more global – and thus, their education becomes more global.

In fact, in 2012, more than 7 Billion people had access to the Internet (*According to Internet World Stats), and thus, global interaction. As international current events become more accessible and more relevant to Americans, the development of global leadership is becoming a prerequisite for success in adulthood.

So what does that mean for today’s students? What you learn in a classroom is no longer cutting it in the competitive worlds of college and adulthood. Students need to grow their global leadership skills to gain worldly experience, to expand their perspectives and to learn how a variety of nations have great impacts on each other.

Not sure how to expand your horizons? Check out these 3 tips for becoming a better global leader.

1. Watch international news. With the internet, news is no longer limited to the CBS, NBS and ABC nightly broadcasts. Exposing yourself to international news helps you understand what’s happening politically and culturally in other countries. It also helps you understand what’s important to your country as well as others.

2. Learn a new language. Instead of memorizing Spanish words to pass your weekly quiz, make a genuine effort to learn a new language. Don’t limit yourself to languages taught in your school. Choose a language that’s connected to a culture you are passionate about. Participate in a language immersion trip. As you learn the language, you will pick up on cultural distinctions as well.

3. Go on an international service trip. Many high school volunteers don’t look outside the community service opportunities offered at their schools. But participating in international service learning opens students’ minds to both new cultures and the struggles of the world. Volunteering abroad helps develop leadership skills and cultural perspective – plus, it helps those less fortunate!