PrintGlobal Citizenship
Report, 2021
What does it mean to be a global citizen? “A true global citizen possesses a wide view of the world and the part he or she plays in it.” (Alexander 2013) Like it or not, you are part of the first truly global generation of students. Being a part of the World Campus makes that even more true as you “sit” next to your classmates from all over the world every single semester.
In addition to the knowledge you’re gaining in the program, you’re also picking up skills. Analytical skills, critical thinking skills, and some lesser identified skills, like the ability to work in diverse teams, the ability to communicate to diverse audiences, and the confidence to work with people that don’t look or talk like you. All of these things are important in today’s global society.
As graduates of the ESP program, you will be faced with some of the biggest challenges ever encountered. Adequately addressing sustainable food, water, and energy needs with an ever-growing population and ever-shrinking resources is a daunting task. However, you are entering a time when we have insanely fast innovation taking place, the ability to communicate with partners across oceans in the blink of an eye, and the ability to be creative, ethical, and collaborative with those partners. Never before have more challenges existed, but, never before have there been more possibilities to creatively address those challenges.
The learning objective for the ESP competency titled “Global Perspective” encompasses more than knowing what other countries are doing to promote renewable energy. The purpose is far greater than that. We want you to be global citizens, and truly open your eyes to how the world works. Look outside the bubble you are living in. Whether it be a familial, political, geographical, religious, or other bubble, we want you to realize that differences exist and that is okay. It’s what makes things interesting! Like I tell my niece, “Different isn’t good or bad, it’s just different!”
As you work your way through the ESP program and into your careers, we hope that you practice open-mindedness to new people and situations. Global citizenship cannot be taught, it must be practiced. Practice seeing beyond your bubble. Encourage those around you to look beyond theirs.
All In At Penn State
Penn State's inclusivity efforts were promoted in the historic "All In" campaign. 'All In at Penn State' aims to foster open-minded community and thoughtful discussions, respectful of everyone regardless of all the ways we differ. The campaign was kicked off with an event on Old Main lawn in early October 2016.